Sleightful logoSleightful

Ultimate Free Choice by Alexander Hermann

Created by: Alexander Hermann

Ultimate Free Choice by Alexander Hermann is a captivating card trick that plays on the illusion of free will and prediction. In this close-up magic routine, a group of spectators collaboratively eliminates cards from a deck until only one remains. The magician then reveals that this final card matches a card they've secretly held or predicted, often with an additional kicker where multiple cards in the magician's pocket also match the chosen card. This trick can also be performed as a straight-up prediction using an included envelope. It's designed for strolling and stand-up performers, requiring no sleight of hand, making it accessible to magicians of various skill levels.

Key features

  • No sleight of hand required, making it accessible to beginners

  • Can be performed with any type of cards, though supplied with red cards

  • Includes an envelope for performing as a straight-up prediction

  • The outcome is consistent but the final card can vary each performance

  • Suitable for strolling and stand-up performances

Pros

  • Strong, visual effect with a sense of genuine free will

  • Clean and impactful free choice effect

  • Budget-friendly at $25

  • No need for complex setups or gimmicks

  • Includes a kicker ending for added impact

Cons

  • Requires performance skill to execute smoothly and convincingly

  • Beginners might find the handling slightly challenging initially

  • The method, while clever, may not fool other magicians

Effect

In Ultimate Free Choice by Alexander Hermann, a group of spectators eliminates cards from a deck until only one remains. The magician then reveals that this freely chosen card matches a prediction—either a single card from their pocket or multiple cards, adding a surprising kicker. The effect feels fair, with no apparent force or sleight of hand, making the outcome seem impossible.

Full Details

The trick uses a standard deck (red-backed cards included) and an optional envelope for a prediction variation. The method requires no sleight of hand, making it accessible to performers of varying skill levels. The routine can be adapted for strolling or stand-up performances, with a flexible presentation that allows for different endings. The key strength lies in the spectator’s genuine sense of free choice, reinforced by the kicker reveal of multiple matching cards.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick suits magicians who:

  • Perform walk-around or stand-up magic.
  • Prefer self-working or low-sleight effects.
  • Want a strong, repeatable routine with a clear climax.
  • Value audience interaction and a fair selection process.

Difficulty

Ultimate Free Choice is rated as easy to perform. Sebastian notes that while the method is straightforward, smooth execution and confident presentation enhance the effect. Its lack of sleight of hand makes it ideal for beginners, though experienced performers can elevate it with strong storytelling.

What Magicians Say

Sebastian praises the routine’s deceptive nature, calling it a "solid addition to any magician's repertoire" but emphasizes that performance skill impacts its effectiveness. He states, "A confident and engaging delivery is crucial to selling the illusion of genuine free choice."

The reviewer from ItsAllThingsMagic highlights the kicker ending and affordability, calling it "perfect for strolling and stand-up performers." They note, "The outcome is consistent, but the final card isn’t predetermined, ensuring a fresh experience each time."

Both reviewers agree that Ultimate Free Choice delivers a strong, visual effect with minimal technical demands, making it a practical choice for many performers.

What people are saying about Ultimate Free Choice by Alexander Hermann

itsallthingsmagic says...

This one you have a deck of cards and you have the basically The Spectators as a group help you decide which cards not to pick [...] it's got a nice little kicker ending in there.

sebastiantoca9208 says...

The strength of *Ultimate Free Choice* lies in its deceptive nature and the spectator's genuine sense of free will. He appreciates the routine's elegance and how it avoids unnecessary complexity.

Review videos