Oops! (When Something Goes Wrong But Is Still Magical)

A stand-up card magic mystery with a handkerchief and a razor blade.

Roberto Mansilla
Oops! (When Something Goes Wrong But Is Still Magical)

This is a routine I have performed extensively in parlor settings over the years, combining two classic effects in a way that adds up to more than the sum of their parts.

Effect

“Two of the typical questions people ask me are: ‘How do you learn magic?’ and ‘What happens when a trick goes wrong?’ I’m sure you’ve asked yourselves those same questions at some point. As for how one learns magic, there are three basic paths: through a mentor; by buying tricks at a magic shop; or—my personal favorite—through magic books. The effect I’m about to show you was first described in a book published in 1897 titled New Era Card Tricks.”

The magician invites a spectator to assist. He hands the spectator a deck and asks them to shuffle. The spectator keeps any card they wish, remembers it (and may sign it if desired), and returns it to the deck. The magician shuffles and then removes a handkerchief from his pocket. “This is a solid-through-solid effect, so we’ll need not only the deck but also this handkerchief.” The spectator examines the handkerchief and returns it. The magician wraps the deck inside it and holds it (Fig. 1). They begin to shake the handkerchief gently up and down. Very slowly, a card begins to penetrate the fabric (Fig. 2), then a little more, and a little more. Finally, the magician removes the card and asks for the name of the selection. It matches.

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