18. The Key Card
class: tweener, closer | impressiveness: 4/5 | factors: more complex trick, big payoff | requires: deck of cards | watch full episode
This card trick is quite possibly responsible for more free beers than any other in history. It’s not just a magic trick, it’s a cleverly-laid trap guaranteed to win you a frosty cold one.
Here’s how it plays out: Have your friend freely choose a card and place it on top of the deck. Then lose the card in the center by taking turns with your friend repeatedly cutting the deck, then completing the cut. When both of you are confident that neither of you knows where the card is, begin dealing the cards face up on the table.
Long after your friend’s card has been dealt face up on the table, you hold out the next card in the deck (which clearly can’t be his card, since he can see his card staring him in the face on the table) and ask your friend “How much do you want to bet that the next card I turn over will be your card?” You’ll be surprised by how much he offers… He thinks you’ve already messed up the trick!
But imagine his surprise when you replace the card you’re holding back into the deck and instead turn over his face up card on the table!
The Secret: Before starting, find out what card is on the bottom of the deck. For this explanation, we’ll say it’s the ace of spades. When you cut his card into the deck, the Ace of Spades will now be right on top of it. No matter how many times you cut the cards, the Ace will always be on top of his card (even if you happen to cut between the ace and his card, the very next cut will place the two right back next to each other).
When you deal the cards face up onto the table, notice which card comes after the Ace: that’s his card. Take note of it, but keep dealing like you didn’t notice a thing. As you continue to deal, make sure you don’t cover up his card. You want him to be 100% certain that you’ve totally missed it.
And now for my favorite subtlety: at the exact moment you say “How much do you want to bet that the next card I turn over will be your card…” use your index finger to flick the card that’s in your hand. This little audio cue makes it perfectly clear that the card you’re talking about must be the card in your hand… right? This is a fantastic moment where you lie without words. It’s this little misdirection seals the deal and guarantees you the win.
Watch Demonstration (External link)