The Sixth Sense Secret: a Befuddling Card Trick

I learned this magic trick from my step-brother around 5 years ago. Since then, I have used it to astound even the most skeptical of minds. Its deceiving simplicity makes this card trick absolutely one of a kind.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you . . . a wonder of the physical realm . . .

The Sixth Sense Secret

** The video presented above is only for future reference after you read all of the steps. It is not a proper explanation of the trick in it of itself.

Step 1: Prepare the Deck and Your Audience

Shuffle the deck well. You may also allow any audience member to cut or shuffle the deck too; a trick deck is not required for this feat.* While doing so, inform your audience that every human possesses slight ESP powers. Tell them that you will prove today that they are able to do extraordinary things . . . extraordinary things made possible by a secret sixth sense.

*Bonus points for using an Instructables themed deck of cards like me though!

Step 2: Spread Out the Cards

Let the trickery begin.

As your final audience member finishes shuffling the deck and hands it back to you, take a quick peek at the bottom card. Memorize it. Now, fan the deck a little in your hands and place your index finger on the original bottom card. Now transfer the cards to a table or flat surface, and spread them out in a completely random pattern -- all the while keeping your index finger on the previously mentioned card. Take your hands away once they are evenly distributed, but make sure you still remember the location and details of the specified card.

For the purpose of future steps, let's say this card is the eight of spades.

** This step is a little difficult to describe. If you need more clarification, be sure to check out the video embedded in the introduction.

Step 3: Engage Your Participants' ESP Powers

Tell your audience that you need three participants. Sit together in circle around the cards. Inform the person to the right of you that they have special powers and will be able to pick the eight of spades (or whatever your original bottom card was) at random. Order them to touch a single card from the disorganized pile. Once they do, pick up the chosen card and exclaim something like "ahh very good!" Do not let anyone else see this card. Continue around the circle and order the next person to touch a random card and proclaim that it will be the (insert the card that the previous person drew in reality). Starting to get the idea? One everyone but you has unleashed their sixth sense, you must say that magicians also have lots of ESP. Demonstrate this by declaring you will choose at random the (insert the card that the person to the left of you drew in reality.) Now, pick up the original bottom card, in this case the eight of spades.

Step 4: The Big Reveal

Subtly shuffle the four cards in your hands as you announce that now you shall reveal to everyone their dead-on, sixth sense accuracy. Ask the first person to recall what card it was they were instructed to draw. Take it from your hand and display it on the table. Continue around the circle absolutely stunning the audience. The great thing about this trick is that you can repeatedly perform it, and it is likely that no one will discover how to do it. Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. ;)

I hope you enjoyed this card trick! Go impress your friends! And if anything needs clearing up, please let me know in the comment section below.