I thought for quite a while before deciding to release this secret because I've used it a lot for press work and the effect is absolutely original. I had it listed as a dollar trick should I ever let it go, but Spring has made me weak so here it is. Pick out a friend from the telephone book. Count down and remember its position from the top of its column. Make 26 one inch square cards containing letters of the alphabet. Make 25 more all containing the first letter of the friend's last name. Put the 26 duplicate letters…
A most unusual test that can be introduced into a program at any time is one which needs no preparation in one version and but a little in another. It is one of those tricks that can be done before practically any sized audience and it is just as effective if presented for a single person. Professional performers know only too well how rare and hard to find such an effect is. The first version is impromptu with any cards that may be borrowed. The performer states that what he is about to do must not be confused with card…
Here is a nice card effect for club programs and one that will be found different from the usual run of card tricks. The performer has at hand a deck of cards, a ticket punch, and a two yard length of half inch ribbon threaded to a large darning needle. A spectator freely selects a card and the performer hands him the ticket punch with the request that he punch a hole near one of the four corners. The card is now returned to the center of the deck and shuffled. Picking a card from the top of the deck,…
This effect, while a complete number in itself, makes possible two things heretofore considered impossible. Using a P&L metal card box you can actually change one or two cards and leave the rest unchanged. Secondly you can change cards that have been initialed. Two decks are used in the effect. One has a red back and the other is blue. Taking the blue deck the performer removes a card which he openly shows and has a spectator initial. Picking up a metal card box, the performer places the card face up within where it is fairly seen by all. Now…
Historical is the trick wherein the spectator is apparently made to name a card placed face down by the performer and in answer to his queries as to colors, suits and values. The main fault of course, is the constant variance in using or discarding the selection made each time. The layout I'm using for these presentations came to light through Walter B. Gibson except for the handling of the third layout of three which I think original. I included it in my compilation of Forces but it is not a very good force method because it is a long…
In The Jinx #5 for February 1935 there appeared two methods for performing an effect popularly labeled The Lie Detective. A spectator would read through a genuinely shuffled deck, lying at any time instead of calling the card correctly, whereupon the performer, at a distance and with back turn, would wax furious at such deception. Mr Christ approached me later with what he considers a better presentation and climax in the eyes of the audience. I quite agree that this present effect will hold attention to the finish whereas in the former case (it's still a good one) there was…
I have a nice version of the sympathetic cards that allows it being performed before a goodly sized audience. It has enough flash to it in the working to interest the ones not participating and certainly the selection of the cards from their decks (especially the second) couldn't be fairer in appearance. It all boils down to two forces - of the same card - from two decks. When at a private party or club it may be possible to borrow one of the two decks, all of which helps in the build-up and after effect. Using a small stand…
Should I merely say "force" a card anymore when describing a trick, guns would roar and moans be heard for a long time (that's because I suffer easily and to excess). Not satisfied with my head bending efforts when I put together 202 Methods of Forcing the customers wreck vengeance upon me everytime I mention 'force' and do not include a variation or new twist to those that have gone before. With that trite excuse I reveal an honest-to-goodness pet of mine and one that I've used constantly for nearly three years. It's only a combination of two known principles…
This is the simplest of the simple in method but a moment's thought followed by an actual tryout will show its effectiveness. Use two ordinary slates and a stacked deck. After a card effect using the deck if desired, state that you will prove beyond doubt that a card's identity can be transmitted by thought alone. Spread the deck face down on the table or floor. A spectator freely takes any card he wishes and allows no one to see it. He is told that if his selection is a picture or face card to return it and take another…
This effect is totally new from the audience's point of view and that is something to be looked for in this day when effects are pretty difficult to evolve. The performer states that very few people have a retentive mind and remember what they actually see. He states that in every accident case, there are contradictory stories about what actually happened. To prove his point he takes a deck from its case and shuffles. Passing to a spectator and holding the deck very openly and fairly on his left hand he asks this party to lift up the corner and…