Over 15 years ago a method on the order of the following was sold by Larry Gray through the columns of The Sphinx. This method of handling, however, adds a little surprise, and gives the onlooker a little something else to think about than the actual trick.
Use any deck, and have the spectator give them a thorough mixing. Fan for a selection, which is perfectly free. The card is put back, and, in any way suitable to the individual performer, it is brought to the top or the bottom. At this point, the card is only glimpsed and the deck handed to the spectator, as an afterthought, so he can shuffle. Taking the deck back, and secretly knowing the card, you fan through the cards face up, and remark “As I go through the deck I want you to note your card is still there somewhere. Don’t stop me or let anyone know what or where it is. Just be satisfied that I didn’t take it out in any way before you shuffled.”
As you are talking along you watch for the card as the cards go by. When it comes along, you keep right on but start counting with the selected card and spell its full name. The moment you have spelled its name; you note the card you have finished spelling on and do the same thing over with that card. When you reach the end of the deck, just start over again and finish the spell. The spectator will quickly tell you he has seen it after the first run and before you’ve gone far on the second. Just cut the deck at the spot where you finish the second spell.
Now explain that he is to do the rest himself, and that any card can be found merely by spelling. The performer continues “Take any card, for instance the Six of Spades (naming the second card spelled). You just deal the cards one at a time and spell the name. On the last card you turn it over, and there it is.” As you have spelled out the name of the card mentioned, it shows up. Drop it back on top of the pack, drop the pack on the dealt off cards, give them to the spectator. He names his chosen card and spells. He’ll afterwards swear he shuffled and kept the cards always.
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