Quite some time ago I developed an effect of this type. It was accepted as being "good" and at the time I had a lot of fun with it in front of magicians and card men. Later I worked out the following in order that I could present the problem in front of a group rather than before very few at a card table. Anyone is asked forward to stand on your right. He looks over the deck to see that it is well mixed and you explain that he is to have five of the cards in his side…
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…
In too many effects, the surprise element is missing, the audience knowing beforehand that the selected card will be found one way or another, or that the handkerchief, when poked into the fist will disappear or change color. This idea is unusual in that it isn't done as a trick, but as an "in-between" or "interlude" to other presentations. It seems as strange to the performer as to the audience, but the effect is made greater in their minds because the performer passes it off as something strange that happens with his cards everytime he leaves them alone for a…
I may be hung in effigy for running this trick, but it certainly will prove whether or not people read the sheet. It has been in my black notebook since around 1928 or 1929, and in those days I didn't have enough sense to jot down dates and names the way I do now in order to prevent mayhem upon myself. If this is read by the one who told it to me, or if it is seen by the originator (who may have been the one), I hope they drop me a line because my chief aim is to…
I don't know where Mr James got his title for this mystery, but anytime anyone can produce such a problem I'll be the last to argue over what it is to be called. Certainly no concocted effect has in years been so original in effect upon the watchers. I have used the problem any number of times since learning it, and I have yet to find people who aren't amazed at the outcome. I won't go into any reason why it works because of limits in space, but it does work, and that's about the most important thing. The performer…
One of the many variations in card spelling, but with a different twist, is the following. Set your deck by having all cards that spell with twelve letters on top. There are 14 of them in all: the 4-5-9-J-K of Hearts and Spades, and the 3-7-8-Q of Clubs. Above these put four indifferent cards. Hand the deck to a spectator with the request that while your back is turned he is to count off any number, say up to a dozen, in one pile. You direct him to pocket these for the moment and deal another pile of the same…
In this one man magical program for clubs and homes there are seven effects, although The Itinerant Dollar trick runs a little longer than the others and makes use of practically three different tricks. The routine, as a whole, runs about twenty-five minutes and is effective for an audience of 10 to 250 people. Necessary adjuncts are as follows : One rubber novelty cigarette.One bag of tobacco.One package of cigarette papers.A cigarette lighter.One genuine cigarette.One unopened pack of cigarettes.A cigarette pull.Three prepared dollar bills.One wallet for the Card in Wallet trick.Some business size envelopes.2 pieces of waxed paper about 3…
Rather unique is this reversal of a chosen card in that it also is combined with a version of the 'card to the top' effect. The working will be described along with the effect. A double backed card to match the deck is used. Place this double backed card on top of the pack and have a card selected. Undercut about half of the pack, have the chosen pasteboard replaced on top of the deck, and cover with the undercut lower half. At this point the chosen card, with double backer directly under it, must be brought to the top.…
Many versions of the You Do As I Do effect have come to my attention but so far all have used two decks. In this arrangement only one deck is used and but a moment is needed for the preparation, if it can be called that. Take any deck and note the two face cards as you hold them facing you. These should be preferably a red and black card. Run through the deck and pass to the top or back of the pack the two cards of same value and color. Thus, for example, the top and bottom cards…
In this force, the moves are so natural and to the point that even you, yourself will, at times, wonder at its working. Take any pack and, noting the bottom card, overhand shuffle it to the top. Or, if you wish, use any peek so as to know the top card. Again, if you are using your own deck and intend forcing some particular card, have that card a short one so you can put it on top when ready. Hold the deck face down in the left hand between the thumb on one side and the fingers on the…