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The Effect

They Say:
The performer spreads out a deck of cards displaying all the cards before the spectator. He gives the deck a shuffle and than allows the spectator to reshuffle the deck several times. The deck is returned to the performer who mixes the cards once again.

The spectator is fully satisfied that there is no way any of the cards can be in any specific order, etc. The performer now hands the spectator a sealed envelope to place in his pocket. He then instructs the spectator to deal off cards, stopping when ever he has the mind to. The stopped-at card is set aside and the prediction envelope is opened by the spectator. It contains one single card. When the selected card is turned over it is found to match the prediction!

This really is simple as pie. Comes complete with cards, envelope and complete instructions. Will fool the guys at the club as well as any audience.


I say:
In fact, the prediction envelope can be given to the spectator before they have even touched the deck of cards. They can keep the prediction the whole time before shuffling etc. And there's no switch!


Cost
$20 from Collectors' Workshop
http://www.vikingmagiccompany.com/?nd=full&key=435


Difficulty
(1=easy to do, 2=No sleights, but not so easy, 3=Some sleights used,
4=Advanced sleights used, 5=Suitable for experienced magicians only)

1 to 2. Really very easy but a little, low level, shuffling skill is helpful.


Review

I bought this years ago and only recently rediscovered it in a storage box, I had completely forgotten what a great little trick it is! I had a quick practise and showed it to my 17 year old son (another keen magic hobbyist) this morning and completely baffled him with it (which is very rare!).

This uses one of the oldest and most used and abused principles in card magic in a refreshingly clever way. The spectator really does keep the prediction envelope for the whole routine and there is no switch, he really does shuffle the cards himself and he really can deal the cards himself. The whole routine seems completely fair and very clean, to some people it must seem... well... impossible!

Although the trick does use a gaffed deck (supplied), it can be handled by the spectator without much fear of discovery. The spectator is even encouraged to go through the deck, before the routine starts, to remove the Jokers thus reinforcing its fairness. At the end of the trick you are left with a deck that could, after a move or two, be used for other routines thus increasing its practicality.

This is far from new to the market but I was pleased to see that it is still being sold today and at, I believe, a pretty reasonable price (certainly by CW standards anyway!).

Overall
You'll chuckle when you see the method!
Recommended 8/10