The Effect
A spectator freely chooses a card and returns it to the deck.
The cards are then mixed in an untidy-looking shuffle, with packets apparently turned face up and face down at random.
After a magical gesture, the deck is spread to show every card facing the same way except the spectator’s chosen card.
Before You Begin
The secret begins by slightly bending the deck before the trick. This creates a natural break that helps you locate the important point later in the routine.
Practise the shuffle slowly at first. It should look casual and disorganised without actually losing control of the deck.
Watch the Tutorial
Watch the complete performance and explanation before practising the individual moves.
Prepare the Deck
Gently bend the deck before beginning the trick.
This creates a slight curve that later helps you locate the only pair of cards facing back to back.
Choose a Card
Fan the deck and allow the spectator to freely select and remember any card.
Control the Selection
Ask the spectator to push their card halfway into the deck.
Push it fully into place while secretly maintaining a pinky break beneath it.
Bring the Card to the Top
Drop small packets of cards onto the table, beginning with the cards above your pinky break.
When the packets are collected, the spectator’s card will be on top of the deck.
Perform the Slop Shuffle
Mix the cards in alternating face-up and face-down packets.
Continue until only the spectator’s card remains. Place it face down on top of the mixed deck.
Display the Mixed Deck
Show that the upper section appears to contain cards facing in different directions.
Keep the handling relaxed so the audience accepts that the deck is thoroughly mixed.
Show the Other Half
Display the lower portion as well, reinforcing the impression that the entire deck is in complete disorder.
Restore the Deck
Find the natural gap created by the two back-to-back cards.
Lift the upper packet at that point and gently turn it over. This secretly restores the deck so all the cards face the same direction.
Reveal the Chosen Card
Make a magical gesture, then spread the deck across the table.
Every card will be facing the same way except the spectator’s selected card.
Performance Tips
Make the shuffle look careless, but keep your actions controlled. The contrast between the untidy shuffle and the perfect ending makes the trick powerful.
Do not rush the final spread. Allow the audience to notice that the deck has apparently restored itself.
Pause before pointing out the single reversed card. This gives the audience time to appreciate the first surprise before the final revelation.
Practise locating the natural break without looking directly at the deck.
Common Mistakes
Do not bend the deck too strongly. You only need a subtle curve to create the locating gap.
Avoid exposing the spectator’s card during the shuffle.
Keep the packets aligned so the deck does not become genuinely disordered.