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Whisker Split by Jack Parker

Created by: Jack Parker

Whisker Split is a unique card magic move featured in Jack Parker's '52 Explorations' ebook, available from Vanishing Inc. This move involves a clever split of the deck, demonstrated with a Joker routine where the Joker seemingly finds two selected cards. The trick is visual, direct, and adaptable for close-up or parlor settings, requiring minimal sleight of hand. It's part of a comprehensive card magic book that includes over 250 pages of material, focusing solely on card-based magic with a mix of whimsical and serious effects.

Key features

  • Visual and direct card magic

  • Minimal sleight of hand required

  • Adaptable for close-up or parlor settings

  • Part of a larger collection in '52 Explorations'

  • Uses a standard deck of cards

Pros

  • Unique and visual effects

  • Detailed explanations of moves

  • Modular and adaptable routines

  • Most effects use a standard deck

  • Good for both beginners and experienced magicians

Cons

  • Some effects require significant setups

  • Not all routines can be seamlessly chained together

  • May not appeal to those preferring strictly deceptive card work

Effect

The Whisker Split is a visual card move that creates the illusion of a single card splitting into two. In performance, a magician shows a single card, often a Joker, and places it into the deck. With a simple action, the card appears to split, revealing two separate cards—usually the spectators' selected cards. The effect is direct, surprising, and works well as an opener or a standalone piece of magic.

Full Details

The Whisker Split is featured in Jack Parker's book 52 Explorations. It is a unique move that allows a magician to cleanly split one card into two, creating a strong visual transformation. The move is explained in detail in the book, including variations and routines built around it. One standout routine involves using a Joker as a "helper" to locate selected cards, making the effect engaging and interactive.

The Whisker Split requires a standard deck of cards and no special gimmicks. The move itself is adaptable, allowing magicians to incorporate it into different routines. The book provides multiple applications, including a Queen-splitting routine and other creative uses.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for magicians who enjoy visual card magic with a playful, interactive presentation. It suits performers who like modular effects that can be adapted for close-up or parlor settings. The Whisker Split is particularly useful for those looking for a quick, impactful opener or a way to transition between card routines.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The Whisker Split is not overly difficult but does require practice to execute smoothly. The book provides detailed explanations, making it accessible to intermediate card magicians. Some routines using the move may involve additional sleights, but the core technique is well-explained. Reviewer sebastiantoca9208 notes that while some moves in the book assume prior knowledge, the Whisker Split is taught thoroughly.

What Magicians Say

Reviewer sebastiantoca9208 praises the Whisker Split, calling it "a beautiful way in a simple way with minimal sleight of hand to produce two cards from one." They highlight its effectiveness in the Joker routine, describing it as "quick, punchy, and a really good opener." The move is noted for its visual appeal and adaptability, making it a standout feature in 52 Explorations.

Overall, the Whisker Split is a well-received technique that offers strong visual impact with manageable difficulty. It is recommended for magicians who enjoy creative card magic with a playful presentation.

What people are saying about Whisker Split

sebastiantoca9208 says...

The Whisker Split is my favorite move from the book... what a beautiful way in a simple way with minimal sleight of hand to produce two cards from one. It's actually fantastic.

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