A while back we had a regular feature where we would pose an idea for a trick and then ask readers for their ideas on how the trick could be accomplished.
It was a bad idea but a good idea at the same time. Bad because it exposed magic secrets and good because it started a conversation about the types of techniques to accomplish the effect.
The concept was inspired (stolen) from the ACAAN challenge that has puzzled and inspired magicians for years. We can’t claim that today’s challenge will cause such inspiration or education in the thinking and logistical planning needed to bring about such a revolution in card magic, but it couldn’t hurt.
The notion that something may have no positive effect for anyone “but couldn’t hurt,” is ridiculous. Many things don’t hurt but promote not a scintilla of social or even personal value. Plus, the term “couldn’t hurt” doesn’t seem to mean anything more than physical pain. What about the emotional impact or economic devastation suffered by the proponent of this philosophy? We throw this out for something to ponder. It isn’t essential to the post but it couldn’t hurt.
Here’s the concept. It will be non-changeable — just like the original ACAAN challenge.
Effect: A magician has a spectator (no stooges permitted) select a card from a deck of cards held in the magician’s hands. The spectator is asked if she is satisfied with the selection or if there was any other card in the whole world she could have selected, what would that card be. She names the alternative card. The magician hands her the deck and it is turned over revealing that every card in the remaining pack is the card she would have rather selected.
Conditions:
- The deck from which the first card is selected must appear to be the same deck used throughout the effect (this allows for a deck switch but under seemingly impossible conditions).
- The deck must not be gimmicked in any manner.
- The card selected must be different in image from the other faces of the cards shown.
Non-Conditions (Not Required):
- The trick does not need to be repeatable for the same audience.
- The trick does not need to require knuckle-busting moves.
- The trick must not be a currently available effect.
- The trick does not need to have a cutesy or vulgar name.
To keep secrecy, please send your thoughts and solutions and questions to mystery@insidemagic.com. We will announce in 30 days whether there has been progress on the solution. You, the inventor or innovator of the solution will get full credit and we claim no IP rights to any aspect of the effect. We will be happy to provide endorsements of the trick if you decide to market it.
Send your solutions or questions now to mystery@insidemagic.com. All submissions will be kept in the most confidential conditions.
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