In the January 1937 Jinx #28, was an effect (The Secret Order of The Aces) for which this, to follow, is quite a perfect follow up. It bears a similarity, but its general appearance is different, and the conditions are strict, which will effectively throw off any thoughts an audience may secretly have about the first trick. The performer asks that his assistant, or medium, remove herself to a distant room for a few minutes. He now asks that any deck be shuffled and well mixed. Remarking that he will not touch the cards even once, the performer then asks…
Counting fifteen cards onto the hand of a spectator, the conjuror asks him to recount them, to verify the number. To prevent mistakes, the conjuror again counts on the spectator's hand, requesting that two cards be handed to him from the pile. They are vanished and reappear among the spectator's cards which are counted once more. This effect is repeated, and finally the fifteen are vanished and found in the helper's pocket ! It is all in the count, so to speak. To commence, at a suitable time slip fifteen cards into somebody's outside coat pocket. This is comparatively easy…
The performer shows two packs of cards. One pack has red backs and the other has blue. From the red pack a card is freely selected. The performer takes a bunch of about a dozen cards from the pack and the selected card is replaced among them. A rubber band is placed around the packet and it is set in full view in a clip on the table. The same procedure is then adopted with the blue backed pack. A card is chosen and replaced in a small group of a dozen cards. These are also fastened with a rubber…
Just a few days before this writing, I was talking to Jean Hugard, and he mentioned as a favorite of his, the thought of card to pocket effect, an impromptu masterpiece of subtlety. I recollected the presentation I've always given it, with actually performing it three times in a row for two different spectators. Jean suggested that I write it up for The Jinx but I explained that there was nothing much original about it all except the routine of three. My respect for Jean's ability and knowledge always makes me bow low to his views and suggestions, so it…
Using two decks of cards, one is handed to the subject and the other kept by the performer. The performer shuffles and so does the subject. The performer now covers his deck with a handkerchief and the spectator cuts off a portion by lifting them through the cloth. The card below this cut is laid aside or given to another person. Turn about is fair play, so the spectator now is asked to cover his deck with the handkerchief. The performer cuts off a portion and the spectator himself removes the card below the cut and places it with the…
Having a spectator name aloud any card in the deck, the performer removes it, shows it, and proceeds to punch a quarter inch hole in the top edge. It is shown both front and back and then hung, back out, and by the hole, on a pinhead in the lapel of performer's coat. Taking another card as his own, the performer shows it first and punches TWO holes in the top edge. This card he likewise hangs from a pin head in the opposite lapel. Upon command the two cards apparently change places for now the spectator's freely named card…
Once in a while a really good effect pops up and is found to be different in its psychological appearance to an audience. There isn't any definite part of this that is new or original except for the dress. Dr Jacob Daley first told me of the general effect using playing cards for both spectators used. Al Baker then came along with the idea of illustrating to one person how the slip should be torn for burning, and getting information in this ingeniously ordinary way. Finally, after using the stunt for a dozen or more times as an impromptu item,…
Most of the tricks along this line use only one spectator and the performer. Now it is possible to use two spectators for a double effect. Two ordinary decks are needed. The working will suffice to make clear the effect itself. Hand one deck to one spectator and have him shuffle. As he finishes this, hand the second deck to the other person to mix also. While he shuffles, take back the first deck and give it a further mixing while obviously waiting for the second person to finish. You note both the top and bottom cards of your pack.…
Both this trick and the one to follow, make use of new angles with a two kind force deck. I say that now for those who may not wish to go further. I've used both, before magical gatherings, at one time or another, and it's only because they puzzled that I'm sold on them. As to the propriety of using such decks, I won't argue. In the first effect, you advance on the unsuspecting spectators, and have someone cut the deck anywhere they like and remove the top card of lower half. A person near them is asked to take…
Editor's note: I can't offer any apologies for bringing out again what I have considered one of the best combination trick decks extant. Nearly 15 years ago it could be obtained for $3.50, and I have reason to believe that not many were released. Today it is unknown, in no book, and an excellent routine has been dormant long enough. A Super-Clever Creation in Cardology is this, and it allows the following experiments to be performed without skill, practice, or long study. Nothing but the cards are needed, there are no duplicates, no markings, no pasted cards, no sleights, the…