The Similar Pair

Original Author: anonymous

REQUIRED: 1 Poker deck of cards.

PREPARATION: Pull two pair of similar looking cards from the deck, i.e.. the 9 of Spades & 9 of Clubs plus the 6 of Spades & the 6 of Clubs. The cards are combined as follows:

The 6 of Clubs and the 9 of Spades. The 6 of Spades and the 9 of Clubs. Put one pair on the bottom of the deck. Put the other pair on the top.

VARIATION: Depending on your experience level you can opt to shuffle, or fake shuffle. Another interesting option is to take yet another two pair of cards, say the 8 of Hearts and Diamonds, and the 4 of Hearts and Diamonds, pair them as above, then place them prior to placing the 6 and 9 combos. This will allow the trick to be performed twice in a row.

THE TRICK: Tell the volunteer to take the first two cards from the top of the deck and show them to the crowd. After viewing, have the volunteer place the two cards back into the deck, one by one, in any location. Hand the deck of cards to the volunteer and tap the deck twice on the top, stating you have now brought the cards together. Take the cards back from the volunteer and pull the bottom two cards from the deck. They are now back together and you're famous.

THE ILLUSION: Since most people will keep in mind only the color, number and the fact that there was indeed a Spade and Club, the trick is more of a play on their memory. After seeing their cards, then placing them back into the deck, the volunteer is then presented with a similar pair which is often mistaken for the original pair. Instead of the 9S and 6C they get the 9C and 6S.

One final note: If the volunteer should happen to place one of the cards on the bottom of the deck, then simply cut the deck and fan the cards to expose the similar pair.

[Return to Intermediate Card Trick Index]