Scarnecky Opener
Introduction
By Jeff Stone
I’ve known Brad for about 15 years now . . . maybe longer. In all that time, I’ve learned one thing . . . Brad looks great in a French Beret. Ok . . . I guess I’ve learned a few things. One such thing being this: Brad is one of the cleverest guys I know. He’s always thinking. I’ve seen some of his magic journal entries. They’re nothing short of brilliant. We’ve worked together for a long time, and I just love jammin’ and “sessioning” with him. So whenever he offers to donate a trick for the Free Trick of The Month, I jump at the chance. So far, I’ve not been disappointed.
I just finished reading this effect of Scar’s and it’s very clever. I think you’ll enjoy it. Also note that Brad has opted not to include a full presentation for this effect since he is currently working on several. However this effect, as you’ll see, has plenty of room for a real presentation that will really connect with your spectator(s).
Everyone . . . give it up for Brad “Scarnecky” Gordon . . .
I really enjoy the Chicago Opener plot. Here is one of my takes
Props
- A double back Red/Blue gimmick card
- A Red deck of cards
- A blue 5 of Spades (or whatever card
Set Up
- The Red/Blue gimmick card is in an envelope.
- The Blue 5 of Spades has a spectator’s name written on it
- The Blue 5 of Spades is on the bottom of the red deck.
- The Red 5 of Spades is on top of the red deck.
Effect and Presentation
A red deck of cards is removed from the box and placed upon the table. A blue card is removed from an envelope and placed on the table (this is actually the red/blue gimmick card).
This is a blue card which will simply represent the color blue.
The pack is spread across the table or mat (careful not to expose the blue card on the bottom)
Please pick the blue card from this pack.
Your spectator chooses any card. Now square the deck. The chosen card is revealed and shown to everyone, in this example we will say the Queen of Diamonds.
Now please place your card back in the pack
Take the deck and slip cut the top card (top half of the pack going to the table while the top card is slipped to the top of the bottom half, now in the left hand) and have your spectator place her chosen card (Queen of Diamonds) on top of the tabled portion of the pack. Now place the cards in your left hand on top of the tabled portion.
This action places the pre-signed (blue) 5 of spades on top of your spectators chosen Queen of Diamonds, and keeps the (red) 5 of spades on the top of the pack.
Leave the chosen card protruding from the deck somewhat and show the Queen of Diamonds being pushing into the deck very clearly and smoothly.
Remember when I asked you to pick the blue card? Let’s take a look at the blue card. I don’t even want to touch it.
As these words are being said take the top card of the pack and use it to lift the blue card off the table a bit: I don’t even want to touch it
Not execute a Mexican Turnover/ switch which will reveal the 5 of spades on the table. Place the red card (which is actually the red/blue gimmick, now in your right hand) back on top of the deck.
The Five of Spades? Not quite the same as your card, the Queen of Diamonds right? Well I did ask you at the beginning to please pick the blue card.
Spread the deck to show there is a blue card in the middle of the pack. Cut the blue card to the top. “Please turn that Five of Spades over.” As soon as she turns the tabled five over revealing the red back, execute a double lift to show the blue card is her Queen of Diamonds.
You did pick the blue card after all
Double lift the Queen again and slowly place the blue back card in the middle of the red deck. Take the red backed (tabled) five of spades and motion to your spectator (act like you are going to give her the card but don’t).
Please take this and keep it as a souvenir to remember this experience.
Take the five back and remove a sharpie pen from your pocket or bag. What is your name again. Write her name across the bottom of the five of spades and now give her the card. Keep that with you at all times. But before you go, please take that card and wave it over the pack. Perfect, thank you.
The deck is spread again to show one blue card in the middle of the deck. Slowly remove the blue card and turn it over, thus revealing a Five of Spades with her name written precisely as written on her card. Give both cards to her and be on your magical way.
After Thoughts
You are left dirty with the red/blue gimmick in the center of the pack. In my opinion the clearly spread face down red deck will diminish suspicion but if you’d like: turn the deck over and spread it face up. You already know where the gimmick card is as you placed it in the middle yourself. Simply short spread the pack as you get closer to the middle and continue the spread. This gives you a nice face up spread without revealing the blue sided gimmick.
Experiment with different words to write on the card. It could be his/her favorite color or flower. Or simply sign it and date it as you would a normal souvenir for your spectator.
Enjoy
Scarnecky