The Marvel Deck

By Richard Robinson The magician takes out a deck of cards and shows that sticking out of the deck are two slips of paper. He explains that one slip of paper has a prediction on it, the other is blank. Removing the slips of paper, he has a spectator select one and moves it to one side. Taking the deck of cards, he asks the spectator to select a card, memorize its value and then return it to the deck. Fanning the deck the magician explains he is going to show the cards to a second spectator but he doesn't want the spectator to remember a card, just let all the cards pass by his vision. Closing the deck, the magician takes the other slip of paper and writes a prediction on it. The magician now asks the second spectator to cut the deck into two piles. He places both predictions on top of one pile and places the remainder of the deck on top of the predictions. Moving away from the deck, the magician tells the second spectator to lift the top of the deck to see what card he cut to and to name the card out loud. He then asks the first spectator to name his card, then open and read both predictions. When the spectator reads out the predictions, they name the two selected cards. Props Two slips of paper, a pen and a deck of cards. Setup

The deck is separated into two stacks, 26 cards of odd numbered diamonds and hearts and even numbered spades and clubs, 26 cards of the even diamonds and hearts and odd spades and clubs. With the deck stacked in this manner it is impossible for the spectators to notice at a glance that the cards are in any discernible order. Note the bottom card of the deck and write a prediction naming that card. Place the two prediction slips on top of the bottom 26 card stack and the other stack on top of the predictions. Handling

The cards are removed from the case and cut to show the two folded slips of paper. The papers are put on the table, a break is held between top and bottom stock. Cut above or below the break depending on the stock the card is selected from and returned to. Fan the deck to discover which card is out of place in the stack. Top stock goes on the table, the two paper slips go on it, then the bottom stock is placed on the papers. The spectator lifts the top stock to view the card he cut to.

Presentation Remove the deck from the case, pointing out the two slips in the middle of the deck. Take the top stock off and let the two slips drop on the table, keeping track of which is the blank slip. Return the top stock, holding a break with the little finger between the top and bottom stock. Ask the spectator to point to a slip. Whichever one they point to, move it to one side as if the action means something. Fan the deck and have the spectator select a card. It the card is selected from the top 26 cards, square the cards, releasing the break and cutting below the break for the spectator to replace the card. If the selection is made from the bottom 26 cards, cut above the break for the return of the card. False shuffle if you care to, then fan the cards out for the second spectator to glance at. Actually, you're fanning the cards so you can see which card doesn't belong in the top or bottom stacks, but since this stack is so deceptive the action of running it by the spectator can be done without concern. Close the deck, and write the name of the odd card in the stack on the blank prediction slip. Have the second spectator cut the deck into two piles. Place the two predictions on the pile that was the top of the deck. Place the bottom pile slightly cross-wise on the predictions. Step away. Very briefly explain how you make your predictions on Tuesdays or when there is a full moon, then ask the spectator to lift the cards above the prediction and announce the card he 'cut to.' Have the predictions read, then shuffle the deck. Performance Notes This routine combines two card tricks that are usually relegated to introductory books on magic into a straightforward bit of mental magic. It is reasonably close to self-working, so you can concentrate on the presentation. Keep the effect and the spectators moving at a steady pace throughout the routine so that all the events flow into each other. The pause before the revelation should be brief, just enough for the spectators to see that you've distanced yourself from the predictions.