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Ultimate Free Choice by Alexander Hermon

Created by: Alexander Hermon

Ultimate Free Choice by Alexander Hermon is a captivating card trick that offers a truly free choice selection process with a surprising kicker ending. Spectators help eliminate cards until only one remains, which mysteriously matches a prediction or a set of cards in the magician's pocket. This trick is perfect for close-up, strolling, or stand-up performances, providing a strong interactive element with the audience. The trick comes with an envelope for an alternative routine, allowing for versatility in presentation.

Key features

  • No force, no equivocation, and no magician's choice, ensuring a genuinely free selection.

  • Can be performed with any deck, though it comes supplied with red gimmicks.

  • Includes an alternative routine using an envelope for a straight-up prediction effect.

  • Self-working with no sleight of hand required, making it accessible to magicians of all skill levels.

  • Allows for a good 5-10 minutes of performance time with strong audience involvement.

Pros

  • Highly interactive, making it great for engaging with the audience.

  • Versatile with multiple routines taught, including a sucker ending and a straight prediction.

  • Easy to perform with no difficult sleights, suitable for beginners and professionals alike.

  • Comes with an envelope for an alternative presentation, adding value and variety.

Cons

  • The outcome is the same every time, though the selected card can vary.

  • Requires a pocket for one of the routines, which might not suit all performance settings.

Effect

Ultimate Free Choice by Alexander Hermon is a card trick that gives the audience complete freedom in selecting a card. The magician presents a deck and asks the group to eliminate cards they don’t want, narrowing it down to a single card. The magician then reaches into their pocket and removes one card—matching the chosen card. But there’s a surprise: when the spectator checks the pocket, all the remaining cards inside also match the selection, creating a strong, unexpected finish.

Full Details

  • Method: The trick uses a clever gimmick that allows the magician to control the outcome while maintaining the illusion of a free choice.
  • Versatility: It can be performed with any deck, though it comes with red-backed gimmicks.
  • Bonus Routine: Includes an alternate handling using an envelope for a prediction-style presentation.
  • Reset: Quick and easy, making it ideal for repeated performances.

Who Should Consider the Trick

  • Strolling or Stand-Up Performers: The trick plays well in close-up and small group settings.
  • Magicians Who Prefer Minimal Sleight of Hand: The method is straightforward, relying more on presentation than technical skill.
  • Those Looking for Audience Interaction: The elimination process engages spectators, making them feel involved in the outcome.

Difficulty

  • Skill Level: Beginner-friendly. No advanced sleight of hand is required.
  • Practice Needed: The presentation and pacing are key, so rehearsing the script will enhance the effect.

What Magicians Say

Luke Dcy from All Things Magic praised the trick, calling it "a very powerful routine with a surprising kicker ending." He highlighted its suitability for strolling and stand-up performances, noting that it "feels very fair" to spectators.

Another reviewer, Mike Miller, appreciated the bonus envelope routine, adding versatility to the effect.

Overall, Ultimate Free Choice is well-regarded for its strong audience impact, ease of execution, and engaging presentation.

What people are saying about Ultimate Free Choice by Alexander Hermon

Luke Dcy says...

This trick offers a free choice card selection with a surprising kicker ending, making it ideal for strolling or stand-up performances.

Review videos