Double Speller

A trick which can be performed in a minute or two–and one that has strong elements of surprise–is valuable for the early part of an impromptu performance. The following is an excellent feat of this type, both in technique and effect:

1. Have a card drawn, noted by all, and replaced in the pack, securing a little finger break above it by means of the spread and break. Make the pass , bringing the card to the top, as you say, "Everything in nature is vibration. Since this is so, cards also vibrate, and to find your card I have only to measure the vibration of each card."

2. Place the pack to your left ear, ruffle the cards, and say, "Hmmm," in a thoughtful tone. Shuffle the cards overhand, placing one card above the spectator's card so that it is second from the top.

3. Again ruffle the cards at your ear, saying, "I think I have it. A very definite plus-nine vibration." Push the two cards at the top of the pack to the right a little with the left thumb. Grasp the top card, an indifferent one, and turn it face upwards on the pack. In squaring the cards, slip the tip of the left little finger under the second card in preparation for a double lift.

4. "Your card?" you enquire. Receiving a negative response, say apologetically, "Of course, I didn't really think it was. The cards don't really vibrate, you know." Grasp the two cards above the little finger break at the ends near the right corners, and perform the double-lift card reversal, method b .

5. Square the pack, and the chosen card is reversed at the top; that is to say, it is the lowermost card as you hold the deck face upwards in the left hand. Explain your action in turning the pack by saying hopefully, "I know it isn't the bottom card, either… but, on the other hand, it might be. Is it?" The spectator naturally says that it isn't.

6. Look a little woebegone, cluck a little, and then brighten. "I'll find it another way!" Rap the pack on the table as if to square it, with the faces of the cards toward the spectator, at the same time glimpsing the reversed card at the top, which will be facing you. Let us say it is the ace of hearts.

7. Hold the pack face upwards in your left hand, and thumb through the cards as if in search of the proper one. Actually, push one card into the right hand for each letter of the name of the card you just glimpsed– a-c-e o-f h-e-a-r-t-s , taking them one under the other and not reversing them. Place these cards at the top of the pack, that is to say, underneath the reversed card.

8. Note the card now at the face of the pack–say the four of spades– and push one card into the right hand for each letter in its name as in step No. 7, transferring these cards to the top as before.

9. Turn the pack face downwards, saying, "Just as I thought. A very difficult trick, but I have succeeded at last. I give the pack a tiny shake and your card rises to a new position in the pack, which enables me to do this." Deal one card for each letter as you spell aloud the name of the second card– f-o-u-r o-f s-p-a-d-e-s –and turn up the last card, showing the four of spades. "There you are–the four of spades!"

10. Seem very happy about the trick and act as though you had finished. Someone will be sure to tell you that you haven't found the correct card. "Not the right card?" you exclaim. "Why, I was positive.., ah, now I remember! This trick won't work for a magician. You should do the spelling!"

Hand him the pack and have him deal one card for each letter in the name of his card, in this case the ace of hearts. When he completes the deal, his card lies face upwards on the pack, staring him in the face.