The Andromeda Card Mystery
all the cards in a deck we have by committee decided upon the low valued hearts. On which heart card under the value of seven shall we end?” The man says, “Two.”
I have always loved the basic effect of the card trick popularized by Eddie Joseph, Premonition. I understand that it was actually invented earlier by someone else. Over the years I have performed many renditions of the classic trick, including the excellent versions by Gaten Bloom and Ted Lesley. I have even performed the two-deckrough-and-smooth method by Basil Harowitz. The Andromeda Card Mystery fully answers the burning question associated with Premonition; “Why would a mentalist show 51 cards to prove he knew of 1?”
The mentalist turns to the man holding the white envelope and says, “Sir, you have held that sealed envelope since before anyone mentioned a single card, correct? And there is a return address printed on that envelope is there not? And what is that address?”
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As you read the effect, keep in mind that only one deck is used and the audience will remember that it was in the hands of a spectator before a card was chosen. It has all the mystery of Premonition and the impact of a headline prediction. Its best feature is that a spectator reads aloud a testimonial from a major corporation. What more could you ask from a card trick?
The man says, “US Playing Card Company.” The mentalist takes the priority envelope from the man holding it. He holds it open and says, “Inside this envelope was more than just an envelope; it also contained this deck of playing cards.” He holds up a new deck of cards. “It is sealed closed with the federal tax stamp and completely covered in an air-tight plastic covering.” He drops the deck into the priority envelope. “We’ll return it to the envelope for the time being. Please hold this.” The mentalist addresses the man with the white envelope, “Please open that envelope and read what is written on the paper.”
ffect: The mentalist displays a cardboard Priority Mail envelope.
“This was mailed to me more than a week ago. It contained some interesting items.” He offers it to a spectator who reaches inside and removes a long white envelope. “Please keep that sealed envelope closed for the next few minutes,” he says. Looking at the audience the mentalist asks for some help. “Miss, a deck of playing cards contains red cards and black cards. Which do like the best?” She says red. “Fine, now point to anther person in the room.” The young woman points to a young man. “Sir, from the red cards already selected, there are heart cards and diamond cards. Which will you choose?” The man chooses hearts. “Very well, now point to another person.” He does. “Ma’am, there are high valued hearts and low valued hearts. Which should we have?” The lady picks low values. “Alright, point to someone. Thank you. Sir, out of
US Playing Card Company Cincinnati, Ohio June 6, 2009 Dear Mr. Hilford, Although we are a little confused about your special request, we recognize you as America’s foremost psychic entertainer and we are happy to comply. Enclosed you will find a factory sealed deck of Bicycle brand playing cards complete with advertising cards, joker, extra joker but only 51 playing cards. Normally the US Playing Card Company would not produce such a deck, but because we understand you will be using this deck in one of you marvelous mental miracles, we are proud to help. Thank you, Don McDermott Vice President of Customer Relations
The man reads a business letter: Turning to the man with the deck the mentalist says, “Open that sealed deck of cards. Remove the advertising cards and the jokers. Looking over the cards in order, do you see one card missing?” The man affirms there is a card missing. “And what is the missing card?”
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The man answers, “The Two of Hearts!”
ethod:
Carefully open a new box of cards at the bottom. Glue the plastic to the flaps. Coat the outsides of the bottom flaps with rubber cement and allow it to dry. The single deck is set up like an index. Set the advertising cards, the jokers and the guarantee card aside. Separate the four suits remembering their original order. Slightly jog all thirteen cards of the first suit and clip them at the base of the top card with a #10 banker’s clip. Do the same with the remaining suits attaching the clips up a bit higher on each set. Reassemble the deck including the special cards. Because you staggered the clips the bottom third of all four suits will fit back into the opening of the card box. Some experimenting will show you how to wedge the cards and a bit of the clip so the cards don’t slip out of the box. This index is laid on its side in your right pocket. The illusion of having the deck in the priority envelope is achieved by using verbal deceptions. Both the priority envelope and the white envelope are referred to as “the envelope”. When it is stated that, “The envelope is sealed…” or “The envelope has been in your possession since before a card was selected,” you are speaking about the white envelope but it is carried to the priority envelope. The priority envelope contains only the white envelope at the start of the trick. You offer the priority envelope to a spectator and state that, “…it contained some interesting items,”. This statement makes the audience believe that there is more remaining in package after the
white envelope is removed. Later, they will believe the other item must have been the deck of cards.
The
Using four people to select a card is good showmanship and allows plenty of time to fix the gimmicked deck. When one color is eliminated remove the two clips from the other color cards and push them in the box. When one of the two chosen suits is eliminated remove the clip from that suit and push those thirteen cards into the box. Now there is only one set of thirteen cards. It is a relatively easy matter to run your thumb along the jogged cards and count to the chosen card. Remove the card, pull the final clip and push the last set into the box. When the flap is closed the rubber cement seals the bottom of the box. Adding the deck to the priority envelope is very deceptive. Simply hold the envelope in your left hand in front of your right pocket and take the deck out with your right hand. You don’t hide anything; you use more verbal deceptions. When you say, “Inside this envelope was more than just an envelope; it also contained this deck of playing cards,” you hold up the deck and show it. Then say, “We’ll return it to the envelope for the time being,” and drop the deck into the priority envelope. It doesn’t matter that the deck came from your pocket; it belongs in the envelope which is why you “…return it to the envelope…” as stated. Most of the audience will think you reached into the priority envelope to remove it anyway. It is important to understand how strong a move this non-move is. The final bit of showmanship is having a spectator read the faux testimonial letter. A major corporation extols your greatness to the audience. They seem to be saying that they would not assemble this special deck for any other performer. It makes you the center of the trick, and demands attention.
Andromeda C a r d My s t e r y
Docc hilford P.O. Box 546022 bal harbour, FL 33154
www.docchilfordproducts.com
© copyright 1999 Doocc Hilford E-Version © copyright 2009 Doocc Hilford
Do not be tempted to show the selected card later. It ruins the plot of the special fifty-one card deck. This is a reputation making trick. Part of the method for this powerful illusion is roughly based on an idea of Harold G. Beaumont of Huddersfield, England. Enjoy.
Docc Hilford The Miami Master Mentalist
by Docc
Hilford
