Mr. Magician: I earnestly beg of you to give this effect just one trial; I am firmly convinced that you will then continue to finish your act with this one effect; it is fast and snappy. The full action takes just two minutes and the climax is one that enables the performer to make his exit to much applause. That is the reason why this card effect has such a name; I have been using it now for three seasons as a finish to my act, whether on stage, platform or cabaret. APPLAUSE is not difficult; it does not begin…
"Before you think," says the performer, "I'll write something for you --- something that may occur in the near future --- an event, or happening over which I can have no possible control." And that is a general opening remark to a type of trick which has been ever popular with both mystery workers and audiences. The prophecy of occurrence --- whether it is a number to be thought of, a word to be pictured, or a playing card to be chosen. I'm not going to attempt a history of this work. It might come later to be included in…