Editor’s note : These four aces effects probably will be coming out when
all of us have passed to the “happy summer land” in search of the perfect
audience. But, for a “none sleight” and practical club or stage method,
we have never run across an idea to compare with that following. We
respectfully submit it for the consideration of readers as a real good thing.
While not differing radically from the orthodox Ace routines, this method
will truly baffle most observing audiences, and it features several point
which have been the bugaboo of all previous versions.
The four Aces are withdrawn openly from the pack and placed in a face
out row on any kind of easel for audience perspective. Twelve other cards
are dealt from the pack, placing three cards face down upon each Ace,
overlapping so that the Ace is partly visible. A spectator is invited to assist
and is asked to name aloud any one of the visible Aces. This is absolutely
a free choice. This Ace and its three accompanying cards are sealed in
an examined envelope and given to the spectator to hold. The remaining
Aces with their adjacent cards are gathered into one heap, and, sealed in
another envelope, are retained by the performer. The magical words are
spoken, the mystic passes made, and the invisible flight takes place. The
performer’s envelope is found to contain twelve indifferent cards – the
spectator’s envelope contains the four Aces – and everything is left clean,
the deck being one of 52 cards and usable in following numbers.
The requirements are 12 Aces (three sets of fours) one pack of regular
cards (also including Aces), three business envelopes, and a pencil. From
the pack remove any 12 indifferent cards. Reverse face up every fourth
card and seal this packet into an envelope. Mark the face with a large
figure “2” and put into your inside coat pocket.
The twelve Aces are arranged on top of the pack in their proper order for
dealing. This order depends upon the arrangement of the four Aces placed
in a face out row on the easel. If the order, from left ro right (facing them),
were to be H-C-D-S, the top three Aces on the deck would be C-D-S; the
next three H-D-S, the next three H-C-S; the last three H-C-D. The four
Aces belonging to the deck are scattered through the lower part.
Two unprepared envelopes are shown and the deck removed from its case.
7
Fanning it face outward, it is run through and the four Aces removed as
they are reached and placed face outward on the easel (in correct order,
of course). The deck is given a dovetail shuffle (retaining the top twelve)
as the statement is made that each Ace shall be given three cards for
company. Openly three are now dealt face down onto each Ace, leaving
half of each face out Ace visible.
The freely selected heap is placed, without reversing the Ace, in one
envelope, and the performer marks it with a large figure “1”. It is given
to the spectator to also initial and then put in his pocket. The remaining
heaps are gathered by yourself (leaving the Aces facing oppositely to the
others) and placed in the second envelope. Mark this with a large “2” and
say “I will place this envelope in my pocket as you have done. Oh I beg
your pardon, I forgot to have you initial my envelope.” And with those
words you have put the envelope in your pocket, and IMMEDIATELY
come out with the other envelope marked “2” for the spectator’s initials.
After the initialing, as another thought, the envelope is placed in the outer
breast pocket and the spectator asked to do the same with his so that the
audience may see the flight of the cards. As the working of the trick is
done, the climax depends upon the individual performer. The “2” envelope
is opened and twelve indifferent cards found. The three reversed cards
are seen to have changed (this is a cute part), and when the spectator’s
envelope is opened, the four Aces are found together.
Everything is cleaned. The envelopes may be tossed out, and the deck is
now a complete one of 52 cards. There has been no forcing at any time,
no indirect actions, and no sleights.