TO BEGIN have the short card on the bottom, have a card
selected, noted, placed on the top of the pack and make a complete cut. Secretly find the short card and cut, or make the pass, including the short card, bringing it again to the bottom and the chosen card to the top. Ask the spectator to call a number, suppose he says 'Five'. Count off five cards at one time on to the table and drop the pack on top of them. Lift off the top card, then stop and say, 'Oh, my mistake, this is the sixth card and you said five. We will start all over again.' Riffle to the short and cut bringing that card to the bottom. The chosen card is now fifth from the top.
Jan 3, 2009
Another Force
WITH the short card on the top of the pack, shuffle several
times leaving the card in position on the top. Ask a spectator to call any number from one to twenty. Suppose ten is chosen. Count off nine cards keeping them in the same order and put them on the bottom of the pack. Have the spectator look at the top card, note what it is and replace it. Let him then cut the cards burying his card in the middle.
As you go to a second person, find the short by riffling and make the pass at that point, or openly cut the cards. Tell him you will count down ten cards and have him look at and remember whatever card is at that position now. Go through the same routine and he naturally gets the same card as the first man.
Go through exactly the same procedure with a third spectator and you have forced the same card on all three. Finish the effect in any way you wish.
times leaving the card in position on the top. Ask a spectator to call any number from one to twenty. Suppose ten is chosen. Count off nine cards keeping them in the same order and put them on the bottom of the pack. Have the spectator look at the top card, note what it is and replace it. Let him then cut the cards burying his card in the middle.
As you go to a second person, find the short by riffling and make the pass at that point, or openly cut the cards. Tell him you will count down ten cards and have him look at and remember whatever card is at that position now. Go through the same routine and he naturally gets the same card as the first man.
Go through exactly the same procedure with a third spectator and you have forced the same card on all three. Finish the effect in any way you wish.
Cut Card Force
HAVE two or three cards cut short and put them in the middle of the pack. Square the cards and place the pack on the table.
Invite a spectator to cut about the middle and the cut will always be made right above the topmost of the short cards, the card that is to be forced. In using this force always place, or better still hold, the pack so that the cut is made naturally at the ends.
Invite a spectator to cut about the middle and the cut will always be made right above the topmost of the short cards, the card that is to be forced. In using this force always place, or better still hold, the pack so that the cut is made naturally at the ends.
A Color Change
USE a blue-backed pack and on the bottom place a red-backed
short card. Fan the pack for the free selection of a card being careful not to expose the red-backed card at the bottom. Have the chosen card noted, put on the top of the pack and bury it in the middle with a complete cut. Square the cards very openly, tapping the ends and sides on the table to obviate any suspicion that you night keep the location.
Put the pack behind your back saying that you will try to pick out the selected cards under impossible conditions. Riffle to the short, take off that card and the next, the selected card, as one card and bring them forward showing the face. The spectator admits that the card is his and you ask him if he knows how you could possibly know it was his card. He says 'No'. 'Because it has a red back' you say, turning the card and showing the back. Drop the two on the pack and take off one only. Snap it to show it is a single card but don't show the face again.
short card. Fan the pack for the free selection of a card being careful not to expose the red-backed card at the bottom. Have the chosen card noted, put on the top of the pack and bury it in the middle with a complete cut. Square the cards very openly, tapping the ends and sides on the table to obviate any suspicion that you night keep the location.
Put the pack behind your back saying that you will try to pick out the selected cards under impossible conditions. Riffle to the short, take off that card and the next, the selected card, as one card and bring them forward showing the face. The spectator admits that the card is his and you ask him if he knows how you could possibly know it was his card. He says 'No'. 'Because it has a red back' you say, turning the card and showing the back. Drop the two on the pack and take off one only. Snap it to show it is a single card but don't show the face again.
X-Ray Eyes
PLACE the short card ninth from the bottom. Have a spectator
select a card from anywhere above these nine. Lay the pack on the table and instruct the spectator to put his card, after noting it, on top of the pack and cut the cards burying his card in the middle.
Pick up the pack, quietly riffle to the short card and cut at that point bringing it to the top. State that you have X-ray eyes that can pierce through the thickness of the cards and detect at what number the chosen card lies. Put the pack on the table and have the card named. Gaze intently at the back of the pack and finally announce that the card is the tenth card from the top. Let the spectator deal nine cards and turn up the tenth, his card.
It must be remembered that the chosen card is always one card farther down than the number at which you place the short card from the bottom.
select a card from anywhere above these nine. Lay the pack on the table and instruct the spectator to put his card, after noting it, on top of the pack and cut the cards burying his card in the middle.
Pick up the pack, quietly riffle to the short card and cut at that point bringing it to the top. State that you have X-ray eyes that can pierce through the thickness of the cards and detect at what number the chosen card lies. Put the pack on the table and have the card named. Gaze intently at the back of the pack and finally announce that the card is the tenth card from the top. Let the spectator deal nine cards and turn up the tenth, his card.
It must be remembered that the chosen card is always one card farther down than the number at which you place the short card from the bottom.
On The Top
FORCE the short card by the riffle, or any other way you have at
your disposal, have it replaced and the pack shuffled by a spectator. Take the pack and bring the short to the top secretly, if you can, if not then by simply cutting at the short.
Lift the two top cards as one, the top card being short makes this an easy matter. Replace the two cards as one, order the chosen card to mount to the top and show it.
your disposal, have it replaced and the pack shuffled by a spectator. Take the pack and bring the short to the top secretly, if you can, if not then by simply cutting at the short.
Lift the two top cards as one, the top card being short makes this an easy matter. Replace the two cards as one, order the chosen card to mount to the top and show it.
Card From Nowhere
YOU may have a duplicate of the short card planted in one of
your pockets or in any other place you please. Having forced the short card by the riffle force simply order it to leave the pack and go. . . to wherever you have the duplicate hidden. Riffle again and show that the card has vanished, then produce the duplicate.
your pockets or in any other place you please. Having forced the short card by the riffle force simply order it to leave the pack and go. . . to wherever you have the duplicate hidden. Riffle again and show that the card has vanished, then produce the duplicate.
The Short Card
PROBABLY the earliest device in the way of preparing cards for
secret use in performing tricks was the wide or long card. As the name implies, one card is a trifle wider or longer than its fellows and therefore projects slightly either at the end or the side. To prepare such a pack have all the cards but one slightly shortened or narrowed by means of a printer's guillotine. Later came the thick card, two cards glued together and dried under pressure, which can be easily found by the fingers in riffling the edges. Variations of this idea such as cutting the picture of a court card from its frame and gluing it to the face of a duplicate court card, cutting out the spots. and gluing them over the spots of a duplicate card, etc., but all of these devices are liable to detection when the pack is handled by a spectator. The most satisfactory method is that of cutting one card a trifle shorter than the rest. Such a card forms an invaluable key card, it can be found immediately by riffling the pack and is practically undetectable to anyone who does not already know of it.
As with strippers, to handle the short card intelligently requires some practice and the card should be lightly cut that the difference in length would only be revealed by minute inspection. The use of a card cut so short that the pack divides at it, when riffled, with a loud click, simply ruins an artifice that is invaluable when intelligently used. To anyone having a working knowledge of the few indispensable sleights the short card is a very valuable accessory. The danger is that it renders some operations so easy that the beginner especially comes to depend on it entirely.
The drawback to the short card is that it has to be prepared and therefore can only be used with your own pack. On occasion this can be overcome by carrying a small pair of scissors and working an effect that entails your leaving the room. By carrying off one of the cards in use you can cut off a shaving and secretly return the card to the pack. There is, however, a plan for getting the same effect easily and quickly with any pack at a moment's notice. This was, I believe, devised by Louis Nikola, the English magician, at any rate he was the first to record it in print in his book The Nikola Card System which was published in 1927. The plan he recommends there is to bend up the bottom left-hand corner of a card and work it between the thumb and finger until it is soft. Only a small corner is necessary, say to within an eighth of an inch or so of the edge. When the cards are riffled with the thumb across this corner, the cards will break at that point, so that such a card may be put practically to all the uses of a short card.
The following tricks with a short card have been selected from Tricks with a Short Card, by U. F. Grant, the well known magician and magic dealer. They will serve to illustrate the uses to which the principle can be put. It would be impossible to give more since there is hardly a card trick in which a short card could not be employed. 1 reiterate that the short card should not be used constantly but only on occasion, when it becomes an invaluable weapon for throwing the spectators off the track.
secret use in performing tricks was the wide or long card. As the name implies, one card is a trifle wider or longer than its fellows and therefore projects slightly either at the end or the side. To prepare such a pack have all the cards but one slightly shortened or narrowed by means of a printer's guillotine. Later came the thick card, two cards glued together and dried under pressure, which can be easily found by the fingers in riffling the edges. Variations of this idea such as cutting the picture of a court card from its frame and gluing it to the face of a duplicate court card, cutting out the spots. and gluing them over the spots of a duplicate card, etc., but all of these devices are liable to detection when the pack is handled by a spectator. The most satisfactory method is that of cutting one card a trifle shorter than the rest. Such a card forms an invaluable key card, it can be found immediately by riffling the pack and is practically undetectable to anyone who does not already know of it.
As with strippers, to handle the short card intelligently requires some practice and the card should be lightly cut that the difference in length would only be revealed by minute inspection. The use of a card cut so short that the pack divides at it, when riffled, with a loud click, simply ruins an artifice that is invaluable when intelligently used. To anyone having a working knowledge of the few indispensable sleights the short card is a very valuable accessory. The danger is that it renders some operations so easy that the beginner especially comes to depend on it entirely.
The drawback to the short card is that it has to be prepared and therefore can only be used with your own pack. On occasion this can be overcome by carrying a small pair of scissors and working an effect that entails your leaving the room. By carrying off one of the cards in use you can cut off a shaving and secretly return the card to the pack. There is, however, a plan for getting the same effect easily and quickly with any pack at a moment's notice. This was, I believe, devised by Louis Nikola, the English magician, at any rate he was the first to record it in print in his book The Nikola Card System which was published in 1927. The plan he recommends there is to bend up the bottom left-hand corner of a card and work it between the thumb and finger until it is soft. Only a small corner is necessary, say to within an eighth of an inch or so of the edge. When the cards are riffled with the thumb across this corner, the cards will break at that point, so that such a card may be put practically to all the uses of a short card.
The following tricks with a short card have been selected from Tricks with a Short Card, by U. F. Grant, the well known magician and magic dealer. They will serve to illustrate the uses to which the principle can be put. It would be impossible to give more since there is hardly a card trick in which a short card could not be employed. 1 reiterate that the short card should not be used constantly but only on occasion, when it becomes an invaluable weapon for throwing the spectators off the track.
Coincidence Mene-Tekel
FOR this effect, which Mr. Gravatt considers one of the best of
the tricks of its type extant, you require a Mene-Tekel pack having red backs, and an ordinary pack with blue backs.
Show the red-backed cards all different, have a card selected, and bring the duplicate to the top. Take the chosen card and place it casually on the top of the pack, then lift the top two as one, showing the face of the lower one, and place the two, as one card, in a glass tumbler with the backs to the audience. Both cards being the same no suspicion can be attached to this move.
Have the unprepared blue pack shuffled, any card selected but not looked at, and place it in the glass behind the other two cards so that its back is nearest the audience. In your patter lay great stress on the fact that the two cards were freely selected from different packs. Turn the glass around, remove the front card, leaving the duplicate facing the audience. The two cards are the same. Show the red back of the card in your hand, then turn the glass and show the blue back of the other.
the tricks of its type extant, you require a Mene-Tekel pack having red backs, and an ordinary pack with blue backs.
Show the red-backed cards all different, have a card selected, and bring the duplicate to the top. Take the chosen card and place it casually on the top of the pack, then lift the top two as one, showing the face of the lower one, and place the two, as one card, in a glass tumbler with the backs to the audience. Both cards being the same no suspicion can be attached to this move.
Have the unprepared blue pack shuffled, any card selected but not looked at, and place it in the glass behind the other two cards so that its back is nearest the audience. In your patter lay great stress on the fact that the two cards were freely selected from different packs. Turn the glass around, remove the front card, leaving the duplicate facing the audience. The two cards are the same. Show the red back of the card in your hand, then turn the glass and show the blue back of the other.
Cards And Slates
YOU require two slates one of which is prepared with a dab of
wax. Have these on your table, waxed slate on top of the other. A card having been selected and the duplicate brought to the top, hold the pack in your left hand, pick up the top slate with the right hand and show both sides. Pass the slate to your left hand so that the wax is pressed on the back of the top card. Hold slate and cards in the left hand and pick up the second slate with the right hand. Show both sides of this one. Take both slates in right hand and lay the pack on the table. Put the top slate under the other, which has the card adhering to its lower side, thus bringing the card between the slates. Have the selected card returned to the pack or put in a card box. Order the card to vanish and appear between the slates. Take the slates apart and show the card.
wax. Have these on your table, waxed slate on top of the other. A card having been selected and the duplicate brought to the top, hold the pack in your left hand, pick up the top slate with the right hand and show both sides. Pass the slate to your left hand so that the wax is pressed on the back of the top card. Hold slate and cards in the left hand and pick up the second slate with the right hand. Show both sides of this one. Take both slates in right hand and lay the pack on the table. Put the top slate under the other, which has the card adhering to its lower side, thus bringing the card between the slates. Have the selected card returned to the pack or put in a card box. Order the card to vanish and appear between the slates. Take the slates apart and show the card.
The Pocket Rising Card
A FAKE is required consisting of two pieces of cardboard, a little
larger than a card, fastened together around two sides and one end by adhesive tape or pasted paper. There should be space enough between the pieces of cardboard to take three cards. Half an inch from the top of each piece and midway between the sides is a hole, large enough for a thread to pass freely. Put a thread between both pieces and make a knot at one end to prevent it slipping right through. Thread the other end in a needle and put the fake in your upper left waistcoat pocket. Pass the needle through the bottom of the pocket and thence inside the waistcoat and trousers and finally through the lining at the top of the left trousers pocket. Withdraw the thread from the needle and tie a small wire ring to the end. If a card is pushed into the fake the thread will be carried down to the bottom of it, and a pull on the thread will cause the card to rise apparently from the pocket.
With a fake thus prepared have a card selected and bring the duplicate to the top. Turn away so that the card may be shown, take the duplicate and slip it into the fake. The real chosen card is then replaced in the pack, the pack squared and you order the card to leave pack, go to your waistcoat pocket and then rise from it. The necessary motive power is given by your thumb which you slip into the ring in your left trousers pocket and pull gently downwards.
larger than a card, fastened together around two sides and one end by adhesive tape or pasted paper. There should be space enough between the pieces of cardboard to take three cards. Half an inch from the top of each piece and midway between the sides is a hole, large enough for a thread to pass freely. Put a thread between both pieces and make a knot at one end to prevent it slipping right through. Thread the other end in a needle and put the fake in your upper left waistcoat pocket. Pass the needle through the bottom of the pocket and thence inside the waistcoat and trousers and finally through the lining at the top of the left trousers pocket. Withdraw the thread from the needle and tie a small wire ring to the end. If a card is pushed into the fake the thread will be carried down to the bottom of it, and a pull on the thread will cause the card to rise apparently from the pocket.
With a fake thus prepared have a card selected and bring the duplicate to the top. Turn away so that the card may be shown, take the duplicate and slip it into the fake. The real chosen card is then replaced in the pack, the pack squared and you order the card to leave pack, go to your waistcoat pocket and then rise from it. The necessary motive power is given by your thumb which you slip into the ring in your left trousers pocket and pull gently downwards.
One In Four
A CARD chosen, duplicate brought to the top as usual, turn your
back while the card is shown to all. Take two cards from the bottom of the pack, the bottom card and the third from the bottom and put them on the top. The four cards on the top of the pack will then be all different and the third from the top will be the duplicate of the chosen card.
Have the spectator's card returned to the center of the pack, square the pack and at once deal the four top cards on to a card stand commencing on your right-hand side. Now you must have one of these selected and it must be the third from the right-hand side. Ask someone to call a number between one and four and, of course, the answer will be two or three. If three is chosen, count from the right-hand side, if two is the number called, count from the left. In each case the chosen card is arrived at. The impression left on the minds of the spectators is that, although you did not express yourself any too clearly, still you intended to give a free choice of all four cards.
back while the card is shown to all. Take two cards from the bottom of the pack, the bottom card and the third from the bottom and put them on the top. The four cards on the top of the pack will then be all different and the third from the top will be the duplicate of the chosen card.
Have the spectator's card returned to the center of the pack, square the pack and at once deal the four top cards on to a card stand commencing on your right-hand side. Now you must have one of these selected and it must be the third from the right-hand side. Ask someone to call a number between one and four and, of course, the answer will be two or three. If three is chosen, count from the right-hand side, if two is the number called, count from the left. In each case the chosen card is arrived at. The impression left on the minds of the spectators is that, although you did not express yourself any too clearly, still you intended to give a free choice of all four cards.
Card And Number
A CARD having been chosen, its duplicate brought to the top, the
card itself replaced in the pack and the pack squared up, have a number called, suppose it is fifteen, and announce that you will make the card pass magically to that number. First, however, show that it is not already at that number by dealing off fourteen cards on to the table, reversing their order and bringing the duplicate to the bottom of the fourteen cards. Show the fifteenth card and replace it on the cards in the left hand but so placed that about an inch of the right-hand side overlaps the rest of the cards. Pick up the fourteen cards from the table and apparently place them on the top of the left-hand portion, really slip them under the overlapping card, thus bringing the duplicate card to the fifteenth position as required.
card itself replaced in the pack and the pack squared up, have a number called, suppose it is fifteen, and announce that you will make the card pass magically to that number. First, however, show that it is not already at that number by dealing off fourteen cards on to the table, reversing their order and bringing the duplicate to the bottom of the fourteen cards. Show the fifteenth card and replace it on the cards in the left hand but so placed that about an inch of the right-hand side overlaps the rest of the cards. Pick up the fourteen cards from the table and apparently place them on the top of the left-hand portion, really slip them under the overlapping card, thus bringing the duplicate card to the fifteenth position as required.
From A Hat
HAVE three cards selected and pass the duplicates to the top in
the manner explained above. Each spectator then pushes his card into the pack which you square up each time in the fairest possible way. Drop the pack into a borrowed hat and proceed to mix the cards, apparently, by shaking the hat vigorously with a lateral motion which does not alter the relative position of the cards at all. Ask the third person to name his card, reach quickly into the hat and produce it. You simply bring out the top card. In like manner you find the second person's card and finally the third. Or you bring out the three cards in any order the spectators may require, and do it just as easily.
the manner explained above. Each spectator then pushes his card into the pack which you square up each time in the fairest possible way. Drop the pack into a borrowed hat and proceed to mix the cards, apparently, by shaking the hat vigorously with a lateral motion which does not alter the relative position of the cards at all. Ask the third person to name his card, reach quickly into the hat and produce it. You simply bring out the top card. In like manner you find the second person's card and finally the third. Or you bring out the three cards in any order the spectators may require, and do it just as easily.
Card Into Pocket. A Second Method
A CARD having been drawn and the duplicate brought to the top,
you very thoughtfully turn your back to enable the spectator to show the selected card to everyone else. Seize the opportunity to note what the top card is and slip it into a pocket. Turn around, have the chosen card replaced, ruffle the pack sharply and name the card. Order it to leave the pack and fly to your pocket, from which you instantly produce it.
you very thoughtfully turn your back to enable the spectator to show the selected card to everyone else. Seize the opportunity to note what the top card is and slip it into a pocket. Turn around, have the chosen card replaced, ruffle the pack sharply and name the card. Order it to leave the pack and fly to your pocket, from which you instantly produce it.
Controlling Several Cards
BRING the duplicate of the first card to the top as already
explained, leave the chosen card in the first spectator's hands and go to a second person. When he draws a card do not pass the upper portion to the bottom as before, simply lower the top packet to the side of the lower one and with the thumb of the left hand push the top card of the lower on top of the right-hand packet and replace this packet on top. Thus the duplicate of the second spectator's card is now on top of the pack, and the first person's duplicate card is the second card. You follow exactly the same process for as many cards as you wish to have chosen so that finally you have duplicates of all the cards on the top of the pack, but you must remember that these are in the reverse order to that in which the short cards were drawn.
explained, leave the chosen card in the first spectator's hands and go to a second person. When he draws a card do not pass the upper portion to the bottom as before, simply lower the top packet to the side of the lower one and with the thumb of the left hand push the top card of the lower on top of the right-hand packet and replace this packet on top. Thus the duplicate of the second spectator's card is now on top of the pack, and the first person's duplicate card is the second card. You follow exactly the same process for as many cards as you wish to have chosen so that finally you have duplicates of all the cards on the top of the pack, but you must remember that these are in the reverse order to that in which the short cards were drawn.
The Mene-Tekel Pack
I
T IS not certainly known who devised this variation of the
combination of long and short cards, but the title, 'Mene-Tekel', was first applied to it by the late W. D. Leroy, the well-known magical dealer of Boston. Like the Svengali pack it consists of twenty-six ordinary cards and twenty-six short cards but instead of the short cards being all of the same suit and value, they also are all different, each short card being of the same suit and value as its neighboring ordinary card so that the pack consists of twenty-six pairs of cards, one short and one ordinary card of the same suit and value in each pair.
To construct such a pack obtain two packs of cards, with the same back patterns, the cards preferably being thin and pliable and not too slippery. Thoroughly shuffle one pack and count off twenty-six cards. Then from the second pack take twenty-six cards of the same denomination as in the first and arrange them in the same order. You will then have two packets of cards exactly similar. From the ends of one set shave off about one-sixteenth of an inch. This may be done with a photoprint trimmer, or, better still, a bookbinder's guillotine if you have access to one. Having thus shortened one set of cards, arrange the whole fifty-two in pairs, the short card being the top card of each pair, and the Mene-Tekel pack is set-up.
To show the cards apparently all different riffle the ends slowly before the audience, the faces of the ordinary cards only will show up. Or, you may hold the pack upright, thumb at the top end, and let the cards fall forward on to the left hand, again showing only the faces of the ordinary cards. The pack may be riffle shuffled without disarranging the cards.
To do this, square up the pack by tapping one end on the table to settle the short cards, then while the pack is on end, divide it about in half so that a short card is on the top of the lower portion. Riffle the two halves one into the other in the usual way, the cards will fall in pairs and the sequence of the prepared pack is not destroyed. The pairs will occupy different positions, but each pair will be intact. In similar fashion the pack can be cut indefinitely with complete cuts without separating the pairs, since the cut will always be made at one of the ordinary cards.
To illustrate the use of the pack for controlling a freely chosen card slowly riffle it and request a spectator to insert his forefinger, or a paper knife, anywhere he pleases and take the card next below his finger or the knife. In every case that card will be a short card and the next card (ordinary card) will be the duplicate of the one chosen. As the spectator takes the card raise the portion in the right hand and separate the hands a little, then casually place the two portions of the pack together but put the cards in the left hand on top of those in the right hand. This departure from the regular way of assembling the pack will never be noticed, however, if it is preferred you may openly cut at the point from which the card was removed. The result is that you now have on the top of the pack the duplicate of the card chosen. The card may then be dealt with in any of the following ways.
1. The spectator, having noted his card, replaces it in any part of the pack which you at once square up very openly. Request him to blow on the top card, name the card he drew, and turn the top card, it is his card. If it is desired to repeat the trick you will have to find the odd one and again bring it on top of its duplicate.
2. The duplicate may be revealed by holding the pack a short distance above the table, secretly push the card a little off the pack sideways, and the action of dropping the pack will cause the card to turn over and appear face up.
3. The card may be forced right out of the pack and passed through the table. To do this, secretly wet the back of your right hand. Show the spectator how you wish him to apply pressure. Put the back of your right hand right on top of the pack and your left hand palm downwards on that. Press down firmly and the top card will adhere to the back of your right hand, which you pass under the table top. The spectator places his hands on the pack in the same way and presses firmly. Have the card named and produce it from under the table.
4. As the spectator notes his card, secretly glimpse the top card. Tell him to concentrate his thoughts on the name of his card and you read his mind in the usual fashion, first getting the color of his card, then the suit and finally the value. By having the card returned to the top the pack will be in order for another demonstration.
5. After the card has been selected and the shift made bringing the duplicate to the top, put the pack in your left outside coat pocket for a moment, thumbing off the top card and leaving it in the pocket. Bring the pack out again under pretense of having forgotten to have the chosen card replaced. Have it pushed into the pack and at once place the pack in your right-hand pocket. Have the card named and order it to pass across into the left pocket, from which you produce it.
6. After the return of the card to the middle, square up the cards very openly, then hold the pack upright in your right hand, face of the bottom card towards the spectators. Order the card to rise and push up the top duplicate card with tips of the first and second fingers. It will appear to rise from the middle of the pack.
T IS not certainly known who devised this variation of the
combination of long and short cards, but the title, 'Mene-Tekel', was first applied to it by the late W. D. Leroy, the well-known magical dealer of Boston. Like the Svengali pack it consists of twenty-six ordinary cards and twenty-six short cards but instead of the short cards being all of the same suit and value, they also are all different, each short card being of the same suit and value as its neighboring ordinary card so that the pack consists of twenty-six pairs of cards, one short and one ordinary card of the same suit and value in each pair.
To construct such a pack obtain two packs of cards, with the same back patterns, the cards preferably being thin and pliable and not too slippery. Thoroughly shuffle one pack and count off twenty-six cards. Then from the second pack take twenty-six cards of the same denomination as in the first and arrange them in the same order. You will then have two packets of cards exactly similar. From the ends of one set shave off about one-sixteenth of an inch. This may be done with a photoprint trimmer, or, better still, a bookbinder's guillotine if you have access to one. Having thus shortened one set of cards, arrange the whole fifty-two in pairs, the short card being the top card of each pair, and the Mene-Tekel pack is set-up.
To show the cards apparently all different riffle the ends slowly before the audience, the faces of the ordinary cards only will show up. Or, you may hold the pack upright, thumb at the top end, and let the cards fall forward on to the left hand, again showing only the faces of the ordinary cards. The pack may be riffle shuffled without disarranging the cards.
To do this, square up the pack by tapping one end on the table to settle the short cards, then while the pack is on end, divide it about in half so that a short card is on the top of the lower portion. Riffle the two halves one into the other in the usual way, the cards will fall in pairs and the sequence of the prepared pack is not destroyed. The pairs will occupy different positions, but each pair will be intact. In similar fashion the pack can be cut indefinitely with complete cuts without separating the pairs, since the cut will always be made at one of the ordinary cards.
To illustrate the use of the pack for controlling a freely chosen card slowly riffle it and request a spectator to insert his forefinger, or a paper knife, anywhere he pleases and take the card next below his finger or the knife. In every case that card will be a short card and the next card (ordinary card) will be the duplicate of the one chosen. As the spectator takes the card raise the portion in the right hand and separate the hands a little, then casually place the two portions of the pack together but put the cards in the left hand on top of those in the right hand. This departure from the regular way of assembling the pack will never be noticed, however, if it is preferred you may openly cut at the point from which the card was removed. The result is that you now have on the top of the pack the duplicate of the card chosen. The card may then be dealt with in any of the following ways.
1. The spectator, having noted his card, replaces it in any part of the pack which you at once square up very openly. Request him to blow on the top card, name the card he drew, and turn the top card, it is his card. If it is desired to repeat the trick you will have to find the odd one and again bring it on top of its duplicate.
2. The duplicate may be revealed by holding the pack a short distance above the table, secretly push the card a little off the pack sideways, and the action of dropping the pack will cause the card to turn over and appear face up.
3. The card may be forced right out of the pack and passed through the table. To do this, secretly wet the back of your right hand. Show the spectator how you wish him to apply pressure. Put the back of your right hand right on top of the pack and your left hand palm downwards on that. Press down firmly and the top card will adhere to the back of your right hand, which you pass under the table top. The spectator places his hands on the pack in the same way and presses firmly. Have the card named and produce it from under the table.
4. As the spectator notes his card, secretly glimpse the top card. Tell him to concentrate his thoughts on the name of his card and you read his mind in the usual fashion, first getting the color of his card, then the suit and finally the value. By having the card returned to the top the pack will be in order for another demonstration.
5. After the card has been selected and the shift made bringing the duplicate to the top, put the pack in your left outside coat pocket for a moment, thumbing off the top card and leaving it in the pocket. Bring the pack out again under pretense of having forgotten to have the chosen card replaced. Have it pushed into the pack and at once place the pack in your right-hand pocket. Have the card named and order it to pass across into the left pocket, from which you produce it.
6. After the return of the card to the middle, square up the cards very openly, then hold the pack upright in your right hand, face of the bottom card towards the spectators. Order the card to rise and push up the top duplicate card with tips of the first and second fingers. It will appear to rise from the middle of the pack.
French's Extraordinary Aces
HERE'S a different method of doing the 'Four Ace Trick' using the
reversed principle and eliminating all palming and intricate sleights.
As in the usual methods, the four A's are removed from the pack and passed for examination as the pack is returned. In turning to the table to get rubber band, the magician makes the Half Pass, i.e. makes one half of the pack face the other half. The rubber band is snapped around the pack and the A's are slid under it on to the top of the pack. Now secretly reverse the pack so that the A's are on bottom. Taking off the three top cards and calling them (Aces), they are laid on the table by the performer. As the third card is laid down, the magician reverses the pack and picks off the top A, glances at it and says; 'and lastly we have the Ace of which we will place beside the others.' Under cover of this misdirection the pack is reversed again, and three cards are counted off the top on to each of the first three (Aces). As last card is laid on the third (Ace), reverse the pack again and draw off the three real Aces and stack them on top of the fourth A. Force this pile and finish to suit yourself.
You will find that the spectator's eyes will follow your hand to the table when you lay the cards down, thus securing perfect misdirection for the reversing of the pack.
reversed principle and eliminating all palming and intricate sleights.
As in the usual methods, the four A's are removed from the pack and passed for examination as the pack is returned. In turning to the table to get rubber band, the magician makes the Half Pass, i.e. makes one half of the pack face the other half. The rubber band is snapped around the pack and the A's are slid under it on to the top of the pack. Now secretly reverse the pack so that the A's are on bottom. Taking off the three top cards and calling them (Aces), they are laid on the table by the performer. As the third card is laid down, the magician reverses the pack and picks off the top A, glances at it and says; 'and lastly we have the Ace of which we will place beside the others.' Under cover of this misdirection the pack is reversed again, and three cards are counted off the top on to each of the first three (Aces). As last card is laid on the third (Ace), reverse the pack again and draw off the three real Aces and stack them on top of the fourth A. Force this pile and finish to suit yourself.
You will find that the spectator's eyes will follow your hand to the table when you lay the cards down, thus securing perfect misdirection for the reversing of the pack.
The Reverse 'Count-Down' Trick
THIS is one of the easiest as well as one of the most effective
presentations of this often seen effect. The magician has a card selected from a group of cards cut from the top of the pack. An elastic band is snapped around the performer's half of the pack and the selected card is returned to the top of the pack by slipping it under the elastic. Next the remainder of the cut is returned on top of the selected card and under the elastic. A spectator calls out any number, the cards are withdrawn one by one from the top of the pack, and on the number called being reached the selected card turns up. This is particularly mystifying because the magician has made no apparent effort to manipulate the pack, in fact the elastic seems to preclude any tampering.
SECRET. Before offering the pack to be cut the magician has reversed the bottom four or five cards. The spectator cuts from the top of the pack and holds the cut-off portion in such a way that no one else knows the number of cards he has cut. While he is selecting a card you very deliberately snap an elastic around the pack. Now secretly turn over the pack to bring the reversed cards to the top, and offer the pack for the insertion of the selected card. Assist the spectator by lifting up the elastic. Now, while he shuffles the remainder of his cut-off portion, secretly turn the pack over again so that when he returns these cards they go on top of the original top of the pack, and not on top of his selected card as he supposes. Call for any number and withdraw cards from the original top of the pack to within one of the number decided upon. Fan these to show that the selected card is not among them, and under cover of the fan reverse the pack. The selected card is now on top, and you can let anyone draw it off. While they are looking at the card, withdraw the elastic and reset the pack before offering it for examination.
presentations of this often seen effect. The magician has a card selected from a group of cards cut from the top of the pack. An elastic band is snapped around the performer's half of the pack and the selected card is returned to the top of the pack by slipping it under the elastic. Next the remainder of the cut is returned on top of the selected card and under the elastic. A spectator calls out any number, the cards are withdrawn one by one from the top of the pack, and on the number called being reached the selected card turns up. This is particularly mystifying because the magician has made no apparent effort to manipulate the pack, in fact the elastic seems to preclude any tampering.
SECRET. Before offering the pack to be cut the magician has reversed the bottom four or five cards. The spectator cuts from the top of the pack and holds the cut-off portion in such a way that no one else knows the number of cards he has cut. While he is selecting a card you very deliberately snap an elastic around the pack. Now secretly turn over the pack to bring the reversed cards to the top, and offer the pack for the insertion of the selected card. Assist the spectator by lifting up the elastic. Now, while he shuffles the remainder of his cut-off portion, secretly turn the pack over again so that when he returns these cards they go on top of the original top of the pack, and not on top of his selected card as he supposes. Call for any number and withdraw cards from the original top of the pack to within one of the number decided upon. Fan these to show that the selected card is not among them, and under cover of the fan reverse the pack. The selected card is now on top, and you can let anyone draw it off. While they are looking at the card, withdraw the elastic and reset the pack before offering it for examination.
Coincidence
TWO packs are required. Beforehand decide on any two cards
you will use. Steam the stamp off a new pack, take out the cards and reverse one of the two cards decided upon at about tenth place from the top, the other about tenth from the bottom. Replace the cards in the case and gum the stamp in position. Have this pack in your pocket. Take the two duplicates from a second pack and put them third and forth from the bottom. You are ready.
Riffle shuffle the pack without disturbing the four bottom cards and have a spectator cut the pack. Count the cards cut while the spectator counts the bottom part-give any plausible reason you please for the counting, it is really only to bring the four bottom cards of the lower part to the top. Show what you want him to do by taking the two top cards of his part, reversing them and pushing them partly into the heaps one in each. Take them out and insert them face down in your heap. Turn your back while the spectator takes the next two cards off his heap (these are the two you fixed beforehand), and inserts them face up, one in each heap. This done, turn around and take the scaled pack from your pocket. Have it opened and the cards removed. Let the spectator cut it about the middle. Pattering about the sympathetic nature of the cards, have him place his hands on top of the packets for a moment, then name the two cards. The cards are spread and the same cards are found reversed. Cards with white margins on the back must be used.
you will use. Steam the stamp off a new pack, take out the cards and reverse one of the two cards decided upon at about tenth place from the top, the other about tenth from the bottom. Replace the cards in the case and gum the stamp in position. Have this pack in your pocket. Take the two duplicates from a second pack and put them third and forth from the bottom. You are ready.
Riffle shuffle the pack without disturbing the four bottom cards and have a spectator cut the pack. Count the cards cut while the spectator counts the bottom part-give any plausible reason you please for the counting, it is really only to bring the four bottom cards of the lower part to the top. Show what you want him to do by taking the two top cards of his part, reversing them and pushing them partly into the heaps one in each. Take them out and insert them face down in your heap. Turn your back while the spectator takes the next two cards off his heap (these are the two you fixed beforehand), and inserts them face up, one in each heap. This done, turn around and take the scaled pack from your pocket. Have it opened and the cards removed. Let the spectator cut it about the middle. Pattering about the sympathetic nature of the cards, have him place his hands on top of the packets for a moment, then name the two cards. The cards are spread and the same cards are found reversed. Cards with white margins on the back must be used.
Behind The Back
SECRETLY reverse the bottom card of the pack after you have
had the pack shuffled. Allow a card to be freely selected and noted. Under cut about half the pack for the return of the card and drop the cut on top of it. The reversed card will be on top of the chosen card. Square the pack very openly, tapping sides and ends on the table.
Put your left hand with the pack behind your back and make the Charlier pass bringing the chosen card to the top. (See preceding trick.) Bring it forward with the right hand and reverse the bottom card by pushing it off with the left fingers on to the top of the pack, turning it over in the process. This takes but a moment and you bring the pack forward to be examined if anyone wishes to do so.
had the pack shuffled. Allow a card to be freely selected and noted. Under cut about half the pack for the return of the card and drop the cut on top of it. The reversed card will be on top of the chosen card. Square the pack very openly, tapping sides and ends on the table.
Put your left hand with the pack behind your back and make the Charlier pass bringing the chosen card to the top. (See preceding trick.) Bring it forward with the right hand and reverse the bottom card by pushing it off with the left fingers on to the top of the pack, turning it over in the process. This takes but a moment and you bring the pack forward to be examined if anyone wishes to do so.
Under Cover
EFFECT. Any pack may be used. Performer turns his back. A spectator freely selects a card, replaces it reversed in the middle of the pack, squares the cards and lays a handkerchief over them. Performer lifts the pack and handkerchief and a card is seen to rise from the pack raising the fabric. This is lifted off with the covering and is found to be the chosen card.
SECRET. This effective trick depends on the fact that a pack will cut automatically at a reversed card. This can be tested by reversing a card in the middle and holding the pack at the tips of the fingers and thumb of the left hand in position for the Charlier pass. Ease up the pressure of the thumb, and it will be found that the cards below the reversed card will fall. Complete the pass in the usual way and the reversed card will be on the bottom of the pack.
In doing the trick lift the pack in position for the Charlier pass, and make it, as you drape the handkerchief over the cards. You have then simply to hold the pack upright and push up the rear card with the first and second fingers taking the handkerchief with it. Take the card with the fabric from above with the right hand, turn the hand over, letting the handkerchief folds fall down over the wrist and display the card with its face to the spectators.
SECRET. This effective trick depends on the fact that a pack will cut automatically at a reversed card. This can be tested by reversing a card in the middle and holding the pack at the tips of the fingers and thumb of the left hand in position for the Charlier pass. Ease up the pressure of the thumb, and it will be found that the cards below the reversed card will fall. Complete the pass in the usual way and the reversed card will be on the bottom of the pack.
In doing the trick lift the pack in position for the Charlier pass, and make it, as you drape the handkerchief over the cards. You have then simply to hold the pack upright and push up the rear card with the first and second fingers taking the handkerchief with it. Take the card with the fabric from above with the right hand, turn the hand over, letting the handkerchief folds fall down over the wrist and display the card with its face to the spectators.
In The Dark
WITH any pack, a card is freely chosen, noted and pushed into
the shuffled pack fairly. A handkerchief is thrown over it, yet you name the card instantly.
After the pack has been thoroughly shuffled, take it and allow free selection of a card. Ask the spectator to show it to a second person. Under cover of this quietly reverse the bottom card and turn the pack over. When the card is now pushed into the pack it really is reversed. Borrow a handkerchief and, as you throw it over the pack, turn the cards over; the pack will now be face down but the chosen card will be face up. Spread the cards as you place them on the table so that the faced card will be exposed and you can read the index through the handkerchief.
the shuffled pack fairly. A handkerchief is thrown over it, yet you name the card instantly.
After the pack has been thoroughly shuffled, take it and allow free selection of a card. Ask the spectator to show it to a second person. Under cover of this quietly reverse the bottom card and turn the pack over. When the card is now pushed into the pack it really is reversed. Borrow a handkerchief and, as you throw it over the pack, turn the cards over; the pack will now be face down but the chosen card will be face up. Spread the cards as you place them on the table so that the faced card will be exposed and you can read the index through the handkerchief.
Sure Locator
TAKE any spot card, preferably a five-spot, reverse it in the pack fifth from the bottom.
Having done this secretly, have a card chosen, being careful not to 189
spread the cards near the bottom. After the spectator has noted his card, have it put on the top of the pack, under cut about half the cards and drop them on top, burying the card in the middle. Say that you will cause a card to reverse itself in the middle to indicate where the chosen card is. Fan the pack showing the reversed five in the middle. Cut at that card, and throw it face up on the table. Deal off four cards and throw the next one. the chosen card, face down. Have the card named and turn it over.
Having done this secretly, have a card chosen, being careful not to 189
spread the cards near the bottom. After the spectator has noted his card, have it put on the top of the pack, under cut about half the cards and drop them on top, burying the card in the middle. Say that you will cause a card to reverse itself in the middle to indicate where the chosen card is. Fan the pack showing the reversed five in the middle. Cut at that card, and throw it face up on the table. Deal off four cards and throw the next one. the chosen card, face down. Have the card named and turn it over.
The Haley Reversed Card
THE invention of the late Louis Haley, this trick first appeared in print in The Genii, Oct. 1936.
First secretly give the inner end of the whole pack a sharp bend by squeezing the inner corners downward between the left second finger and thumb over the first finger which is doubled below the pack. Reverse the lower half facing upwards, with a bridge between the two portions at the rear. Fan the upper face-down cards, being careful not to expose any of the reversed cards, and have a card selected and noted. Take it back in the right hand, face down, and push it into the lower half of the pack. Square the pack with both hands, seize the upper half with the right hand, the thumb finding the break instantly by touch alone, and retain the lower half in the left hand. Separate the hands quickly, and instantly turn the lower half over bringing its cards also face down.
Proceed at once to a riffle shuffle, keeping the cards well covered by the hands as the corners are riffled in so that the reversed card cannot be seen. Give the magical command, have the card named, fan the pack and show it is reversed. This is perhaps the best method yet devised for reversing a single card.
First secretly give the inner end of the whole pack a sharp bend by squeezing the inner corners downward between the left second finger and thumb over the first finger which is doubled below the pack. Reverse the lower half facing upwards, with a bridge between the two portions at the rear. Fan the upper face-down cards, being careful not to expose any of the reversed cards, and have a card selected and noted. Take it back in the right hand, face down, and push it into the lower half of the pack. Square the pack with both hands, seize the upper half with the right hand, the thumb finding the break instantly by touch alone, and retain the lower half in the left hand. Separate the hands quickly, and instantly turn the lower half over bringing its cards also face down.
Proceed at once to a riffle shuffle, keeping the cards well covered by the hands as the corners are riffled in so that the reversed card cannot be seen. Give the magical command, have the card named, fan the pack and show it is reversed. This is perhaps the best method yet devised for reversing a single card.
U Bite
USING any pack, secretly reverse the bottom card. Spread the
cards and have any one freely selected. After it is noted by the drawer let him return it to the top of the pack. Under cut about half the pack thus bringing the reversed card immediately above the chosen card.
Announce that you will cause the chosen card to reverse itself amongst the others. Riffle the pack and fan it out with the faces to the spectator, a card will be seen turned with its back to them. Cut, bringing it to the top, as all attention is on the spectator as he turns the card over, pull the top card to the bottom with the left fingers turning it over as it goes, a very simple operation. Cut the pack as you put it down on the table. The selected card is now reversed in the middle. The spectator says you have made a mistake, the card is not his. If you act as though you really have made a mistake so much the better; finally try again, this time with the pack in his own hands. He finds his card reversed. Use white margin cards.
It will be noted that this principle can be used simply as an easy method of locating the card, since when it is brought to the top it is ready to be palmed off or disposed of as may be necessary.
cards and have any one freely selected. After it is noted by the drawer let him return it to the top of the pack. Under cut about half the pack thus bringing the reversed card immediately above the chosen card.
Announce that you will cause the chosen card to reverse itself amongst the others. Riffle the pack and fan it out with the faces to the spectator, a card will be seen turned with its back to them. Cut, bringing it to the top, as all attention is on the spectator as he turns the card over, pull the top card to the bottom with the left fingers turning it over as it goes, a very simple operation. Cut the pack as you put it down on the table. The selected card is now reversed in the middle. The spectator says you have made a mistake, the card is not his. If you act as though you really have made a mistake so much the better; finally try again, this time with the pack in his own hands. He finds his card reversed. Use white margin cards.
It will be noted that this principle can be used simply as an easy method of locating the card, since when it is brought to the top it is ready to be palmed off or disposed of as may be necessary.
Upside Down
AS WITH all reversed card effects, cards with white margins on
the backs should be used for this trick, otherwise any pack may be utilized and the cards well shuffled before starting. Have a spectator cut off some ten or twelve cards and shuffle them. Tell him that when your back is turned he is to lay out four cards face down in a row, look at one, note what it is, replace it face down and mix the four cards so that he himself will not know which one is his.
Turn away with the remainder of the pack in your hands; turn these cards face up, reverse the three top face-up cards, put one at the bottom, the next in amongst the others about eight or ten cards down and turn the packet over. The cards will appear to be face up, really the top and bottom cards and one card amongst them are face up, the rest face downwards. The spectator having followed instructions, turn to him. Pick up one of the four cards and insert it face down near the bottom of your packet-to all appearances the card goes in reversed, really it coincides with all your cards but the three. Do the same with two more but put them in together and call attention to it, about the middle, and the last one put about one-third down. These four cards now all face the same way as all the rest of your cards except the three. Turn the pack over, bringing the card that was reversed there to the top, since its back shows the packet seems to be quite regular. With the left thumb riffle the top left corners of the cards until you reach the card you inserted in the packet reversed about eight or ten cards down, cut at that point, leaving it on the top, this brings two of the three reversed cards together and the third is on the top. Call attention to the rest of the cards from which he-chose four and tell him to pick them up. As he does so quietly drop your left hand, turn it bringing the knuckles upwards thus turning the pack over. With the right hand draw the pack away and put it on the table.
Have the spectator place the remaining cards on the top and cut the cards. The trick is done. You have already announced that you will cause the chosen card to turn over, but will leave the other three reversed. Have the card named and let the spectator hold the pack. You utter the magic formula, or whatever hocus-pocus you affect, and the result follows. He finds three cards reversed, two of them together, and the chosen card faces with the rest of the pack. If the various steps in the trick are followed with the cards in hand you will have no difficulty, but care must be taken when inserting the cards and cutting, not to expose the fact that the cards are reversed.
the backs should be used for this trick, otherwise any pack may be utilized and the cards well shuffled before starting. Have a spectator cut off some ten or twelve cards and shuffle them. Tell him that when your back is turned he is to lay out four cards face down in a row, look at one, note what it is, replace it face down and mix the four cards so that he himself will not know which one is his.
Turn away with the remainder of the pack in your hands; turn these cards face up, reverse the three top face-up cards, put one at the bottom, the next in amongst the others about eight or ten cards down and turn the packet over. The cards will appear to be face up, really the top and bottom cards and one card amongst them are face up, the rest face downwards. The spectator having followed instructions, turn to him. Pick up one of the four cards and insert it face down near the bottom of your packet-to all appearances the card goes in reversed, really it coincides with all your cards but the three. Do the same with two more but put them in together and call attention to it, about the middle, and the last one put about one-third down. These four cards now all face the same way as all the rest of your cards except the three. Turn the pack over, bringing the card that was reversed there to the top, since its back shows the packet seems to be quite regular. With the left thumb riffle the top left corners of the cards until you reach the card you inserted in the packet reversed about eight or ten cards down, cut at that point, leaving it on the top, this brings two of the three reversed cards together and the third is on the top. Call attention to the rest of the cards from which he-chose four and tell him to pick them up. As he does so quietly drop your left hand, turn it bringing the knuckles upwards thus turning the pack over. With the right hand draw the pack away and put it on the table.
Have the spectator place the remaining cards on the top and cut the cards. The trick is done. You have already announced that you will cause the chosen card to turn over, but will leave the other three reversed. Have the card named and let the spectator hold the pack. You utter the magic formula, or whatever hocus-pocus you affect, and the result follows. He finds three cards reversed, two of them together, and the chosen card faces with the rest of the pack. If the various steps in the trick are followed with the cards in hand you will have no difficulty, but care must be taken when inserting the cards and cutting, not to expose the fact that the cards are reversed.
Simplified Reverse
WITH any pack a card having been freely chosen, returned,
brought to the top (see Chap. 19), make a riffle shuffle leaving it there. Put the pack on the table, lift off the upper half and spread the cards, keeping the top card behind the others, and ask the spectator if he sees his card. He does not. Square up these cards and take them in the left hand, face down. With the right hand pick up the remainder of the cards and turn them face up just above the cards in the left hand, at the same time push the top card of the left-hand packet (the chosen card) a little to the right with the left thumb.
Spread the right-hand packet on the left-hand cards. The spectator does not see his card there either. Close up these cards carrying away the top card of the left-hand packet. Turn the left-hand packet face up and drop the right-hand packet on top. The chosen card is now face up in the middle of the pack.
brought to the top (see Chap. 19), make a riffle shuffle leaving it there. Put the pack on the table, lift off the upper half and spread the cards, keeping the top card behind the others, and ask the spectator if he sees his card. He does not. Square up these cards and take them in the left hand, face down. With the right hand pick up the remainder of the cards and turn them face up just above the cards in the left hand, at the same time push the top card of the left-hand packet (the chosen card) a little to the right with the left thumb.
Spread the right-hand packet on the left-hand cards. The spectator does not see his card there either. Close up these cards carrying away the top card of the left-hand packet. Turn the left-hand packet face up and drop the right-hand packet on top. The chosen card is now face up in the middle of the pack.
A Transposition
ON THE bottom of regular pack place the KD, and next to it a double-faced card, AH-KD, with the KD side showing.
Borrow a hat, show the two bottom cards and drop them from the pack into a hat, but awkwardly and visibly let another card fall also. Remove the double-faced card as the KD and place it in a glass, covering it with a handkerchief and give the glass a half turn as you move it away. Order the two cards to change over and take the KD from the hat, uncover the glass and show the AH. When challenged about the third card, bring out an ordinary card, or you may use one with STUNG on it.
Borrow a hat, show the two bottom cards and drop them from the pack into a hat, but awkwardly and visibly let another card fall also. Remove the double-faced card as the KD and place it in a glass, covering it with a handkerchief and give the glass a half turn as you move it away. Order the two cards to change over and take the KD from the hat, uncover the glass and show the AH. When challenged about the third card, bring out an ordinary card, or you may use one with STUNG on it.
A Spirit Message
REQUIRED is a double-faced card which has both faces
representing the same card. On one side write any message which may be appropriate to the occasion. Place this card in an ordinary pack, the unwritten side showing with the faces of the rest of the cards.
Remove this card and two others showing the faces of all three plainly. Snap a rubber band round the three and in the process turn the packet over. Call the spirits into communion and finally reveal the message.
representing the same card. On one side write any message which may be appropriate to the occasion. Place this card in an ordinary pack, the unwritten side showing with the faces of the rest of the cards.
Remove this card and two others showing the faces of all three plainly. Snap a rubber band round the three and in the process turn the packet over. Call the spirits into communion and finally reveal the message.
The Improved Burned Card
ON THE bottom of a regular pack you have the AH and next to it a double-faced card, AH-KD with the KD side showing.
To begin, fan the pack and casually show the faces, keeping the AH at the bottom covered with your hand. Make the Hindu shuffle and force the AH as in the preceding trick. Put the two packets together and order the AH to turn over in the middle.
Spread the cards and show the AH side of the double-faced card. Remove it, keeping it face up and cut the pack at the point, bringing the real AH to the top. Place the double-faced card in an envelope, handling it always AH side up. Burn the envelope and the card and as they bum secretly reverse the AH on the top of the pack and pass it to the middle. Finally spread the pack on the table face up. One card is reversed in the middle. Turn it up and show the AH resurrected Phoenix-like from the flames.
To begin, fan the pack and casually show the faces, keeping the AH at the bottom covered with your hand. Make the Hindu shuffle and force the AH as in the preceding trick. Put the two packets together and order the AH to turn over in the middle.
Spread the cards and show the AH side of the double-faced card. Remove it, keeping it face up and cut the pack at the point, bringing the real AH to the top. Place the double-faced card in an envelope, handling it always AH side up. Burn the envelope and the card and as they bum secretly reverse the AH on the top of the pack and pass it to the middle. Finally spread the pack on the table face up. One card is reversed in the middle. Turn it up and show the AH resurrected Phoenix-like from the flames.
A Changing Card
A DOUBLE-FACED card, say AH-KD, is placed second from the
bottom in an ordinary pack, with the KD side as the back of the card and the real AH on the bottom of the pack.
Thus prepared, execute a riffle shuffle, leaving the two bottom cards as they were. Make the Hindu shuffle, asking anyone to call 'Stop' whenever the spirit moves him. At the word, lift up the packet in your right hand and show the AH. This force is quite convincing to laymen, as it appears that you have stopped at some indifferent card on command. Drop the packet on that in your left hand and order the AH to turn over. Spread the cards and the KD side of the double-faced card shows. Something has evidently gone wrong so you take out this KD, keeping it face up and cut at that point thus secretly bringing the AH to the top of the pack. Take out any two cards and put them face to face with the KD face up between them. Snap a rubber band round the three cards, turning them over in the process.
Order the recalcitrant AH to appear face up between the two cards and the KD to return to the pack. Remove the rubber band, the AH is between t them face up. Pick up the pack in your left hand and throw out the two unprepared cards to be examined. Make the bottom change, taking the unprepared AH from the top of the pack and throw it down.
Palm the double card from the bottom in your left hand and spread the pack face up showing the unprepared KD amongst the other cards. Pocket the double card.
bottom in an ordinary pack, with the KD side as the back of the card and the real AH on the bottom of the pack.
Thus prepared, execute a riffle shuffle, leaving the two bottom cards as they were. Make the Hindu shuffle, asking anyone to call 'Stop' whenever the spirit moves him. At the word, lift up the packet in your right hand and show the AH. This force is quite convincing to laymen, as it appears that you have stopped at some indifferent card on command. Drop the packet on that in your left hand and order the AH to turn over. Spread the cards and the KD side of the double-faced card shows. Something has evidently gone wrong so you take out this KD, keeping it face up and cut at that point thus secretly bringing the AH to the top of the pack. Take out any two cards and put them face to face with the KD face up between them. Snap a rubber band round the three cards, turning them over in the process.
Order the recalcitrant AH to appear face up between the two cards and the KD to return to the pack. Remove the rubber band, the AH is between t them face up. Pick up the pack in your left hand and throw out the two unprepared cards to be examined. Make the bottom change, taking the unprepared AH from the top of the pack and throw it down.
Palm the double card from the bottom in your left hand and spread the pack face up showing the unprepared KD amongst the other cards. Pocket the double card.
A Book Test
IN AN ordinary pack reverse the AH somewhere near the middle
between two spot cards, say a 5 and a 7. On the bottom of the pack you have a double-faced card with the AH side showing. Note beforehand and memorize the seventh word on the fifth page of a magazine or book that you have at hand.
To present the feat turn the pack over and remove the bottom card face up as the AH. Turn the pack face down and have this AH thrust into it face up, being careful that no one gets a glimpse of the other side. Now spread the pack and show the reversed card, the only back that shows, between the 5-spot and the 7-spot, turn the card and show it is the AH. Say that the 5-spot represents the page and the 7-spot the word which is to be read by psychic vision. Hand out the book or magazine to a spectator and proceed to get the memorized word in the usual hesitating fashion.
between two spot cards, say a 5 and a 7. On the bottom of the pack you have a double-faced card with the AH side showing. Note beforehand and memorize the seventh word on the fifth page of a magazine or book that you have at hand.
To present the feat turn the pack over and remove the bottom card face up as the AH. Turn the pack face down and have this AH thrust into it face up, being careful that no one gets a glimpse of the other side. Now spread the pack and show the reversed card, the only back that shows, between the 5-spot and the 7-spot, turn the card and show it is the AH. Say that the 5-spot represents the page and the 7-spot the word which is to be read by psychic vision. Hand out the book or magazine to a spectator and proceed to get the memorized word in the usual hesitating fashion.
New Card Monte
BEFOREHAND place in your right trousers pocket a double-faced card, AH-KD.
To begin the trick openly take from an unprepared pack the AH and the KD and place in spectator's side coat pocket. Remove the AH and put it in your right side trousers pocket under the KD side of the double-faced card. Ask the spectator which card is left in his pocket. 'The KD,' he replies. 'Correct,' you say and bring out the double card, the AH side showing. Put this card in his pocket as the AH, turn it and bring it out as the KD, putting it back in your trousers pocket.
Ask him which card is now in his pocket and he naturally says, 'The AH.' Bring the AH from your pocket and throw it on the table. He finds the KD in his pocket. The two cards are perfectly ordinary and the double card remains snugly in your pocket.
To begin the trick openly take from an unprepared pack the AH and the KD and place in spectator's side coat pocket. Remove the AH and put it in your right side trousers pocket under the KD side of the double-faced card. Ask the spectator which card is left in his pocket. 'The KD,' he replies. 'Correct,' you say and bring out the double card, the AH side showing. Put this card in his pocket as the AH, turn it and bring it out as the KD, putting it back in your trousers pocket.
Ask him which card is now in his pocket and he naturally says, 'The AH.' Bring the AH from your pocket and throw it on the table. He finds the KD in his pocket. The two cards are perfectly ordinary and the double card remains snugly in your pocket.
Double Reverse
REQUIRED. A double-faced card, one face representing say, a JC, the other the 10H. Place this card second from the bottom of the pack and the J and 10 to match on the top. Force these two cards. Fan the upper portion of the pack and have the two forced cards replaced, faces down, and in different places. Cut the pack somewhere underneath the lower of the two cards so that neither can show up at the bottom. Order one of the two cards to turn over; fan the cards and the double-card is revealed showing say the JC side. Take it out with your right hand, holding it with the J side upwards and being careful not to expose the lower side. Turn the pack face up on it and again cut the pack. If you now turn the cards face down and spread them, the 10H side is revealed and the second card has apparently reversed itself.
The Triangle Trick
BY WAY of showing the higher flights to which the use of double
cards may be put, a detailed description and explanation of this trick devised by David Devant, the great English magician, follows:
Having invited a gentleman to occupy a chair facing the audience the performer begins by calling attention to a complete pack of cards displayed on a blackboard on an easel and also to a quantity of wide ribbon. He removes the two top rows of cards, half the pack, drops them face downwards on a tray and asks the spectator to take them, cut the pack and put the halves together face to face and then to twist the center part of the ribbon several times around the cards. He then gives the two ends of the ribbon to two ladies seated at the extreme right and left of the front row, forming as he explains 'The Triangle' of which the spectator is the Apex. He removes the other half of the cards from the easel and puts them face up on the tray.
Each of the ladies is then asked to mentally select one card. This done he gathers up the cards and asks each lady to hold the packet in turn at the end of their ribbon and to wish the card thought of to leave the packet and go to the gentleman's at the Apex. The ladies name their cards, the packet is spread out and the cards are no longer in it. The spectator unwinds the ribbon from his packet and in it he finds the two cards mentally selected.
Method. A prepared pack, several yards of wide ribbon, an easel with a blackboard having four thin strips across it to hold the cards, a tray and a chair are required.
One half of the pack consists of double-faced cards, the cards on the backs being duplicates of the unprepared half of the pack. The cards are placed on the easel so that the two top rows are the ordinary cards, the two bottom rows are the double-faced cards. They overlap a little so that they can be picked up quickly. The performer takes off the two top rows, which the spectator puts into a faced packet and then winds the center part of the ribbon round it. The two ends of the ribbon are handed to the two ladies. He takes the two remaining rows from the easel and secretly turns them over in getting the tray, thus bringing the duplicates of the cards wrapped in ribbon into view. Each lady in turn is asked to merely think of one of these cards. He gathers up the cards, has each lady hold them to her end of the ribbon and as the cards are named he secretly turns the packet again. Naturally the two cards are no longer to be seen. Since duplicates of these cards have been in the packet wrapped in the ribbon all the time, the spectator on the stage finds them and the trick is brought to a successful end. In the meantime the performer has had ample opportunity to drop the double-faced cards into his pocket and bring out the twenty-six cards necessary to make up a complete pack. This he hands to the spectator for inspection.
cards may be put, a detailed description and explanation of this trick devised by David Devant, the great English magician, follows:
Having invited a gentleman to occupy a chair facing the audience the performer begins by calling attention to a complete pack of cards displayed on a blackboard on an easel and also to a quantity of wide ribbon. He removes the two top rows of cards, half the pack, drops them face downwards on a tray and asks the spectator to take them, cut the pack and put the halves together face to face and then to twist the center part of the ribbon several times around the cards. He then gives the two ends of the ribbon to two ladies seated at the extreme right and left of the front row, forming as he explains 'The Triangle' of which the spectator is the Apex. He removes the other half of the cards from the easel and puts them face up on the tray.
Each of the ladies is then asked to mentally select one card. This done he gathers up the cards and asks each lady to hold the packet in turn at the end of their ribbon and to wish the card thought of to leave the packet and go to the gentleman's at the Apex. The ladies name their cards, the packet is spread out and the cards are no longer in it. The spectator unwinds the ribbon from his packet and in it he finds the two cards mentally selected.
Method. A prepared pack, several yards of wide ribbon, an easel with a blackboard having four thin strips across it to hold the cards, a tray and a chair are required.
One half of the pack consists of double-faced cards, the cards on the backs being duplicates of the unprepared half of the pack. The cards are placed on the easel so that the two top rows are the ordinary cards, the two bottom rows are the double-faced cards. They overlap a little so that they can be picked up quickly. The performer takes off the two top rows, which the spectator puts into a faced packet and then winds the center part of the ribbon round it. The two ends of the ribbon are handed to the two ladies. He takes the two remaining rows from the easel and secretly turns them over in getting the tray, thus bringing the duplicates of the cards wrapped in ribbon into view. Each lady in turn is asked to merely think of one of these cards. He gathers up the cards, has each lady hold them to her end of the ribbon and as the cards are named he secretly turns the packet again. Naturally the two cards are no longer to be seen. Since duplicates of these cards have been in the packet wrapped in the ribbon all the time, the spectator on the stage finds them and the trick is brought to a successful end. In the meantime the performer has had ample opportunity to drop the double-faced cards into his pocket and bring out the twenty-six cards necessary to make up a complete pack. This he hands to the spectator for inspection.
Kings And Aces
FOUR double-faced cards--K's on one side, A's on the other-are
required. Place these cards in different parts of the pack but nearer the bottom than the top, with the A's showing with the faces of the other cards. Put the four genuine A's on the top of the pack.
Thus prepared, show the pack face upwards. Remark that you will use the four K's and the four A's and take out the real K's and the prepared A's, laying them down face upwards. As you draw attention to these cards make the half-pass, facing the pack, and bringing the four genuine A's to the lower end of it. Very openly put the four K's on the top of the pack one by one. Put the pack down. Borrow a hat. Take the four A's (the double-faced cards) show them again and put them on the table, covering them with the hat and turning them over in so doing. Pick up the pack, take off the four K's and show them once more, then replace them on the pack.
Order the cards to change places. Holding the pack in your left hand drop the hand to your side as you make a sweeping gesture towards the hat with your right hand. Bring your left hand up with its back upwards, the pack will be turned. Take off the four A's and show them, then lift the hat and display the four K's.
Under cover of this surprise right the pack, bringing the four unprepared K's to the top. Put the double-faced K's on top for a second but immediately palm them off in your right hand. With that hand pick up the A's and offer them and the pack for examination.
required. Place these cards in different parts of the pack but nearer the bottom than the top, with the A's showing with the faces of the other cards. Put the four genuine A's on the top of the pack.
Thus prepared, show the pack face upwards. Remark that you will use the four K's and the four A's and take out the real K's and the prepared A's, laying them down face upwards. As you draw attention to these cards make the half-pass, facing the pack, and bringing the four genuine A's to the lower end of it. Very openly put the four K's on the top of the pack one by one. Put the pack down. Borrow a hat. Take the four A's (the double-faced cards) show them again and put them on the table, covering them with the hat and turning them over in so doing. Pick up the pack, take off the four K's and show them once more, then replace them on the pack.
Order the cards to change places. Holding the pack in your left hand drop the hand to your side as you make a sweeping gesture towards the hat with your right hand. Bring your left hand up with its back upwards, the pack will be turned. Take off the four A's and show them, then lift the hat and display the four K's.
Under cover of this surprise right the pack, bringing the four unprepared K's to the top. Put the double-faced K's on top for a second but immediately palm them off in your right hand. With that hand pick up the A's and offer them and the pack for examination.
The Four Aces
THE plot of the trick is the usual one. Four A's are placed on a
table and three indifferent cards put on each. One pile is chosen, the A's vanish from the other three piles and all four are found in the pile selected. The use of double-faced cards makes the trick easy to work and very convincing.
Three special cards are required; double-faced A's of H, C and D, which show indifferent cards on the backs. To prepare the pack; turn it face upwards and put the double cards at intervals near the bottom with the A sides showing. Next place the regular AS between the second and third fake A's. The other three A's of the pack must lie seventh, eighth and ninth from the top.
Begin by turning the pack face up and remove four A's (three faked ones and the regular AS), and lay them face up on the table with the AS as the third card in the row. Be careful not to expose the lower side of the faked cards but you may flash the back of the real AS. From the top of the pack take off three cards, show the faces casually and put them face down on the first A. Take the next three cards, again give a slight flash of their faces and drop them on the second A. The next three cards, the three real A's, you take off and drop on the AS. Without showing the faces, and finally, take three more cards and drop them on the last A.
The third pile must now be forced. You may either use the old method of having the two piles touched, and then one pile-using the old take or leave equivoque--or you may ask for a number between one and four to be named. This leaves two and three the only possible numbers, either of which brings you to the required pile according to which end you begin the count from. In any case pile No. 3 is placed aside.
You order the A's to pass to the chosen heap with whatever hocus pocus you may affect. Pick up the first pile with your right hand, the three top cards face down and the fake A up. Raise the hand, push the top card off and throw it face up on the table with a quick turn of the wrist. Raise the hand again but this time push out the fake A with the fingers and throw it A side down on top of the first card. Continue without hesitation by throwing the next card as you did the first, One card, an indifferent one, remains in your hand; turn it face upwards quickly, snap it with your fingers, showing it freely and drop it on the others. The A has vanished.
Proceed in exactly the same way with the other two piles, but vary the throw of the fake card with each pile. It is advisable to throw the cards all in one heap and drop the pack face up on them after the throw of the last card.
Finally turn the chosen pile face up and show the four A's.
table and three indifferent cards put on each. One pile is chosen, the A's vanish from the other three piles and all four are found in the pile selected. The use of double-faced cards makes the trick easy to work and very convincing.
Three special cards are required; double-faced A's of H, C and D, which show indifferent cards on the backs. To prepare the pack; turn it face upwards and put the double cards at intervals near the bottom with the A sides showing. Next place the regular AS between the second and third fake A's. The other three A's of the pack must lie seventh, eighth and ninth from the top.
Begin by turning the pack face up and remove four A's (three faked ones and the regular AS), and lay them face up on the table with the AS as the third card in the row. Be careful not to expose the lower side of the faked cards but you may flash the back of the real AS. From the top of the pack take off three cards, show the faces casually and put them face down on the first A. Take the next three cards, again give a slight flash of their faces and drop them on the second A. The next three cards, the three real A's, you take off and drop on the AS. Without showing the faces, and finally, take three more cards and drop them on the last A.
The third pile must now be forced. You may either use the old method of having the two piles touched, and then one pile-using the old take or leave equivoque--or you may ask for a number between one and four to be named. This leaves two and three the only possible numbers, either of which brings you to the required pile according to which end you begin the count from. In any case pile No. 3 is placed aside.
You order the A's to pass to the chosen heap with whatever hocus pocus you may affect. Pick up the first pile with your right hand, the three top cards face down and the fake A up. Raise the hand, push the top card off and throw it face up on the table with a quick turn of the wrist. Raise the hand again but this time push out the fake A with the fingers and throw it A side down on top of the first card. Continue without hesitation by throwing the next card as you did the first, One card, an indifferent one, remains in your hand; turn it face upwards quickly, snap it with your fingers, showing it freely and drop it on the others. The A has vanished.
Proceed in exactly the same way with the other two piles, but vary the throw of the fake card with each pile. It is advisable to throw the cards all in one heap and drop the pack face up on them after the throw of the last card.
Finally turn the chosen pile face up and show the four A's.
Sundry
A DOUBLE-FACED card may be used in the 'Rising Card Trick',
with the wrong face showing as it comes up. It is then changed to the right card by pressing the hand over it, that is by turning it round under cover of the hand.
A double-spot card, say a 5-7 may be shown as a 7 first and then changed to the right card by apparently rubbing two spots off, simply by turning the card under cover.
with the wrong face showing as it comes up. It is then changed to the right card by pressing the hand over it, that is by turning it round under cover of the hand.
A double-spot card, say a 5-7 may be shown as a 7 first and then changed to the right card by apparently rubbing two spots off, simply by turning the card under cover.
The Spotter Cards
PLACE a double-faced card, say a 7-5, fifth from the bottom of
the regular pack, with the 5 side to show amongst the backs of the other cards. Riffle shuffle without altering the bottom packet and not exposing the fake card. Fan the cards face up to show them well mixed and have one freely chosen. The card is noted and then placed on the top of the pack and buried by one complete cut.
Order a card to reverse itself in the pack to indicate the position of the chosen card. Spread the cards and show the reversed card, i.e. the 5-spot side of the fake card. Count down five cards and show the selected card. In the same way you can spell the spectator's name to find his card.
the regular pack, with the 5 side to show amongst the backs of the other cards. Riffle shuffle without altering the bottom packet and not exposing the fake card. Fan the cards face up to show them well mixed and have one freely chosen. The card is noted and then placed on the top of the pack and buried by one complete cut.
Order a card to reverse itself in the pack to indicate the position of the chosen card. Spread the cards and show the reversed card, i.e. the 5-spot side of the fake card. Count down five cards and show the selected card. In the same way you can spell the spectator's name to find his card.
U Can't Do As I Do
FAN out five cards face up, a double-faced card being placed
second from the right-hand end. Hand a spectator any five cards and tell him to do exactly what you do. Close the cards together faces up. Put the top card on the bottom of the packet face down; top card to bottom face up; top card to bottom face down. Spread your cards and show three cards face up, two cards backs up. Spectator spreads his and they are in the same position. Compliment him. Close up the packets again. Place the top card on the bottom face down; turn the top card face down; turn the cards over and spread them-yours are all face up while the spectator's cards show one card reversed.
Again the spectator does exactly the same as you and again he has one card face down while yours are all face up.
second from the right-hand end. Hand a spectator any five cards and tell him to do exactly what you do. Close the cards together faces up. Put the top card on the bottom of the packet face down; top card to bottom face up; top card to bottom face down. Spread your cards and show three cards face up, two cards backs up. Spectator spreads his and they are in the same position. Compliment him. Close up the packets again. Place the top card on the bottom face down; turn the top card face down; turn the cards over and spread them-yours are all face up while the spectator's cards show one card reversed.
Again the spectator does exactly the same as you and again he has one card face down while yours are all face up.
The Funny Pack
IN YOUR upper left waistcoat pocket have a blank card, playing-card size, and in right trousers pocket a double-faced card, AH-KD for instance. Borrow a pack and palm the fake card on to it, AH face to show with the other faces. Run through the faces and show there are two AH. Turn the pack over and run over the backs, showing the KD face up, i.e. the faked card. Take this out and in pretending to put it in your waistcoat pocket, palm it and pull up the blank card already in the pocket just enough to show the white edge.
Finally have the pack examined, it is quite regular with one AH and one KD. Take out the card from your waistcoat and show it is simply a blank visiting card.
Finally have the pack examined, it is quite regular with one AH and one KD. Take out the card from your waistcoat and show it is simply a blank visiting card.
Hat And Card Change
REQUIRED. a double-faced card, say AH-KD. Put this on the
bottom of a regular pack showing the AH face, next to it place the unprepared KD and in the middle of the pack, reversed, put the AH.
Begin by taking off the two bottom cards, showing their faces and drop them into the hat. Remove the double-faced card as the KD and vanish by means of a card box, by melting it in a glass of water, or any other way you fancy. Then show that the KD has returned to the hat while the AH has left it and is now reversed in the pack.
bottom of a regular pack showing the AH face, next to it place the unprepared KD and in the middle of the pack, reversed, put the AH.
Begin by taking off the two bottom cards, showing their faces and drop them into the hat. Remove the double-faced card as the KD and vanish by means of a card box, by melting it in a glass of water, or any other way you fancy. Then show that the KD has returned to the hat while the AH has left it and is now reversed in the pack.
Double-Faced Cards
THIS particular principle has not received the attention it
deserves from modern card men. Apart from the trick of passing four K's from a hat back to the pack, and vice versa, which was handed down by Hoffmann from prehistoric times of magic, there are but few tricks with double-faced cards ever seen nowadays. Most of the following are due to the ingenuity of Mr. U. F. Grant, the well-known magician and magic dealer. For higher flights of magic to which double-faced cards may be applied the student is strongly advised to study Hofzinser's Card Conjuring, translated by S. H. Sharpe.
deserves from modern card men. Apart from the trick of passing four K's from a hat back to the pack, and vice versa, which was handed down by Hoffmann from prehistoric times of magic, there are but few tricks with double-faced cards ever seen nowadays. Most of the following are due to the ingenuity of Mr. U. F. Grant, the well-known magician and magic dealer. For higher flights of magic to which double-faced cards may be applied the student is strongly advised to study Hofzinser's Card Conjuring, translated by S. H. Sharpe.
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