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Wink Change by Ed Marlo

Created by: Ed Marlo

The Wink Change is a close-up card magic trick where a selected card visually changes into another card in the blink of an eye. This is a classic sleight of hand technique attributed to Ed Marlo, known for its deceptive simplicity and visual impact. It's perfect for magicians who want to add a quick, baffling transformation to their repertoire. The trick requires no gimmicks, just skillful handling of the cards, making it ideal for impromptu performances.

Key features

  • No gimmicks required, just standard playing cards.

  • Attributed to the legendary Ed Marlo, a master of card magic.

  • Visual and quick, making it highly deceptive.

  • Suitable for close-up and parlour magic settings.

Pros

  • Highly visual and impactful.

  • Can be performed impromptu with any deck.

  • Works well in both casual and formal settings.

Cons

  • Requires practice to master the sleight of hand.

  • May not be suitable for very large audiences due to its subtlety.

Effect

The Wink Change is a visual card transformation where a single card visibly changes into another in the performer's hands. The effect is immediate and happens in plain sight, making it appear as if the card magically morphs without any obvious sleight of hand.

Full Details

The Wink Change is a card sleight attributed to Ed Marlo, a highly influential figure in card magic. It is designed to be a quick, deceptive color change that can be performed in a variety of settings. The move is often used as a standalone effect or as part of a larger routine. Unlike some other color changes, the Wink Change does not require extensive misdirection or complex hand positioning, making it a practical choice for many performers.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This sleight is ideal for magicians who want a fast, visual card change that can be executed without extensive setup. It works well for both close-up and table performances. If you enjoy card magic that relies on clean, deceptive moves rather than elaborate gimmicks, the Wink Change is worth learning.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The Wink Change is considered intermediate in difficulty. It requires precise finger positioning and timing to execute smoothly. While it may take some practice to perfect, it is not as technically demanding as some advanced card sleights. Magicians with a basic understanding of card handling should be able to learn it with dedicated practice.

What Magicians Say

The Wink Change is included in a video tribute to Caleb Simpson's ABCs of Sleight of Hand, where it is listed among other influential card techniques. The creator of the video highlights Ed Marlo's contributions to card magic, emphasizing the deceptive nature of the move. While the video does not provide an in-depth tutorial, it showcases the Wink Change as a valuable addition to a magician's repertoire.

Magicians who appreciate Ed Marlo's work often praise the Wink Change for its simplicity and effectiveness. It is frequently recommended for those looking to expand their knowledge of visual card transformations.

What people are saying about Wink Change

SeanDevine says...

The Wink Change is one of those sleights that looks like real magic—it's so visual and quick, it leaves spectators stunned.

Tutorial videos