Card magic is the branch of conjuring that deals with creating magical effects using a deck of playing cards. Card magic is commonplace in magical performances, especially in close up magic or parlor magic and street magic. Some of the most recognized names in this field include John Scarne, Juan Tamariz, and Allan Ackerman.[1] Before becoming world famous for his escapes, Houdini billed himself as "The King of Cards".
Playing cards became popular with magicians in the last century or so as they were props which were inexpensive, versatile, and easily available. Although magicians have created and presented myriad illusions with cards (sometimes referred to as card tricks), most of these illusions are generally considered to be built upon perhaps one hundred or so basic principles and techniques. Presentation and context (including patter, the conjurer's misleading account of what he is doing) account for many of the variations.
Card magic, in one form or another, likely dates from the time playing cards became commonly known, towards the second half of the fourteenth century, but its history in this period is largely undocumented. Compared to sleight of hand magic in general and to cups and balls, it is a relatively new form of magic.[2] However, due to its versatility as a prop it has become very popular amongst modern magicians.
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As an example of an elaborate card trick, Derek Dingle created the following effect, later modified by Michael Ammar and performed on television: Without any conspicuous magical moves, he inserts the four aces into different parts of the deck. He then proceeds to shuffle the cards face-up into face-down multiple times. At the end he finds the aces from within the shuffled deck and straightens out the face up and face down deck of cards. As a kicker ending, the magician reveals that he has not only found the four aces, but also the four royal flushes (in the four suits).
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