Card Trick Lecture by Eric Tate

Introduction

• Presenter: Eric Tate from Penguin Magic
• Focus: Teaching a card trick with minimal sleight of hand using a homemade gimmick.
• Reminder to like, subscribe, and click the notification bell for more magic tricks.

The Card Trick

Overview

• A deck of cards is used where all cards are shown to be different.
• A spectator selects a card and places it back in the deck.
• Without sleight of hand, the performer snaps their fingers and a card indicates the location of the selected card.
• Example: The Eight of Spades indicates the position by counting down eight cards.
• The trick can be repeated instantly.

Materials Needed

• Double-faced card (can be made at home with double-stick tape)
• Regular deck of cards

Making a Double-faced Card

• Use two playing cards and double-stick tape.
• Place tape close to the edges and a bit in the middle of one card.
• Square up the cards so edges align, then squeeze them together.
• Homemade double-faced card is ready.

Trick Preparation

1. Setup:
   • Leave an indicator card (e.g., Eight of Spades) face up in the deck.
   • Deal down the number of cards it represents.
   • Place the double-facer card on top of this pile.
   • Put the rest of the deck on top.
2. Execution:
   • Shuffle the deck without disturbing the setup.
   • Spread the cards and have a spectator pick one from the top half.
   • Swing cut the deck and place the selected card.
   • Snap fingers to activate the trick.
   • Spread the deck to reveal the indicator card and then the selected card using the count.

Repeat Performance

• Memorize the value of the new face-up card.
• Use similar shuffling and cutting techniques to reset.
• Perform the trick again with the new setup.

Additional Trick: Math Ghost

Overview

• Variation of "Spirit Slates" from the Encyclopedia of Card Magic by UF Grant.
• Uses double-faced cards to simulate communication with an ancient mathematician ghost who solves a simple math equation.

Performance

1. Story Setup:

   • Introduce a supposed haunting by an ancient mathematician.
   • Ask for a simple math problem (e.g., 11 + 2).

2. Execution:

   • Use three cards as "spirit slates."
   • Present the math problem and the spirit solves it by writing the solution on the slates.
   • Reveal the solution (e.g., 13) on the slates.

Conclusion

• Encourage the audience to try the trick.
• Mention of other free tricks available at penguinmagic.com.

Learning Resources

• Books: Encyclopedia of Card Tricks by UF Grant
• Double-faced cards and other magic supplies available at Penguin Magic.

Closing

• Invitation to learn more tricks on Penguin Magic's website.
• Reminder about free tricks available online.