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I always enjoy transpositions. The 2006 magician's movie "The Prestige" starring Michael Cain, Hugh Jackman, and Christian Bale had as its theme the principle of "transposition" - how does something move from one place to another magically? This short but very affective card routine is set under the principle that the magician has the ability to make something move from one place to another, even under the closest scrutiny. Keep in mind, though, this effect is for those who know some sleight of hand, and have the ability to work some card sleights without the audience or spectators knowing it. It is a "medium" trick. Not easy, but not too difficult either.
The Presentation and Effect: A regular blue deck of poker cards is taken from the Card Conjurer's pocket. He holds it in full view, wrapped in its cellophane and seal, and requests the assistance of a volunteer. As the volunteer makes his way on stage, or if you are in a parlor setting, then simply hand the unopened deck to a member of the party. As they open it you explain that magicians, for centuries have continued to improve their abilities in moving objects from one place to another by sheer will, and undetected by spectators who are often interested in how these magical transportations take place. Some magicians have transported objects, assistants and even on occasion, elephants and airplanes. However, when such experiments of magic take place, the spectator is often just a spectator. You are going to show them that the spectator is going to be part of the transposition itself. You stand up, and ask that the jokers be removed from the deck, and that the deck is thoroughly shuffled. The volunteer shuffles the deck, and when they are fully satisfied you ask them to stand with you. Ask fro the deck, and then spread the cards giving them a completely free choice. Let them choose any card they desire. When they have chosen it, ask them not to turn it over just yet, and confirm whether or not they want to keep that card or choose another. Let's assume they keep the card, and usually they do. You simply allow them to see that they have 1) shuffled the cards, and then 2) chosen whatever card they wanted. At this point keep the deck in plain sight and pull out a marker or pen of some sort that you have waiting in your pocket. Give the pen to the volunteer and have THEM open the cap, and write their name or some other identification on the card that let's them know you cannot possibly have a duplicate with you. At this point, your first sleight is going to come into play. As they are writing their name on the card, drop your hand casually to your side, away from the view of the spectators or volunteer (whatever side they may be on) and flip over the top card on the deck face up. Then, raise the deck up with a wrist turn holding the cards by your chest so the spectators and volunteer do not see the flipped card. Obtain a little finger break here by moving the card over just slightly and inserting your pinky. All this should take about three seconds total. Have the spectator show you the card they chose, and the writing they did on it. They will wonder why they must show you the card. Here is where the performer should come out readily. Tell them this is not one of those "I'll find your card tricks" but a genuine transposition and real magic handed down for thousands of years in the secret guilds of Card Conjurers. Play it up a bit - showmanship is everything here. Take the card, place it face up on top of the face up card that is by your chest and causally lower the deck. Look at the card. Point to it. Tell them to keep it in mind, think about it and visualize it. Then with the thumb and first two fingers, pinch the top of the "two cards" (the top is furthest away from you) and turn them over end to end setting them squarely on the deck. Some like to turn them side to side. However, if you choose to turn them over like a book from side to side, remember that new cards are slippery and the audience may spot the doubled cards. Now the spectators believe you have their card face down on top of the deck. Ask you volunteer to hold out one hand palm up and deal the top card onto their hand for "safe keeping" and have them take their other hand and place that palm down on top of the card. It is now sandwiched. You know it is the indifferent card. They think it is their card. You must control the room and the situation so they don't turn the card over at this point. So let them know they must guard this card because the magic is going to happen that will pull it right out from between their hands. Tell them not to move an inch. Tell them not to breathe too heavily. Build it up. Take a step back away from them slowly with your hands outstretched pointing to their hands outstretched. Double lift the top card and place it square on the pack while keeping a little finger break with the top two cards. You are now showing another indifferent card. Flip it over again and then take the top card, really their card, and sandwich that between your hands while getting rid of the rest of the deck on the table or in a pocket rather quickly, but casually. Step back once more and ask them if they are ready... They think they have their card, and you have an indifferent card. They are thinking - there is no way they are getting this card out of may hand. You tell them - "Sandwich that card tight....ready?" Begin to move your hands together as if washing them in little motions. Look intensely at your hands in motion. Concentrate. Make magic happen. Ask the volunteer if they are feeling anything. While you are talking, and while they say "Not yet..." walk towards them and have your hand about an inch away from theirs, slowly turn over (like a book) your top hand, gaze at the face down card for a moment, then turn the card in your hand over like a book revealing their card. They will immediately check their hand, and find their card is an indifferent card. Pandemonium will break out with everyone in the room. They won't even remember what other indifferent card was last turned up. They will simply be amazed at the transposition. Finish by asking them if this was their card - hand it to them - smirk (not smile) - and then reinforce that you could not have, in any way, duplicated their forged card. Practice, practice practice - not only the sleights, but also the showmanship. Performance is everything.
Go to the next page - a harder Card Conjure.
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