The Wizard Takes a Holiday

Original Author: Unknown

Preparation: Before the trick secretly glance at the card on the bottom and remember it. (Let's assume that it's the 8 of spades)

Card Trick:

Spread the cards out face down and tell the spectator that you predict he is going to pick the 8 of spades (or whatever the bottom card was). Tell him to point at the card he thinks is the 8 of spades. Once he has pointed to a card, pick it up, look at it, and mutter something like "Good job" or "Way to go." The card which he picks will not, of course, be the 8 of spades, but you want him to think it is. (Let's assume that it's the 5 of diamonds.) Now tell him he is going to pick the 5 of diamonds. Once again, have him point to a card and you pick it up, again saying "Good job." (Let's say that it's the 9 of clubs.). Announce that for the final selection you (the magician) will pick the card. When you announce it, be hesitant, saying something to the effect of "And now I will pick the... oh, I don't know, the 9 of clubs." After you announce it pick the bottom card and look at it. It will be the 8 of spades (or whatever the original bottom card was). Shuffle the 3 cards together to confuse the spectator, and then ask him what the three cards were that you predicted. As he says each one, show it to him. He will be amazed!!!

Example: You look at the card on the bottom and it is the 4 of hearts. You go up to a spectator and announce that using your telepathic powers you detect he will point to the 4 of hearts. He points to one, you look at it, and mutter something. The card that he actually picked is the ace of spades, however, he doesn't know that. You now tell him he will pick the ace of spades, he once again points to one and you pick it up and smile. The card that he actually took was the 5 of spades. Thus, you announce that this time, for a change of pace, that you (the magician) will pick the 5 of spades. You then pick the bottom card and shuffle them up. You then ask him to recall the cards and as he names each one you show them to him.

Note: The following trick is an audience pleaser, it is based on one of the oldest methods in magic. This method is used often and is best kept secret.

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