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Royal Scam

John Bannon

Fun, Inc.

(Based on 2 reviews)
John Bannon's first effect in the Fractal Card Magic Trilogy.

Beginning with a number of identical red-backed Ace of Spades, the performer magically causes the packet of Aces to turn all FACE UP.... and then, all face down! All of the faces and all the backs are shown repeatedly.

Unexpectedly, four face-up Aces are turned face down and now the all have different colored backs! As a complete surprise, the remaining Aces now become a Royal Flush in Spades.

You end clean and everything may be examined. No palming, switch-outs or difficult sleights. Sure to become a Bannon classic.

Bannon's brilliant handling is explained fully on the enclosed DVD, which includes a downloadable e-book in PDF format. Gaffed cards included.

Reviews

DonB!

Aug 08, 2011

As far as packet tricks go, this is by far my favorite from the last few years. Why?

Well, for one, the "moves, misdirection and making money" script fits perfectly within the order of what happens in the routine.

Second, there are three really mind-blowing things that happen: Cards repeatedly turn face down and face up, with very little "moves". Four of the cards then are turned over to show four totally different colored backs. Finally, the remaining 5 cards are all shown to form a royal flush in spades.

The kicker is that everything can be left right there on the table, because there ARE NO GIMMICKED CARDS. Spectators love to touch and feel the cards at the end of this routine, just to make sure they really are normal cards.

Bannon has spent some serious time constructing this routine, and I'm very thankful that he did. Of the small packet routines I perform, this one has the best bang for the buck.
(Top ▲)

Bryce Kuhlman

Official Reviewer

Jun 28, 2008

I recently wrote about my criteria for a good packet trick. The product I was writing about at the time did not live up to my expectations. This one certainly does.

The routine would be wildly confusing if it weren't for a script which sets up the simple premise. People wonder how often we practice and what we practice. In this script, the magician claims to practice three things: moves, misdirection and ways to make money. He then goes on to show exactly how he practices these three things.

The bulk of the routine is something of a mix between twisting the aces and wildcard. A packet of aces turns face-up or face-down depending on the orientation of an extra card placed with it. That's the "practice" part.

"Misdirection" comes when you show that four of the cards in play have been (supposedly) switched for four cards with odd-colored backs. The routine ends with the "making money" finale by having the remaining aces turn into a royal flush.

It's a solid routine. Equally important (to me) is that you'll learn several nice card moves by practicing this routine.

The instruction is clear and concise. With enough practice, this is well within the reach of almost any magician.
(Top ▲)