The Effect
A spectator freely chooses and remembers a playing card before returning it to the deck.
They hold the deck firmly between two curled fingers. You slap the cards away until only one card remains between their fingers.
When the remaining card is turned over, it is their chosen card.
Before You Begin
Use a complete deck in reasonable condition. Very slippery new cards may scatter more widely, so practise with the deck first.
The secret is to control the spectator's selected card to the bottom of the deck before they grip the cards.
Choose a Card
Fan the deck in front of the spectator and allow them to freely choose and remember any card.
Hold a Pinky Break
Split the deck and invite the spectator to return their card. Secretly hold a small pinky break above the lower packet.
Their selected card will rest directly above your little finger.
Control the Card to the Bottom
Replace the upper packet while keeping the break.
Cut the cards above the break onto the table, then place the remaining packet on top. The chosen card is now on the bottom.
Position the Deck
Ask the spectator to curl their first and second fingers and grip the deck firmly between them.
Make sure their grip is secure enough to retain the bottom card when the rest of the deck is slapped away.
Slap Away the Cards
Strike the deck with a quick downward motion. Repeat as necessary until the loose cards fall away.
The bottom card should remain trapped between the spectator's fingers.
Ask them to turn it over and reveal their selected card.
Performance Tips
Confirm that the spectator has a firm grip before you begin. A weak grip may cause every card to fall.
Practise the force and direction of the slap. The action should be sharp enough to remove the loose cards without striking the spectator's hand.
Perform over a clean floor or tablecloth, because the cards will scatter and need collecting afterwards.
The trick is fast, visual and entertaining, making it useful for attracting attention at a party or informal gathering.