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How To Do Card Tricks | Perform Like A Professional Magician

It doesn’t matter if you’re new to card tricks or have been doing it for years - there is always more to discover. My desire is to show you new tricks and techniques that you can use to make your performances that much better.

By DMPublished 4 years ago 23 min read
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How To Do Card Tricks

So, you want to learn card tricks!! It doesn’t matter if you’re new to the art or have been doing it for years - there is always more to discover. My desire is to show you new tricks and techniques that you can use to make your performances that much better.

The first secret of doing magic (and of most things) is that practice is key to success. The next secret is to be entertaining. A lot of what goes on with card tricks has to do with the illusion and misdirection.

It’s very hard to create illusion if you have a boring presentation. Hide yourself behind the magic and let yourself go. Being lively and fun is a great way to distract your audience while still looking credible. Verbal patter and physical "stunts" will make your card tricks even better.

How To Do Card Tricks

Magic Card Tricks

By Julius Drost on Unsplash

Magic card tricks are one of the best ways to stand out in a crowd. If you’ve never tried to fool your friends and family with a trick, it is quite a thrill. Learn and you’ll be a big hit as you dazzle and amaze everyone!

One popular card trick that always amazes others is called the “Fun With Aces.” While Magicians have used this trick for years, it remains a mystery to most people. Pay close attention to the details. For it is in practicing the details that will make this magic card trick work the right way when you perform it.

The Effect: With a spectator's help, you are going to make four piles of cards. When this is done, you will flip over all the piles and all four Aces are there (on top).

Pre-Preparation: Arrange the deck of cards in advance like this: Three Aces in the bottom and one on the top.

Doing the Trick: Ask a spectator to tell you when to stop putting down cards. Begin dealing cards face down on the table. Continue until your spectator says, "stop" or what ever.

After the first pile is down, stick the card deck, still in our hand, under the table and put the bottom card on top. This gives you an Ace on the top. Repeat the above steps until you have four ples. Tap each pile once and then flip over all the piles to show an Ace on the bottom of each (Ace is now on top face up)!

Add a little patter as you are doing the trick and you show your power over Aces...

Another one of the many magic card tricks you can try is just as simple, but has no need for pre-preperation. You can get this one ready with very little practice.

Steps

1. Shuffle your deck of cards.

2. Have someone in your audience select a card and commit it to memory.

3. Then, put it back on top of the deck.

4. Place the whole deck behind your back and flip the top card over. The face of the card should be “looking” up.

5. Then, you put the deck back in front of you with the card on the bottom facing the audience.

6. The card in question will be facing you.

7. Pick the card on top and ask if it is their card.

8. The answer will be no because their card is now facing you.

9. Put the deck behind your back and put the top card back into the deck.

10. Have anyone you like shuffle the cards.

11. You know which one it is so you can easily shuffle through and choose the right one.

It is very easy to do magic card tricks once you get the hang of them. But no matter how easy they seem to you, they will puzzle and amaze your friends and family. There are many different card tricks that you can try, so be sure to learn your favorite ones. Soon, you’ll have a whole arsenal full or card tricks to try whenever the occasion suits you.

Easy Card Tricks

By Jack Hamilton on Unsplash

In the beginning, learning magic card tricks can be a hard thing to do. There is much that goes into making a trick look professional, realistic, and as if anyone could do it... That is why starting out with some easy card tricks is a good idea.

Let me introduce to you an easy card trick called “The King’s Rescue”

Steps

1. The first thing you need to do is to take out the Kings, Queens, and Jacks from a deck of cards.

2. Put one King, one Queen, and one Jack on top of the deck (shhhh, this is a secret).

3. This trick has a story to use as patter! Say, “There once was an apartment building, and this stack of cards represents the building.”

4. “In each apartment there is a desirable woman. “

5. Mention that one queen lives in the top apartment and place a queen on top of the deck of cards. (Use the 3 remaining queens you removed from the deck earlier.)

6. Mention that one queen lives in the middle apartment and place a queen in the middle of the stack.

7. Mention that one queen lives on the bottom floor and place a queen at the bottom.

8. “Then, three robbers broke into the building. One went upstairs, one went in the middle, and one went to the bottom.” (Put a Jack into the appropriate spot with each of these.

9.“The robbers made a lot of noise so the queens started screaming. “

10.“Three policemen decided to step in.” Put a King on each floor level - just as before.

11. “The police caught the robbers and eventually a trail was held. And the women, thieves and police officers have to attend a courtroom.”

12. “We now need to turn this apartment building into a courthouse.” Then, you should hand your card deck to an audience member. They should cut the pack.

13. Next, deal the cards out facing up. In the middle of the pack, three Kings, Queens, and Jacks will come out together.“As you can see they all made it to the trial, where justice was served!”

Easy Card Trick 2

Another easy card trick to add to your repertoire of magic tricks is called; “Pick It” Here are the very simple instructions for you to follow:

Steps

1. Put your four sevens on top of your card stack.

2. Put the cards back into their cardboard box.

3. Choose a volunteer from your audience.

4. Take the cards out from your box and hand the first four to the audience member. (They should be instructed not to look at the cards.)

5. Explain that you’re going to ask them 5 questions. They should answer with whatever pops into their head first.

6. Ask what is: 1+1? What is 2+2? What is 4+4? What is 8+8?

7. Then, ask for a number between 5 and 12.

8. They won’t be expecting that and will probably answer “7”

9. You then turn over all of the 7’s you had set up in the beginning and they will be amazed!

The more tricks your learn, easier card tricks become. Start with these two and then add others. This is a great way to pass the time and entertain your friends and family. They might seem complicated at first, but soon you’ll be doing them with no effort at all. Everyone will wonder where you got your magical powers.

Cool Card Tricks

By Aditya Chinchure on Unsplash

Knowing cool card tricks is one of the best ways to impress everyone around you. It’s one thing to be able to shuffle a deck or play some games. It’s quite another to mystify your audience with a little mysterious magic.

If you’ve never learned card tricks before, the best thing to do is to start out small and then add to your repertoire. There are many different tricks out there for you to learn. But this is a great one to begin with:

Opposite Decks...

1. Before doing this magic trick, you need to separate the cards into red and black. The black cards should be together and the red cards should be together, making them like two small decks.

2. Separate the decks and lay them face down.

3. Ask a spectator to take one care randomly out of each"deck, making sure he/she does not look a the rest of the deck.

4. Ask the spectator to memorize the cards, then put each one back in the opposite deck from which they took it.

5. Have the spectator shuffle each deck separately.

6. Take the decks up and team them you will now find their cards.

7. Simply look through the red deck face up and find the only black card in it. Same for the black deck.

That particular card trick is very basic. Cool card tricks often start out that way! When you start to get really good you can put your own twist on things. Don’t be afraid to experiment and be different.

Of course, one of the best ways for you to learn card trick and magic is to study from the best. Take your time to search for a great resource that will help you become the best trickster on the block. There are many different books and even ebooks that are dedicated to helping you learn magic. In fact, one such resource has hundreds of card tricks for you to try!

With time, you will be the one to help others learn card tricks. It is something that makes other people very interested because you have made the impossible, possible! That is no small feat, as people are impressed by very little in this day and age.

Cool card tricks are essential to learn about if you’re interested in learning magic at all. There are many different tricks for you to learn, and you can even start with something fairly basic. One of the best things about these tricks is that there are always new ones and new ways to make them better and better.

Simple Card Tricks

By Aditya Chinchure on Unsplash

Simple card tricks are best if you are just starting out in the magic industry. There are many great magicians out there who can share great magic with you, but they all started at the beginning and so should you!

Soon enough you’ll have a full arsenal full of great card tricks that will be very impressive.

Of course, no magician is complete without their full deck of cards to explore with. You don’t need anything fancy to start out with, just make sure that there are in fact 52 of them.

Different tricks require the cards to be set up in different ways so just pay attention to the guidelines before attempting card tricks.

One of the best simple card tricks is even easy enough for children to learn. If you have never tried these tricks before you can learn from them as well:

The Concert

1.Take out all of the aces, kings, queens, and jacks.

2.You won’t need the rest of the deck at all in order to perform this trick.

3.This is a fun one because you’ll get to tell a story at the same time! Say, “The Aces went to a concert” and lay them face up on the table.

4.Then say, “The Kings went to the concert as well and talked to the Aces beforehand” and lay the kinds on top of the aces, but not so as to cover them up.

5.Then say, “The queens went to the concert and joined the others.” Lay these down in a similar fashion.

6.They say, “The Jacks went to the concert and joined the others.” Lay these down in a similar fashion.

7.Then, say, “The concert has started.” Turn the cards over so that they are face down.

8.Pick up the first stack and put it on top of the second. Keep going with this until all of the stacks are collected.

9.Next, cut the cards.

10.Then, deal the first 4 cards out face down until they are all dealt out in a similar fashion to when you started. Each row should be on top of another.

11.Your audience will be shocked and amazed when it ends up that the queens are together, the kings are together, the jacks are together, and the aces are together.

There are many simple card tricks out there just like this that seem very complicated and even a little magic! Try your best to master the easier versions before moving into the harder versions. When you’re ready there are many different resources out there that are available to you so that you can expand your magical skills.

Amazing Card Tricks

There are some card tricks that are fairly average and there are others that will blow your mind! If you’re looking to become well known for your amazing card tricks, then you’ll definitely want to research advanced techniques and practice.

Still, don’t get the impression that just because a trick isn’t hard means that it’s not amazing. There are several tricks out there that your audience would never know come to you so easily.

Amazing Card Trick # 1 - No Hands

Steps

1.Have an audience member shuffle your cards for you.

2.Then, have them deal the cards out into two separate piles.

3.Ask them to lift one of the piles and to remember the card that is on the bottom.

4.Next, they should put that pile on top of the other one.

5.Finally, have your participant deal the cards out into four different piles starting from the left.

6.Show them each pile and ask if their card is in that pile.

7.Put the deck back together with their pile on top.

8.Your participant should lay the cards out and spell the word “Presto”

9.The very next card should be the one that was theirs!

Amazing Card Trick # 2 - Abracadabra

Steps

1. Deal 21 cards into three columns of 7 cards each

2. There should be 3 cards across for the first row with a card on top in the each after that.

3. Ask an audience member to think of a card that is in one of the columns, but only have them explain which column the card is in.

4. Scoop up the first column, then the column the participant’s card is in, and then the final column.

5. Deal the cards out again.

6. The person should find their card again and tell you which column it’s in.

7. Scoop up the cards in the same way you originally did.

8. Lay them out, and have the person find their card again.

9. Scoop the cards up and lay them out one final time, this time spell the word “Abracadabra.”

10. The final “A” should be their card!

Conclusion

While you know that the trick is just a matter of mathematics, your friend will think that your amazing card tricks are truly something spectacular.

Of course, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of different card tricks out there in the world. It can really help you to have a comprehensive resource that will guide you every step of the way and show you magic you never even knew was possible.

Once you learn all you can about amazing card tricks you’ll be considered something of a master. Being a master of illusion is definitely something to aspire to! Practice makes perfect as always.

Free Card magic Tricks

Learning about free card tricks is one of most interesting things you can do with your time. It takes great calculation and skill to pull of a card trick, so dedication is a must.

Before you start to immerse yourself in the world of card tricks you might want to make sure it is the right step for you. Free magic card tricks are a great way to test the waters.

It’s hard to imagine investing money in training programs if you’re not sure if you’re really interested in magic.

While it’s fun and worthwhile for many people, it could be that you won’t enjoy it personally. Some people would rather just be in the audience!

Explore a few card tricks to see if it is right for you. Chances are that you’ll love how easy it is to get into and the great rewards you get out of it.

The majority of people have no idea how these card tricks work. The very fact that you’re willing to study card tricks for a while will make you seem amazing to others.

Here in one of the free magic card tricks for you to use, and there are others all throughout the site:

“Heat”

1. Choose a member of your audience to shuffle the deck.

2. Fan the cards out and have them choose any card.

3. Once they’ve chosen you should close the deck.

4. Cut the deck down the middle.

5. Make sure that the person knows to remember which card they had chosen.

6. Look at the card that is facing up in your right hand (without getting caught!) and have them place their card face down in your left hand.

7. Put these two halves together.

8. Have your audience member cut the deck as many times as they would like.

9. Of course, your card is right above the card they chose!

10. Tell them you are going to feel the heat of their card. Tell them they imposed some magic onto the back that you can feel.

11. Go through the cards until you get to the keycard.

12. When you’ve arrived at the keycard, you can say you feel the heat of the next one!

13. Viola! You’ve found their card with no problem at all.

Conclusion

This is just one of many free magic card tricks that are available to you. When you’re learning these card tricks you might find that you’re ready for some more! There are great resources out there that are very inexpensive so make sure to continue your education

Card Shuffling Tricks

By Sergi Viladesau on Unsplash

Card shuffling is essential if you want to be a magician or just want to do card tricks. It is very important to know how to do it so that you look credible in the eyes of your audience.

The effect can also look beautiful when done properly. Card shuffling tricks take it a step further and allow you to perform tricks that will fool and amaze.

One of the shuffling tricks is called “false shuffling.” You would use this if you needed to keep a card where you want it in the deck.

Split your cards into two piles and “riffle” them together. The upper half should be bigger than the lower half so that the lower will finish shuffling through before the upper half gets there. That way the cards you wanted to be left in place will not truly get shuffled.

Another of the card shuffling tricks will leave your deck completely untouched. Shuffle the cards, but make sure that only the corners are touching.

When you go to put the two halves of the deck back together you can make sure to quickly undo the corners and slide the halves back on to one another without the audience being any the wiser.

Yet another method is to do an overhand shuffle. Pull cards up and drop them back into one hand. Then, hold the deck in your left hand.

When you go to shuffle make sure that you keep the top card. If you’re turned slightly the audience will not be able to tell what you are doing!

No matter which shuffling tricks you decide to use you’ll always need to make sure that you become a master of diversion. If your routine is very dry and stale your audience will notice the tricks you are doing. It would definitely ruin things if they saw you manipulate the cards.

Thankfully, this diversion usually isn’t very hard to do. Most people expect the trick to happen after the shuffling, and not during. If your trick requires you to use shuffling in order to prepare things you’ll usually get away with it.

Card shuffling tricks are incredibly useful simply because people aren’t used to seeing them. They just expect the shuffling to look nice and will wait in anticipation for your card tricks.

Conclusion

Always make sure that you practice as hard as you can because you’ll definitely want to impress people when you’re doing your trick.

Playing Card Tricks

By Inês Ferreira on Unsplash

If you’re involved with playing card tricks at all you’d probably be interested to know the history behind it.

There have been people performing these tricks long before your time and they helped pave the way for what you’re doing today.

First, it’s important to start with where cards got their start. Many believe that it was in the orient in China (though there is some debate to that theory).

And of course, where there are cards there is gambling! Many people believe that playing card tricks were developed so that people who gambled would have a better chance of winning.

These tricks became known as card magic in Spain and France. There was mention of these tricks as early as the 1400’s!

They really started to catch on in the 16th century when directions for certain card tricks were written down. Finally, many people could start to take advantage of this fun activity.

Italian Giovanni Guiseppe Pinetti was probably the first famous magician and trickster. He traveled around and brought delight to many different people who hadn’t seen such a thing before. We owe much of the development and interest in card tricks to Pinetti.

Interest grew steadily right into the 19th century. Robert Houdin was one of the most famous playing card tricksters. He loved card tricks even as a young boy. He would wow his whole neighborhood with the things he could do!

Houdin was one of the best magic performers that has ever lived. He didn’t just stick with card magic either. He knew how to use mind reading tricks and other great stage tricks. Houdin just might be the reason that magic tricks have caught on so well.

Another one of the greats is Johann Hepomuk Hofzinser. He took straight to high society and performed to the delight of the wealthy in Italy.

Hofzinser is regarded as one of the most influential people ever to do card magic. If you know anything about card tricks at all, you know what a challenge and honor it must have been to pave the way for all who were to follow.

Conclusion

Playing card tricks have a long history. There have been people who were fascinated with them for centuries! While they started off as a way to gamble, they have emerged into a true force to be reckoned with. Those who love card tricks owe a lot to the early pioneers.

Learn Magic Card Tricks

If you want to learn magic card tricks then you’ll definitely need to practice a few.

There is nothing worse than trying to show off your newfound card tricks if you don’t actually know how to perform it. Practice make perfect, and you’ll have fun too!

Here is one card trick that you can do right now:

Steps

1. Get two of the same cards

2. One of them goes in your pocket and the other in the deck.

3. Divide the deck into four different piles. Always remember where your card is!

4. Ask an audience member to pick 2 piles.

5. There should be two piles. One of them will have your card’s twin.

6. Allow your participant to choose a pile and get rid of one.

7. They should then put the card back in and shuffle it.

8. Say the card will be reversed in the deck.

9. You can then get the card out of your pocket to present!

Here is another so that you can learn magic card tricks:

Steps

1.Get two of the same card, it does not matter if they look the same.

2.One of the same card should go into a wallet

3.The other card should go on top of your pile

4.Divert attention and put the wallet on top of the cards.

5.When you pull it up, it is the card that the person chose!

Conclusion

Of course, there are literally thousands of different card tricks that are out there for you to try. If you’ve never done one before, take it slow to start if you’re an old pro then gather up all you can find in order to improve your skills.

One thing you’ll always want to make sure of is that you’re practicing your diversion techniques. These tricks will absolutely not work if you have not diverted the attention of your audience.

In fact, most magic tricks rely on trickery and deception at one point or another. You would do well to learn the art of manipulating the mind to believe what you are doing.

It’s never easy to learn magic card tricks, but it is always fun. There are so many different ones to choose from that you’re sure to find one that works well for you.

Start slow, then work up and practice your diversions. Soon, everyone will start wondering why you haven’t been doing this your whole life?

7 Tips and Tricks for Card Magic Tricks

Card magic tricks are easy to come by, you just need to look for them. The trick to becoming an actual performing magician is harder. There are so many different people getting into the arena these days, you might think it will be hard to break through and become more known. That is up to you. Here are some tips to get you started on the road to professional magician ship.

Card Tips and Tricks

1. The very first rule of thumb is one that holds true in whatever endeavor you attempt. There is no mystery here. You definitely need to practice each step in a magic card trick, many times, before you actually go to try it in public. It is exciting conquering a new trick, but be ready with it before you rush out and show it to others - you may end up looking silly...

2. Another thing you’ll need to keep aware of is your "conversation" while performing. What you say can works as a great diversion technique. When you’re about to perform something that includes a slight of hand, use your "word tool" or patter to distract your audience, so that they don’t catch on.

3. Be aware of the space around you. To make some effects work, you need to place your attention on people in the right seating positions. There may be a time where you’ll need to do something turned slightly away. Moving toward or away from a particular member of the audience can help you to divert the attention of your audience without them noticing.

4. Never ever tell anyone how you do your card magic trick! I will repeat that it is important: Never ever tell anyone how you do your card magic trick! There has to be some air of mystery surrounding magic or the joy of the trick will be ruined for all. Also, never do the same trick twice, because then people might start to figure out your tricks.

5. Include your audience whenever possible. There is nothing that will excite an audience more, than being "included in the act." As an added bonus, it will add to the air of mystery, if you borrow things from them that are included in your card trick.

6. Add your own spin. When you start to get good, you can begin to come up with your own card tricks and variations on others. This is a great idea because then you will be offering the audience something they have never seen before!

7. Never stop learning. Always staying on top of what is new and happening, is the best way to brand yourself as the best trickster around.

End Note

These are just some of the card magic trick and tips that can help you to become the best magician possible. There are many different things to keep in mind before, during, and after a performance. Use these tips and you’ll be well on your way to success. And remember, keep on practicing!

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About the Creator

DM

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