You can also put the red half on top of the black half. Whichever way you choose, make sure you remember which color is on top. Set this up before your audience is there. Otherwise, they’ll know how the trick is done!
If you fan the cards to the right, then the black cards will be the right half of the deck if they were originally the cards you put on top.
For example, if the red cards are on the left half of your fanned-out deck, then you know your audience chose a red card if they pull from the left side. If you notice that your audience member is reaching for the middle, subtly shift your hand so they take 1 from the left or right instead. If they pick a card from the center, you might not be able to tell what color it is.
If they accidentally do reveal the card, start the trick over.
Don’t put the card back in the deck yourself. Otherwise, your audience might accuse you of rigging the trick. Keep all of the cards face down the entire time.
If you don’t see an opposite-colored card in the deck, you’ve messed up the trick somewhere along the line. Ask your audience if you can try again. You can say something like, “Hmm it looks like you have your own magical powers, and the card has completely disappeared! Try picking another one, but only touch it with 2 fingers so your magic doesn’t rub off on it again. " Hold the cards so only you can see them while you look for the card. You don’t want the audience to see that you’ve split the deck by color.
You can even add a “ta-da!” for extra flourish. To repeat the trick, reorganize the cards so they’re separated by color again.
Do this before your audience arrives. The rest of the deck can be in any order. Avoid shuffling after you put the cards on top, though, so you don’t mess them up.
If you don’t have a pocket, hold the cards under a table or anywhere hidden where the audience can’t see them.
You can have them write down the number on a piece of paper, too, if you need a visual.
Instead of trying to add different numbers using trial and error, start by subtracting the largest of your 4 cards from the audience’s number. Then subtract the next largest number and so on, until you reach 0. Don’t use a calculator or paper to do your calculation. You have to do it mentally for the trick to be impressive.
For example, if the number is 10, you’ll need the 8 and 2. The 2 is the 2nd card in your deck and the 8 is the 4th. If you accidentally pull out the wrong cards, you’ll ruin the trick.
You can also lay the cards out on a table or simply hand the cards to your audience. If you want to repeat the trick, make sure you put the cards back into your pocket in the correct order.
You may need to slightly curve the card into your hand to rest in your palm. The card can be either face down or face up in your hand. Don’t grip too tightly or curl your hand inward too much. Keep it as outstretched as possible.
Press gently with your pinky. If you use too much pressure, the card will snap out of your hand.
The more you practice this position, the faster your muscles will commit it to memory. Only your pinky finger, thumb pad, index finger, and thumb should be touching the card in this position.
Open up the rest of your fingers after you flick up the card to enhance the illusion that you pulled it out of thin air. This will take a lot of practice, so be patient! As you get more comfortable with the movements, work on speeding it up so it looks more realistic.
