Mirror of the Mind

This is another method of performing the preceding effect, but here the necessary preparation is made more quickly. The method is not so clean-cut, but we give it as an alternative procedure.

Preparation. Place the thirteen cards of one suit, say hearts, in any order on the top of the pack. Note and remember the top card, which we shall assume is the six of hearts. Put the deck in its case and the case in your pocket.

Procedure. The method is as follows:

1. Take the cards out of the case and make the overhand shuffle control, retaining top stock , thus retaining the hearts on the top.

2. Hand the deck to a spectator, turn your back, and move away a pace or two. Request him to deal any small number of cards, from one to twelve, face downwards on the table, urging him to do this silently so that you cannot count the cards dealt. When he has done this, tell him to look at and remember the next card and replace it on the cards he still holds, then pick up the packet of dealt cards and place it on top of all. The bottom card of this packet is your key card, the six of hearts, the first card dealt, and it is now directly above the chosen card.

3. As in the preceding feat, have the pack riffle shuffled twice, with a completed cut after each shuffle.

4. Take the pack and spread the cards face upwards on the table from left to right . Have the spectator grasp your wrist, then pass your hand over the line of cards from end to end, urging him to concentrate upon his card. When you see your key card, the six of hearts, look for the next heart to its right ; this will be the chosen card. Move your

hand away from this card and then abruptly, as though drawn by a strong magnetism, place your forefinger upon it and push it out of the spread.