THERE IS AN EXCELLENT CARD EFFECT called eight card Brainwave by Nick Trost in which eight cards are shown, one card is freely selected, then the remainder are shown to have blue backs whilst the selected card is the only card with a red back. And the trick can be repeated.

There are no fake cards involved but it uses a cunning move devised by Ed Marlo called the Olram subtlety. It’s a stunner that I have carried around in my pocket for years.

I perform at quite a few golf clubs and often get asked to come back for a second show. So I devised a second programme of mental effects – tossed out deck, confabulation, book test etc. all sandwiched with funnies and in this show I devised a version of the eight card Brainwave but with giant cards!

The impact is tremendous as you make great play of not slipping cards up your sleeve and the Marlo move transfers audaciously and easily to the giant cards that measure 12″ by 8″. To add even more impact, instead of eight cards I use ten cards in sequence – ace of spades through to ten of spades.

It’s a great stage or cabaret effect and when illusionist Andrew Van Buren saw it, he asked if he could include it in his touring magic show.

Filed under: Magic Ideas, Magic Miscellanea