Twisting the Aces by Dai Vernon, Nick Trost, Lloyd Barton, Josep Vidal, and Luke Jermay

Effect

The Twisting the Aces trick is a visually striking card routine where four aces appear to turn face up one by one in a face-down packet. The effect builds suspense as each ace flips over seemingly on its own, often culminating in a dramatic final reveal—sometimes with an added transformation, such as the aces changing into a royal flush. The trick is known for its clean, deceptive visuals and strong audience reactions.

Full Details

Twisting the Aces is a classic card trick originally developed by Dai Vernon, though many magicians have since created their own variations. The basic premise involves four aces (or any four-of-a-kind) arranged in a specific order. The magician holds the packet face down and, with a twisting motion, causes each ace to flip face up in sequence. Some versions include additional phases, such as the aces changing into different cards or combining into a single royal flush.

Key elements of the trick include:

• Sleight of hand: Techniques like the Elmsley count, double lifts, and false shuffles are often used.
• Gimmicks: Some versions (like MAXI TWISTO) use gimmicked cards for instant resets and stronger visual transformations.
• Misdirection: Timing and audience focus play a crucial role in selling the illusion.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick suits:

• Intermediate to advanced card magicians who enjoy sleight-heavy routines.
• Beginners if learning a gimmicked version (e.g., MAXI TWISTO).
• Performers who want a visual, self-working effect with minimal setup.
• Magicians looking for a classic trick with room for personalization.

Difficulty

The difficulty varies by version:

• Sleight-based versions (like Vernon’s original) require proficiency in counts, lifts, and false shuffles. Craig Petty notes the ace of spades is often the hardest to twist convincingly.
• Gimmicked versions (e.g., Lloyd Barton’s elastic-thread design or MAXI TWISTO) simplify the mechanics but may need careful handling to hide the gimmick.
• Hybrid approaches (like Josep Vidal’s ReTwisting the Aces) blend sleights with psychological subtleties for a smoother performance.

What Magicians Say

• Phill Smith (AlakazamMagicUK) praises the Aldo Colombini version for its structured scripting and the illusion of all four aces flipping at once. He advocates mastering one solid method rather than chasing endless variations.
• Craig Petty (magic-tv) highlights the trick’s versatility, teaching five unique routines in his 5x5 series. His Final Twist extension adds phases for a stronger climax.
• Nick Trost’s MAXI TWISTO (MurphysMagicSupplies) is called a "self-working yet impactful" upgrade, turning the aces into a royal flush with no difficult sleights.
• Lloyd Barton reimagined the trick with elastic-thread gimmicks, stressing that misdirection during the "exposed view" is critical for deception.
• Josep Vidal’s ReTwisting the Aces earns praise from Howard Hamburg for its "well-structured" modern take, focusing on interactive performance over pure mechanics.

For magicians seeking a timeless, visual card trick, Twisting the Aces offers endless creative possibilities—whether performed as a quick standalone or expanded into a multi-phase routine.