Around 1925 Hugh Mackay published his tome, Classical Conjuring,
in which was a new and novel two person telepathic effect using the four
aces from any deck. I made a notation at the time, and subsequently used
the effect whenever the opportunity arose. Mr Mackay’s method made
necessary the learning of 24 different arrangements in conjunction with
two key cards (from the rest of the deck) for each. This way is extremely
simple, yet the effect is still worked, and very different in theme from
other such problems.
The lady assistant retires to another room with a spectator as a guard. Any
pack of cards is used and handed to someone who removes the 4 aces.
They mix the aces, and lay them, or stand them, in a face out row in any
order. Lastly they turn over (so that the backs are outward), either the
two red aces, or the two black aces. The audience having noted down the
position of each ace in the row, and th e color reversed, a spectator mixes
them up and leaves them on the table. The lady now returns blindfolded,
which is removed at the table, after the performer is put under guard.
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The lady immediately carries out the exact movements which took place
while she was absent.
The whole thing is pure presentation plus the fingernail bump. If you
hold a card between tips of forefinger and thumb, and with the nail of the
forefinger, press sharply against the card over the ball of thumb, a slight
bump is raised which can be instantly detected by passing a thumb or
finger over the surface of the pasteboard.
I advise having the cards stood against something rather than laid on the
table. All can see the row better, and it makes it easier for you. After the
row has been placed in the desired position by the spectator and the color
reversed, you ask someone to jot down the order as they stand. You pick
up the first, saying “Clubs” (or whatever it is), and toss it to the table.
Repeat with the rest, and finally mention for notation the color which
was reversed. You only have to nick three cards. And it doesn’t matter
whether the card is facing one way or another as the three marks can’t get
mixed. The first card’s bump is anywhere along the end, on the second
it is somewhere around the center, and on the third it is anywhere along
the side. The fourth needn’t be marked. After all notes have been made,
you ask someone to go out and call in the lady, after mixing the cards.
If you sent out a lady, the reversed color has been black; if a gentleman,
red. If you are working before only one sex, arrange with your partner
beforehand which of two people you’ll send.
The lady returns, picks up the aces, look them over, puts up the second or
third ace, then another, another, and finally moves one and puts the other
between, all of which builds the effect of concentration and uncertainty.
Lastly she turns over the correct pair of colors.
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