Of all the bare-face swindles to cross my path in many moons, I consider this original effect of Mr. Solomon’s worthy of the highest award. I only fear the reader will think it all too simple and not give due consideration to the effect upon the witnesses. I think it to be the acme of parlor and drawing-room conceptions.

Presentation

The performer has a deck of cards, a gummed sticker, a pencil, and paper. He starts by taking a card from the deck, for instance, the Two of Diamonds, on the face of which he makes a notation and covers the writing with the sticker by its edges. Asking someone for their initials, they are written on the sticker, and the card is placed face down on the table.

Fanning the deck, a spectator selects and pockets a card. Placing the deck on the table, the performer leaves the room and directs the proceedings remotely.

Someone is asked to call out a number from 5 to 50. Whatever the number, they count down to that position and remember the card. The performer then instructs them to shuffle the deck again and write the card’s name on a piece of paper.

Another spectator names a random card, which is also written down. A fourth person selects three numbers from 1 to 100 and writes them below the card names.

The performer reenters the room and ensures all instructions were followed. He turns over the stickered card and lays two more cards face down. The first spectator names their selected card, which is then revealed correctly. The second card is turned over, matching the randomly named card. The performer then correctly names the card in the spectator’s pocket.

Finally, the sum of the three chosen numbers is revealed to match a hidden prediction under the sticker. The deck is shown to be complete with all 52 cards.

Method

The trick relies on two stacked decks, secret writing, and clever handling. The magician keeps a duplicate deck in his pocket, mirroring the order of the deck in play. A key card is forced, and while out of the room, the magician secretly notes and prepares the predictions.

Upon returning, the performer adds secretly palmed cards onto the deck, ensuring the revelations align with the spectators’ choices. The final number prediction is written in advance and hidden under the sticker. After the reveal, the deck appears normal and complete.

The effect leaves audiences stunned, as the predictions and revelations seem impossible, making it a powerful routine.