The Spectator Becomes a Magician
Here
is a very diverting effect obtained by the simplest possible means, the
only precaution necessary being the use of white margin cards.
Secretly note the bottom card and reverse it *. Shuffle, leaving it there with one card below it.
Fan
the deck to show that the cards are well mixed, really your purpose is
for your victim to note unconsciously that they all face one way. This
is safe since the white margin only of the reversed card will show.
Tell
a spectator that he seems to have all the characteristics of a
successful magician and suggest that he try to do a trick. Hand the deck
to him, show him how to spread the cards, thus avoiding any danger of
his exposing the reversed card next the bottom. Draw a card and pretend
to note what it is. Replace it and have him cut the pack once.
Say
that to make a chosen card reverse itself amongst the rest all that is
necessary is for him to "will" it to do so, the more strongly he
concentrates his thoughts, the more likely he is to succeed, and so on.
Finally name the card you reversed as being the card you just drew. Let
him spread the cards face up. He finds one card face down. It is the
card you named.
