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Woodpecker Routine by Ian Wong

Created by: Ian Wong

The Woodpecker Routine is a captivating close-up card trick that unfolds in two phases. In the first phase, the magician dribbles cards onto the table and plucks out the spectator's chosen card. The second phase elevates the mystery as the spectator, now empowered, shuffles the deck and miraculously pulls out their selected card during the dribble. This trick is perfect for card magicians looking to add a visually stunning and interactive routine to their repertoire. The deck includes gaffed cards and a tutorial video, making it accessible for beginners while offering depth for intermediate performers.

Key features

  • Two-phase routine with high spectator interaction

  • Uses a classic gaff system with modern twists

  • Includes a gaffed deck and detailed tutorial

  • Suitable for close-up and parlor magic

Pros

  • Strong, creative routines that update a classic gaff system

  • Magic happens in the spectator's hands, enhancing the illusion

  • Deck allows fanning to show all faces as different

  • Good for multiple performances with varied routines

Cons

  • Non-standard back design may raise suspicions

  • Cannot hand the entire deck to spectators for examination

  • Price may be steep for some at $39.95

Effect

The Woodpecker Routine is a two-phase card trick that creates a strong magical moment for the audience. In the first phase, a spectator selects a card. The magician dribbles the deck onto the table and plucks out the chosen card from the falling stream. In the second phase, the spectator gains the power—after shuffling the deck, they reach into the dribble themselves and pull out their own selected card. The effect is baffling, as the spectator directly interacts with the magic, making it feel impossible.

Full Details

The Woodpecker Routine is part of the Puzzlement Deck, which includes a gaffed deck of cards and a 51-minute instructional video. The deck uses a classic gaff system with some new additions to enhance the routines. The video teaches four routines, with the Woodpecker being one of the strongest. The deck features a unique back design, which may stand out to spectators, but the handling is smooth and convincing.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This routine is ideal for card magicians who want a strong, interactive effect that puts the magic in the spectator’s hands. It works well in close-up and table settings. If you enjoy routines where the spectator participates directly, this is a great choice.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The Woodpecker Routine is beginner-friendly, with no complex sleights required. The main skill needed is a controlled dribble. The other routines in the Puzzlement Deck vary in difficulty, with the double Any Card at Any Number being the most challenging. However, all routines are learnable with practice.

What Magicians Say

Fiddlinjonny praises the Woodpecker Routine, calling it "super powerful" and noting that it leaves spectators "dumbfounded." He highlights the strength of the routines, saying they take a classic gaff system and update it with fresh ideas. However, he mentions that the non-standard back design might raise suspicion, though the handling minimizes this issue. He also notes that the price ($39.95) feels steep for a gaffed deck but justifies it due to the quality of the routines.

Overall, the Woodpecker Routine is a strong, engaging effect that works well for performers who want a direct, interactive card trick.

What people are saying about Woodpecker Routine

fiddlinjonny says...

The routines are so stinking good they're just good and I kick myself for thinking like I've been using this type of a gaff system for a long time and why did I not think of it.

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