We have been shipping some Svengali Decks fully assembled and ready to go.
We have upgraded our machinery/processes to make this possible.
There are a large number of decks in the marketplace that still require assembly. Some special orders also require assembly.
The Svengali Deck is a combination of 26 force cards and 26 indifferent cards. The FORCE cards are cut or trimmed slightly shorter that the indifferent cards. They can also be called “the short cards” or “the identical cards.” The INDIFFERENT cards are the standard length. They have not been modified in any way. They are taken from a standard deck of Bicycle back cards. They include the Ace, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen, King, and Joker. They can also be called “the long cards” or “the indifferent cards.” The cards are specially chosen to give the illusion that the deck is normal in every way. We will use the term “force cards” and “indifferent cards” in these instructions.
The force cards are set up so that every other card in the deck is a force card. The force cards are cut or trimmed slightly shorter that the indifferent cards.
Assembly of the Svengali Deck:
- Shuffle the indifferent (long different) cards.
- Place a force (short identical) card, face up in a new pile.
- Place an indifferent card on top of the force card.
- Place another force card, face up on the pile.
- Continue to alternate cards until all 52 are in the pile, alternating long and short
- You’re ready!
Handling: Place the deck face down on a table or performance pad. With your fingers on the short sides, lift a portion of the deck. The card on top of the remaining pile should be a force card. In this way, you can create multiple piles of cards, and each pile will have a force card on the top. If you hold the cards with bottom facing the spectator, bend the pack a little toward the spectator and riffle the cards. If you riffle toward the spectator, you will see different cards. If you riffle away from the spectator, you should see the force card every time.
Easy Tricks
Tell your spectator that you are going to start dropping the cards from one hand to another. They should say “Stop” at any time. When the spectator says stop, show them the last card that was dropped. This is the card on top of the drop pile. It should be the force card for your deck. Place the card back in the deck and square the deck on the table. Snap your fingers and tell the spectator that their card has risen to the top of the deck. Show the top card. It is a force card. Tell the spectator, “I suppose you are thinking that all the cards in this deck are the same?” Pick up the deck and riffle it toward the spectator, showing all the cards are different. Replace the deck on the table. Ask the spectator, “Do you want to know how I did it?” Pick up the cards and riffle them away from the spectator, showing them all the same. At the same time say, “I turned them all into your card.”
Forcing a Card: Forcing a card can be done in many ways. Always start by tapping the bottom of the cards on the table. This will set them to work well.
Take the cards face down in one hand and push the lower center down keeping the cards in place holding your thumb and flip through the cards. This shows the spectator half of the end of the faces of the cards.
To get the spectator to pick one of the force cards as you riffle the edge of the deck, have the spectator place his finger into the deck as you flip. Cut the cards at that point where his finger is, and complete the cut. The top card will always be the force card.
Another method is to drop the cards from one hand to another while holding the top and bottom of the cards. If done right they will fall in pairs. This sometimes is called drippling the cards.
If the bottom of the cards come loose first, and you drop them in a haphazard like way, make sure there is still one pile. You can take the whole deck and turn them face up, this will show every card as what appears to be a regular card, and by doing this face up, every card will look like the force card.
If done face down, and you dribble them into your palm, then have the spectator say “Stop” at any time. The force card will always be at the top of the dropped pile.
Another way: To use this deck the is by riffling the cards. Riffle the cards is a simple way to handle the deck, hold the cards straight up and down in your hand with your thumb on one end and fingers on the other. Use the other hand to stabilize the rest of the deck. Flip the tops of the cards with thumb and pairs of cards will fall and the top one of each pair will be a force card. The reverse of this is also true by riffling the deck in the other direction. You can show the deck as normal.
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Performance of the Svengali Deck
Using a Svengali Deck of Cards, it is very important to begin and end each trick by showing the deck as normal. To do this, just riffle the cards showing each card to be different even though you are only showing 26 cards hiding the force card behind. In the following directions, to avoid repetition, we will not explain this each time.
When you perform each trick separately or put them together in a full routine, just remember the basic concepts making sure the audience never has no doubts that this is a regular deck of cards.
Basic riffle: Hold the cards straight up and down, with the faced cards out toward the audience. In one hand with your thumb on the top of the cards and flip through the cards, letting the cards fall into your outstretched hand. This will show all the faces as the force card.
Back riffle: This is the same as the basic riffle, but instead hold the cards with the deck of cards with the backs toward the audience. You will turn the deck or even switch hands and riffle it the other way, showing all the cards normal.
Messy riffle: This will show the cards in a way that shows the cards in a pile that once done right you can grab the pile and turn it over and show either all the force card or all normal cards.
Hold the cards face down in your left hand by the ends, thumb on one side and fingers on the other short ends. To perform while holding the cards at the ends, riffle and drop the cards in your hand in a messy pile.
Regrip the cards holding the pile tight with the other hand simply turn the pile over and display all to be normal cards or the force card.
Warning: Unlike other trick decks of cards, the Svengali Cards cannot be handed out to be handled by a spectator or be truly examine.
Some ways to help with this is to buy a regular deck of cards that match the design on the back. With this extra deck in your pocket, if asked by a spectator to look at the deck after a performance, it would be simple to put your Svengali deck in your pocket and then switch it for the real matching deck of cards.
There are many ways to perform this switch with sleight of hand or by switching under cover of a silk cloth, paper, or bag. The following two methods are easy to do.
Put a duplicate deck of cards in your back pocket, or under your belt in the back of the waist band of your pants. You also could wear a suit jacket and there are many pockets that could be used.
You can give a reason to place the cards behind your back for a second and switch it at that time. If you have the extra cards in your pocket, you may need to add slightly turn your body so the audience cannot see the switch happen.
A Svengali Deck of Cards can only have one force card. So, you should purchase more than one Deck of Cards with different force cards if it’s a trick that you will be performing for the same group again. This will truly throw them off that it’s a trick deck.
Please remember that it’s not recommended that you repeat too many tricks with this deck in the same performance because the audience will see the same force card over and over.
Here is one of my favorite routines: Money For Nothing And Tricks For Free
Coin Toss: Force the card on the spectator. Spread all the cards by riffling them all over the table and flip a coin on the table. Whichever card the coin lands on, turn it over to reveal that it is his card.
The Dollar Count: Force a card and have it returned. Ask the spectator if he has a dollar bill in his pocket and have him remove a dollar and lay it out. Tell him to look at the serial number on the bill and to add two or three digits of the bill’s number together and give you the total. Tell them letters and zero’s do not count. Count that number of cards off the top of the cards face down in a pile on the table. The last card removed from the cards will be his chosen card unless the number is an even number, then turn over and show the very next card.
Card in Wallet: Force one of the force cards, but to start, load one in your wallet. Have a card selected and returned to the deck. Riffle the cards and show your card has vanished. Remove your wallet and open it to reveal the selected card has been there the whole time.
101 Tricks
Forcing a Card
Forcing a card can be done in many ways. the table. This will set them to work well.
Always start by tapping the bottom of the cards on
Take the cards face down in one hand and push the lower center down keeping the cards in place
holding your thumb and flip through the cards. This shows the spectator half of the end of the faces of
the cards.
To get the spectator to pick one of the force cards as you riffle the edge of the deck, have the
spectator place his finger into the deck as you flip. Cut the cards at that point where his finger is, and
complete the cut. The top card will always be the force card.
Another method is to drop the cards from one hand to another while holding the top and bottom of
the cards. If done right they will fall in pairs. This sometimes is called drippling the cards.
If the bottom of the cards come loose first, and you drop them in a haphazard like way, make sure
there is still one pile. You can take the whole deck and turn them face up, this will show every card as
what appears to be a regular card, and by doing this face up, every card will look like the force card.If done face down, and you dribble them into your palm, then have the spectator say “Stop” at any
time. The force card will always be at the top of the dropped pile.
Another way
To use this deck the is by riffling the cards. Riffle the cards is a simple way to handle the deck, hold
the cards straight up and down in your hand with your thumb on one end and fingers on the other.
Use the other hand to stabilize the rest of the deck. Flip the tops of the cards with thumb and pairs of
cards will fall and the top one of each pair will be a force card. The reverse of this is also true by
riffling the deck in the other direction. You can show the deck as normal.
Performance of the Svengali Deck
Using a Svengali Deck of Cards, it is very important to begin and end each trick by showing the deck
as normal. To do this, just riffle the cards showing each card to be different even though you are only
showing 26 cards hiding the force card behind. In the following directions, to avoid repetition, we will
not explain this each time.
When you perform each trick separately or put them together in a full routine, just remember the basic
concepts making sure the audience never has no doubts that this is a regular deck of cards.
Basic riffle
Hold the cards straight up and down, with the faced cards out toward the audience. In one hand with
your thumb on the top of the cards and flip through the cards, letting the cards fall into your
outstretched hand. This will show all the faces as the force card.
Back riffle
This is the same as the basic riffle, but instead hold the cards with the deck of cards with the backs
toward the audience. You will turn the deck or even switch hands and riffle it the other way, showing
all the cards normal.
Messy riffle
This will show the cards in a way that shows the cards in a pile that once done right you can grab the
pile and turn it over and show either all the force card or all normal cards.
Hold the cards face down in your left hand by the ends, thumb on one side and fingers on the other
short ends. To perform while holding the cards at the ends, riffle and drop the cards in your hand in a
messy pile.
Regrip the cards holding the pile tight with the other hand simply turn the pile over and display all to
be normal cards or the force card.
Warning
Unlike other trick decks of cards, the Svengali Cards cannot be handed out to be handled by a
spectator or be truly examine.
Some ways to help with this is to buy a regular deck of cards that match the design on the back. With
this extra deck in your pocket, if asked by a spectator to look at the deck after a performance, it wouldbe simple to put your Svengali deck in your pocket and then switch it for the real matching deck of
cards.
There are many ways to perform this switch with sleight of hand or by switching under cover of a silk
cloth, paper, or bag. The following two methods are easy to do.
Put a duplicate deck of cards in your back pocket, or under your belt in the back of the waist band of
your pants. You also could wear a suit jacket and there are many pockets that could be used.
You can give a reason to place the cards behind your back for a second and switch it at that time. If
you have the extra cards in your pocket, you may need to add slightly turn your body so the audience
cannot see the switch happen.
A Svengali Deck of Cards can only have one force card. So, you should purchase more than one Deck
of Cards with different force cards if it’s a trick that you will be performing for the same group again.
This will truly throw them off that it’s a trick deck.
Please remember that it’s not recommended that you repeat too many tricks with this deck in the
same performance because the audience will see the same force card over and over.
Beginning a routine
Start with a regular deck cards in your performance. You can begin by performing a few regular tricks
using sleight of hand or even a self-working card trick like some that are available in our easy card
trick book on our website.
When finished, place the ordinary cards in the same jacket pocket as your Svengali Cards and switch
them using one of the methods described above.
In the following instructions, the force card will be called other names like the “key card” or the
“chosen card.” Do not call it these names while performing. Make sure you only call it the card while
performing.
Next, we have taken a few of the best tricks in this book and put them together in a basic routine. If
you learn this first and practice it until you have mastered it, then learn some more tricks below and
put your own routine together.
Enjoy your Svengali Deck!!!
The Best Routines in the Book
Here is a collection of three of my favorite tricks in this book. Start by learning basic ways to use your
Svengali deck plus all its principles, like riffling the deck, and of course, shuffling and cutting. Practice
in your room or office or wherever. Sit down and put these three trick together and think of some
things to say about money. Maybe learn some strange money facts or jokes and add them to make it
your own series of tricks and then practice lots more. Then you are ready to perform the following
Svengali Deck. Enjoy!!!
Money For Nothing And Tricks For Free
Coin TossForce the card on the spectator. Spread all the cards by riffling them all over the table and flip a coin
on the table. Whichever card the coin lands on, turn it over to reveal that it is his card.
The Dollar Count
Force a card and have it returned. Ask the spectator if he has a dollar bill in his pocket and have him
remove a dollar and lay it out. Tell him to look at the serial number on the bill and to add two or three
digits of the bill’s number together and give you the total. Tell them letters and zero’s do not count.
Count that number of cards off the top of the cards face down in a pile on the table. The last card
removed from the cards will be his chosen card unless the number is an even number, then turn over
and show the very next card.
Card in Wallet
Force one of the force cards, but to start, load one in your wallet. Have a card selected and returned
to the deck. Riffle the cards and show your card has vanished. Remove your wallet and open it to
reveal the selected card has been there the whole time.
A Different Way of Setting up Your Svengali Deck
Mene Tekel Cards
The “Mene Tekel” Cards is an altered Svengali principle named by W. D. Leroy. There are still 26 long
cards and 26 short cards alternating throughout the cards, but in the Mene Tekel setup, the short
cards are duplicates of the long cards and are placed below each one and arranged in pairs. The cards
may be riffled in the same manner as the Svengali. Many Svengali tricks can be performed, but the
force card will end up different each time.
The spectator can choose a card. Then you can cut the cards at the chosen card, splitting the pair.
Place the top card anywhere the spectator wants in the middle. Tap the top and his card appears at
the top. You may purchase a second deck of cards with the same back design you have and ask your
local magic dealer to cut those cards short for you or have a printing company cut them. Then. put
the 26 pairs of two, creating a 52-card deck of Mene Tekel Cards.
And on With the Rest of the Great Tricks
Svengali with a Smile
Throughout the beginning of this trick, put on your most serious shuffling expression. After the
spectator returns his card to the cards, shuffle the cards. Occasionally cut to a force card and briefly
but intentionally showing the spectator a duplicate of his card. Look at their and say, “Please don’t
forget your card”, then smile and continue shuffling.
The Force
Riffle the cards, asking the spectator to put their finger anywhere in the middle of the deck cards as
you riffle. Have her say stop and jab her finger in that part of the deck.
This will be their selected card which will be a force card. The section above her finger will be a
regular card so make sure she doesn’t want this one. Next move her card to the top with a cut of the
deck, leaving a short force card on the top of the deck of cards.This will be her selected card, so just pull it off the top and have her memorize it. This will be repeated
in many of the 101 tricks in this book but to save space it will be not be rewritten.
The Flip
Force the card, have it replaced in the deck, and shuffle all with a standard riffle shuffle. Hold the
cards face down in one hand with your other hand under it. Place your thumb on the top edge and
your fingers on the bottom edge. Make sure a short force card is always on the top of the deck. To
display all the cards to be the force card, slide the top card off and place it on the face of the deck.
Then slide off the cards two at a time off the thumb. This will happen automatically because of the
short card. As they fall, each card will fall into your bottom hand. This is similar to riffling but each pair
falls off the thumb and lands in the hand being held underneath. Allowing them to fall into the other
hand displays the whole deck as the force card.
Card in Pocket
Have a card selected and returned to the deck. Cut or riffle shuffle the cards and place them in your
pocket. Reach in and grab the top card and pull out their selection.
The Double lift
Hold it face down in one hand and with the index finger and thumb of your other hand, grasp the top
two cards at the edge lifting by the corner. Keep them together and show the face of the second card
to the spectator. Place the two cards back on top of the deck of cards and square the cards.
Take the top card and place it on the bottom or in the middle of the deck of cards. The spectator will
think that you have placed his card on the bottom or lost it in the middle.
Turn the now top card over, and it will magically with a wave of your hand or a snap of your fingers be
on back on top of the deck.
The Double Ambitious Card
With a Svengali deck the above double lift can be repeated many times. It will appear that the force
card is jumping to the top and won’t stop.
Ambitious Card
A Svengali deck also needs NO sleight to perform the ambitious card.
The above double lift is a cool way to make it work. If you just riffle up and cut the deck every time
the top card will be the force card, it can be repeated many times. It will appear that the force card is
jumping to the top. By added the Double Ambitious Card and the standard way of making the force
card jump to the top, it’s a really cool series of tricks.
The Reading
Show the cards different than the standard way, then riffling over and over as you cut the deck.
At this point ask the spectator to insert his finger in the cards as you riffle up. Ask the spectator to
remove his card from the cards. After concentrating and fake mind reading actions you can simply
name their card.
Stopping AnywhereForce a card, cut the card to the top. Show the spectator his card then return the card to the top of
the cards. After cutting the deck of cards many times, show that the selected card has been lost.
Hold the cards face down at the top and bottom edge, dropping the cards from one hand to the other
and ask the spectator to say “Stop.” As cards will fall in pairs, no matter where the spectator stops
you, the top card will be his card. Turn the top card over showing his card and amazingly it is the one
he said, “Stop,” on.
Choose a Pile
The spectator replaces the forced card after you make her pick it. Shuffle the cards and cut the cards
into six or seven different piles. The spectator points to any of the piles. Collect all the rest of the cards
by placing each pile on top of the other. With the remaining pile, simply turn the top card over to
reveal his card.
Friend Guess
Have a friend remember the name of the force card in your cards. Have him be available during the
time of performance. After the spectator has returned the card, inform them that you have a friend
who knows the spectator’s card, and that your friend can mentally picture the suit and value of the
card just by speaking to the spectator on the phone or have them leave the room during the selection
and return. Tell the spectator to dial your friend or call her back into the room, then they name the
spectator’s chosen card.
Missing Card
The spectator selects a card in the normal way, but have him hold on to it this time. Tell everyone you
can look through the 51 remaining cards and just by memory you can figure out the card. Spread the
cards toward you with the backs of the cards to the audience, and look over the cards, searching and
searching to see which card is missing. Simply name the chosen card, the force card.
You All Picked It
Have 4 to 6 volunteers come forward and have each spectator select a card and replace it in the deck.
All pick the same force cards. The more volunteers there are the louder the end effect will be. Make
sure to cut the cards between each spectator’s choice, making the illusion that each selected card is
lost in the deck.
Have all the spectators who have picked a card yell out the name of their cards at the count of three.
At this point count to three, all of the volunteers will yell loudly, the name of the same force card.
Wow all named the same card.
Die Roll
Force the card on a spectator. Spread all the cards by riffling them all over table and roll a die on the
table. Whichever card the die lands on, turn it over to reveal the it is his card.
Die Roll 2
Force the card on spectator. Spread all the cards by riffling them all over the table and roll a number
on the table. Whichever number, one through 6, count over two that number on the table. Turn it
over and reveal that it is her card.Coin Toss
Force the card on the spectator. Spread all the cards by riffling them all over the table and flip a coin
on the table. Whichever card the coin lands on, turn it over to reveal the it is his card.
Pool Shark
Force the card on the spectator. Spread all the cards by riffling them all over a pool table and shoot or
roll the cue ball on the table. Whichever card the ball stops on, turn it over to reveal the it is her card.
Bigger is Better
Buy a jumbo deck of cards, contact us to buy one already made up, or ask your dealer to cut them
into a Svengali Deck for you. Jumbo cards are used when your audience is sitting farther away from
your performance area or if you are on a stage. Be careful because jumbo cards are also thicker, so
they are easier to detect as trick cards from up close.
Backwards miracle
Turn one of the force cards face up and replace it in the face down cards. Have the spectator return
his chosen card to the deck, then riffle the cards, claiming the card has vanished. Underneath, riffle
the cards showing all the card backs facing the same direction. Then, hold the pack up and fan it with
the backs toward your spectator, and he will see a duplicate of his chosen card reversed in the cards.
Deck Feeling
Force a card and have it returned to the deck. Place all the cards in a paper bag, face down, flat on
the bottom of bag. Ask the spectator to hold everything for you as you reach into the bag and feel for
the selected card. Explain that you can feel the different printing on the cards and can find the card in
this manner. Then, feel around the bag for a while, but do not stir the cards in the cards. Pull off the
top force card and show it.
The Miracle Deck
As usual a spectator will select and return a card. Shuffle the cards, then hold the cards face down in
one hand and wave your other hand over the cards. Snap your fingers, then back riffle the cards,
showing that all the cards in the deck have magically changed to match the chosen card.
Magic Transport
Remove the bottom force card in the cards and hide that card in your pocket. Force a card and have it
returned to the cards. Ask the spectator to hold the cards while you command the chosen card to
leave the cards and place itself in your pocket. Retrieve the cards and riffle it to show that the chosen
card is no longer in the cards. Then pull the card from your pocket.
Spectator Special
Force a card, have the spectator remember it, and return it to the cards. Place the cards face down on
the table and remove the top card from the deck. Place it to your forehead with the back toward the
spectator. Then place the top card on the table face down, beginning a second pile. Continue taking
the top card to your forehead, telling the spectator to stop you at any card. If he says “Stop” while aforce card is at your forehead, lay it face up on the table, but if he stops you when an assorted card is
up, simply explained that he has designated that the next card will be his card.
Sealed
Before the show, write the name of your force card on a sheet of paper and seal it in an envelope. To
start, force the key card. Ask the spectator to hold his card while you explain that earlier you made a
prediction of one of the 52 cards that the spectator might choose. Ask a member of the audience to
open the envelope and read the prediction. Ask the spectator to name his card. Show they match.
The Secret Card
For this trick, you will also need a regular of cards. Start by reversing the match of your force card
and return the cards to its case. When you perform the trick, present the cards and ask your spectator
to hold the cards in his pocket.
Now bring out the Svengali Cards and tell them that the cards in his pocket are the key to this trick
and will know which card he will pick. Then, force the key card. Have them name the chosen card,
then have them pull out the regular deck out of his pocket and spread the cards face down on the
table. The chosen card will be face up in the face down cards.
Touch
Remove one of your force cards and show the card to the audience. Explain that you have the magic
touch. Show your fingers are so sensitive you can feel the pips on the face of each card. Rub your
fingers over the face of the card and replace it.
Shuffle the cards. Fan the cards face down and feel the faces of the cards. After a short time,
produce a force card. Then, tell the spectator to put the card back and shuffle again. Fan the cards,
and feel the faces again. Then produce a force card over again.
The Fingerprint
Have the spectator pick one of the force cards and remove it from the deck. Have him remember it,
and put it back anywhere. Shuffle the cards and explain that you have the power to see fingerprints on
the cards.
Fan through the cards facing you and examine the cards as if you are looking for prints. You may even
get a magnifying glass to make a big deal of it. Play it up as much as you can. Pull out a force card,
show it to the spectator, and ask him if you have found his card.
Name your Card
Have the spectator select one of the force cards and replace the card in the middle of the deck of
cards. Ask the spectator his name. Count cards from the top of the pack, using one card for each
letter of the spectator’s name. Place the cards in a face-down pile on the table. A force card will either
be the last letter of the name or the next card. If it is the last letter of his name, simply turn the card
face up and show one of the force cards. If the force card is the next card, place the card for the last
letter on the table. urn up the next card and say the very next card is yours.
The Cut
Have a card selected and returned, but make sure you force it. Tell the audience that you can cut the
cards to any card. Shuffle and cut the cards face down on the table. Cut the cards by grasping the topand bottom edges of a long side of the deck card, then replace the cut. Ask the spectator to name his
card. Turn over the top card to reveal the spectator’s chosen card.
The Cut 2
Have a card selected and returned, but make sure you force it. Tell the audience that you can cut the
cards to any card and that you can teach them how as well. Shuffle and cut the cards face down on
the table. Cut the cards by grasping the top and bottom edges of a long side of the deck card, then
replace the cut. Ask the spectator to name his card. Turn over the top card to reveal the spectator’s
chosen card. Next show the spectator where to cut. Reshuffle then have them cut right to their card.
The Coin Count
Force a card and have it returned. Ask the spectator if she has any change in his pocket and pull a
single coin out. Tell her to look at the date on the coin and to add the digits of the coin’s date together
and give you the total. If the date is 2007 then the total would be 9. Zero does not count. Count 9
cards off the top of the cards face down in a pile on the table. The last card removed from the cards
will be his chosen card. If the total of the coin is an even number, turn over and show the very next
card.
The Dollar Count
Force a card and have it returned. Ask the spectator if he has a dollar bill in his pocket and have him
remove a dollar and lay it out. Tell him to look at the serial number on the bill and to add 2 or 3 digits
of the bill’s number together and give you the total. Tell them letters and zero’s do not count. Count
that number of cards off the top of the card’s face down in a pile on the table. The last card removed
from the cards will be his chosen card. Unless the number is an even number, then turn over and
show the very next card.
The Count
Force a card and have it returned. Ask the spectator to think of any number 1 to 52 and then divide
the number by 2 and give you the total. Have her tell you the number and deal off that number face
down in a pile on the table. The last card removed from the cards will his chosen card. Unless the
number is an even number, then turn over and show the very next card.
Case Penetration
Remove your Svengali Cards from its case, but leave the top force card in the case. Have a force card
selected and replaced to the cards and shuffle. Cut the cards several times and place the card case on
the table and cards face down on top of the case. Wave your hand over the cards and case: snap
your fingers. Tell the spectator that the chosen card is no longer in the cards, but penetrated through
the cards and into the case. Show the deck normal by riffling the cards showing that the card is not
there; then hand the spectator the case. Open it and remove his card.
Top or Bottom
Ask two spectators to help. Force a key card on the first spectator. Have her remember it and return
it to the cards. Riffle the cards by flipping them to show it normal. Ask him to name any card he sees.
Fan the cards with faces toward you. Find the second spectator’s card. Square the cards, pulling the
second spectator’s card slightly above the other cards in the pack. Ask the first spectator if he would
like his card to appear on top of spectator’s two card or on the bottom. Whichever they name, raise
the force card next to the second card and then turn both faces forward.Your Friends’ Eyes Closed
Have your friend sit chair with her back to the audience. Make sure this person is on the workings of
the deck. Have her close her eyes. Shuffle the cards and force a card. Make sure as you show it the
friend can’t see it. Once the audience has looked at it, have the card returned to the cards. Shuffle the
cards, then deal the cards face down into a pile on the table, counting out loud for each card. Your
assistant, familiar with the cards, calls out “Stop” on an odd number. Ask the spectator to name his
card; it will be a force card.
Prediction
Call a volunteer forward and examine her hands. Tell her that you can tell by feeling her hands which
card she will choose from the cards. Riffle the cards to show them all normal. Force a card by riffling
them the other way. Have it replaced. Spread the deck to her and have her pick any card. Guess the
card if it’s wrong then say two times is the charm. Have her pick a different card. Each time cut the
deck and look at the faces to see if she got a force card even though by her reaction you should just
know. Then, have the spectator to name her card.
The Stop
Riffle the cards and force a card. Take the section to the bottom of the deck. Show the spectator his
card, cut the cards several times showing that the cards are well mixed and that the card has been
lost.
Holding the cards at the top and bottom, riffle the cards slowly from one hand to the other, and have
the spectator say stop at any time. The cards will fall in pairs, so no matter where the spectator says
stop it will be a force card and will be on top of the pile. Simply turn the card over to show his card.
Spectator Cut
Force a card. Have the spectator memorize it, and replace it. Cut and shuffle the cards a couple of
times, losing it in the middle. Have the spectator close her eyes and cut the cards by grasping the cards
at the ends. As she lifts that half of the deck, her card will be at the cut. Have her open her eyes and
look at the cut to card.
The Tap
Force a card. Have the spectator memorize it, and replace it. Cut and shuffle the cards a couple of
times, losing it in the middle. Have the spectator cut the cards by grasping the cards at the ends and
cut into several piles. Have him point to any of the piles he cut too, and turn over the top card of that
pile and look at the cut to card.
The Rising
Have the spectator select a card. She will receive a force card. Ask her to remember the card, return it
to the cards, then cut and shuffle the cards. Hold the cards vertically in your hand facing the spectator
with your four fingers across the front. Hold one side with your fingertips, pushing the other side of
the cards against your palm. Do not grasp too tightly.
Tell the spectator you will make his card rise. Take the index finger of your other hand and press it
against the top edge of the cards. It is on top of the cards. Lift your finger up from the cards, as iftrying to magically pull the card up. Do this two times. The next time, extend your pinkie finger and
press it to the back as you raise your hand. This will cause his card to “rise” from the pack.
The Floating Card
Force a card and explain that this card is lighter than any of the other cards. The card will float to the
top no matter how many times you cut the cards. Put the card back in the cards and cut them several
times. Place the cards face down on the table. Turn up the top card and show the top card, and cut
and shuffle the cards again. Repeat cutting, then turn up the top card and show your force card
again. Repeat as many times as it is funny.
The Switch
You need two volunteers. Force a card on the first and ask him to place his card in his pocket without
looking. Force a card on the second volunteer who names her card then returns it. Place the cards
face down on the table and order the chosen card to switch places with the card in the first volunteer’s
pocket. Riffle the cards to show the faces normal and show that the second chosen card is no longer
in there. Ask the first volunteer to remove the card from his pocket. He will find out that it is the
same card.
Reappearing Card
Force a card from the Svengali deck. Have the spectator name her card, and cut the cards several
times and ask the spectator to draw a card from any part of the deck other than the first card she
picked
Riffle the cards again, and force the same card on her again. Repeat until it’s not funny anymore.
Shake your head, telling her to return her card. The deck must be broken.
The Whisper Match
Ask a volunteer and whisper the name of your force card in his ear and ask him to return to his seat.
Ask a second volunteer and riffle the cards showing all the cards different. Then force the key card to
the same person. Explain you whispered the name of a card earlier to a different volunteer. Ask the
first volunteer to stand and name the card you whispered. Then ask the second the spectator to name
his card, voila, they match.
Mailed Prediction
A week before your booked performance date, seal in an envelope on a piece of paper the name of
your force card or put an actual force card in. Then, mail it to the client and before they get it, call
them and tell them plus write on it, “Don’t Open.” When you arrive, ask if they received your letter,
and give the sealed envelope to the guest of honor to hold it until you ask for it.
When you are ready at the show, force a card and ask the spectator to hold his card while you ask the
holder of the envelope to come forward and hand you the envelope. Explain to the audience when and
how it was received and point out the postmark date and the sealed flap. Have the spectator name his
card, then, ask the Other person to open the letter and read the paper or pull out of card in the
envelope.
Get a VolunteerHave a regular deck of cards, and remove the card that matches your force card. Show the card to
the audience, then place it on the floor. Put $10 next to the card and tell the group that anyone who
draws the same cards from this deck of cards, the Svengali Cards, can come up and claim the cash.
The second deck of cards has more than one card of the same suit and value, so more than one
person gets a match. The first to grab the bill gets to keep it. Tell them who ever does not get the
money gets a special prize, helping you on stage for the next trick.
Man, my card is everywhere
Have the selected card returned to the cards, then shuffle the cards. Hold the cards in one hand, palm
on the top of the cards, with your fingers wrapped around the bottom. Ask the spectator “How many
from the bottom would you like your card to be?” Count out that number of cards, removing them
from the bottom of the cards and placing them face down on the table. Then put the card back and
reshuffle. Now say how many from the top and count down in same fashion. If the spectator names an
even number, simply turn up the card at his number and you will turn up a force card. If he names an
odd number, count out that number and say “...which brings us to your card” and turn up the next
card. Then repeat either from bottom or top again.
Stop Me
The spectator chooses a card and returns his card to the rest of the cards, then shuffle and square the
cards. Hold the cards by the ends and begin dropping them on the table, asking someone in the
audience to yell “Stop.” When he yells “Stop,” place the cards still in your hand to the side. The top
card on the table will be a force card. Ask the spectator to name his card, then show the selected
card.
Transporter
Before the show, remove the bottom force card in the deck and hide the card somewhere in the room.
Force a card on a spectator and have it returned to the cards. Ask the spectator to hold the cards
while you command the chosen card to leave the cards and place itself somewhere else in the room,
naming the place where hid the card earlier. Retrieve the cards and riffle it to show that the chosen
card is no longer in the cards. Ask the spectator to go look and find his card.
Card box
When you remove your cards from the card case, leave the top force card in the case and set the case
off to the side on the performance table. Force a card and have it returned to the cards. Cut the
cards several times, giving the impression that the card has been lost within the cards. Lift the cards
to face level. Blow on the cards, then claim that the card has left the cards and flown away. To show
that the card is no longer in the deck by doing a riffle. Ask the spectator “Where did the card hide?”
Pick up the card case and ask the spectator to open it. Inside, he will find the duplicate of the force
card.
Biz Card
Print the name of your force card on one of your business cards. Force a card and have it returned to
the rest of the deck. Act like you are unable to find the chosen card and hand the spectator your
marked business card and tell them to call you later. You will find the name of his card.
Mini cardBuy a mini deck of cards from your magic dealer and remove the miniature duplicate of your force
card. Glue it to the back of a half dollar and place the coin in your pocket. Now you are ready to
perform some mini-magic.
Have a card picked and replace it in the cards. Then cut the cards so a short force card is no longer
the top card on the cards. Place the cards face down on the table and ask the spectator to peek at the
top one. Ask if the top card is his card. Of course, his replay will be “No.”
Without showing the mini card, remove the gimmicked coin from your pocket and place the coin on
top of the cards with the carded side down. Bet the spectator that his card is directly below the coin.
He will, of course, be doubtful because you just established that his card was not the top card. Turn
over the half dollar and present the mini force card to win the bet.
Twinkie
Take the bottom most force card of your cards, and load it in a Twinkie or cup cake. Take the cup cake
or whatever and reseal it.
Force a card and have it returned to the cards and shuffle. Show that the selected card is no longer in
the cards. Ask the spectator to have a cupcake with you while you try to figure out just exactly where
the card has gone. Hand the gimmicked cupcake to the spectator so when he bites into it, he will find
the card.
Card Stab
Have a card selected and lost, then shuffle all. Wrap the cards in a paper napkin. Take a butter knife
and inserting it into the end of the cards with the short ends of the force cards, run the knife through
the cards.
Have the spectator tear away the napkin and name his card as they cut the cards, and ask the
spectator to look at the face of the card on top of the bottom cut. He will see the duplicate of the
chosen card. Then show the cards above and below the selected card to show that they are different.
Card to Ceiling
Cut the back from the extra card case that has the same back design as your Svengali card box and
glue it to the back of one of your force cards. Take the gimmicked card and place a tiny amount of
magician’s wax in the center of the card back and front, then stick the card face down on the back of
your Svengali card box.
Start by forcing a card and have it returned to the cards. Cut the cards and place them inside the card
case. Take the card case like a small frisbee with gimmicked card. Throw the cards spinning like a
frisbee towards the ceiling so it hits flat. The cards will fall, leaving the gimmicked force card stuck to
the ceiling.
Color Change
If your Svengali Cards are blue, find a red back card with the same design back and front. Place this
card on the bottom. Force a card and have it returned to the cards, then cut them. This will place the
one matching card in the middle. Place the cards face down on the table and wave your hand. Spread
the cards across the table. Show that one card is red, then show it to be her card.
Acrobatic CardHave the spectator select a card and return it to the deck. Slide the top card over about an inch and
drop the deck on the table from a height of about a foot. The air pressure will flip the card over onto
the deck. His card apparently summersaulted to the top.
X-Ray
Have the spectator select and keep his chosen card. Tell the audience that you can see through the
cards. You could even buy some x-ray glasses to make the trick even better. Place the card face down
on the table and look at the card as if looking through card. After a few moments of study, you can
name the chosen card.
Giant Force
Buy a deck of jumbo (5x7) cards and remove the jumbo duplicate of your force card. Place the jumbo
duplicate under your tablecloth or Close up pad. Force a card from your Svengali deck and ask the
spectator to return it to the cards. Spread the cards on the pad or table and act surprised saying,
“There’s a card missing. What was your card?” Riffle the cards to the spectator showing the card is
not within the cards. Look around and under the table as if trying to find the card, then lift the
tablecloth or pad and present the jumbo force card.
Card under
Remove one of duplicates of your force card. Place the duplicate under your tablecloth or close up
pad. Force a card from your Svengali deck and ask the spectator to return it to the cards. Spread the
cards on the pad or table and acting surprised say, “There’s a card missing. What was your card?”
Riffle the cards to the spectator showing the card is not within. Look around and under the table as if
trying to find the card, then lift the tablecloth or pad and present the force card.
Card on head
Force a card and have the spectator remember it and return it to the cards. Set the cards down on
the table. Ask the spectator to remove the top card from the cards and place it to your forehead
facing away from you. Then simply name her card, the force card.
Good Vibrations
Force a card, and have it returned to the cards. Tell the spectator that each card in the deck has a
different vibration and you have the special touch in your fingers that you can feel the vibrations of
each card. Place the cards face down on the table and ask the spectator to name his card. Then
remove one of the force cards from the deck and feel it for a second, then turn it face up and show
you found his card.
Card on Back
Place a rolled piece of scotch tape on the top force card of the deck. Invite a spectator to assist you
and as he stands beside you, gently stick the card to his back. Have a card selected and returned to
the deck. Riffle to show the card has vanished. Have the spectator help you locate the card in various
places prompting him to reveal the selected card stuck to his back.
An Old trickHave the spectator select a card and replace it and shuffle. Ask her age and count off cards from the
top of the pack, using one card for each year of the spectator’s age. Place the cards in a face down
pile on the table. A force card will either be the last number of her age or the next card. Then simply
turn the card face up and show a duplicate of her chosen card.
Card in Wallet
Force one of the force cards, but to start, load one in your wallet. Have a card selected and returned
to the deck. Riffle the cards and show your card has vanished. Remove your wallet and open it to
reveal the selected card has been there the whole time.
Quick Turn
Start by gimmicking a special force card by gluing two of your force cards together back to back,
creating a double-faced force card. Take the gimmicked card second from the bottom in the cards.
Now this is very important when you riffle the cards to force a card, do not riffle past the gimmicked
card or it will show. Force the spectator a card and have them memorize the chosen card and return
the card. Cut the cards several times, place it face down on the table and spread the cards across the
table. Try to spread the cards just enough to see the double-backed card. The gimmicked card will
give the impression that the chosen card has instantly reversed itself in the cards.
When
Have a card selected and returned to the deck. Dribble the cards onto the table holding them by the
ends so they fall in pairs. Have the spectator say when and at which point you show the top card of
the stack to be the selected card.
Svengali Sandwich
You will need two pieces of real bread. Holding the cards in your left hand, pick up one slice of bread,
show both sides, and place it on the top card of the cards. Firmly, but casually, apply some pressure.
Then, pick up the other piece and show both sides of it and place it on the bottom of the cards. Force
a card with the bread and deck in the middle and have the spectator note it and return it to the cards.
The bottom card next to the bottom bread should also be a force card. Steal it off while hiding the
action with top bread, removing it at the same time. Wave your hand magically over the cards
ordering the card to become the meat in the sandwich. Then ask the spectator to name his card and
take apart the pieces of bread revealing the chosen card.
Card in Mouth
Fold a force card up and hide it in your mouth. If you place it on the side, you should be able to talk
naturally. Have a card selected and returned to the deck. Hold the cards in your mouth. Make some
movements with your lips as if trying to find the selection. Remove the cards from your mouth.
Slowly push the force card to your lips.
Twin Cards
You will need two Svengali decks with matching force cards. Prepare one deck by reversing the
bottom-most force card in cards and return them to its case. When you perform the trick, start by
riffling the cards above the reversed card to show the indifferent faces. Ask the spectator to select a
card from the second Svengali cards and tell them that the card is the other cards twin, and whatever
is done in one deck and card, also effects the other. Reverse the chosen card in the cards, retrievethe altered cards from its case and spread the cards face down on the table. The chosen card will be
face up in the face down cards.
Giveaway
Have a spectator select a card and return it to the deck. Tell them you can name her card by her
mere reaction to your words. Start to name random cards including the one she selected. Name a
few more and reveal her selected card.
X Marks the Spot
Force a card and have it returned to the cards. Hand a marker to the spectator and ask him to stop
you anytime as you riffle through the cards. Cut the cards where he indicates, complete the cut and
ask him to mark a big “X” on the back of the top card as you perform the double lift as described
above. Cut the cards several times before spreading the cards face down on the table. Ask the
spectator to pull the card with the “X” from the pack and look at it. He will find that he marked the
same card he chose earlier.
Jell-O Card
Place a force card into a bowl of Jell-O before it has set. card and offer a treat – his card with dessert! Add mixed fruit if desired.
Go Fish
Then force a card, fail to find the spectators
Force a card and have it returned to the cards. Deal them into two piles on the table: one pile of force
cards, one pile of indifferent cards (the regular cards in the deck). Ask the spectator to choose either
pile. If he chooses the pile of indifferent cards, hand the spectator that half and use the pile of force
cards. If he chooses the force cards, simply take the pile of force cards and hand them the indifferent
pile. Tell the spectator to deal himself four cards from the top, keeping the cards face down while you
do the same. Tell them you are going to play Go Fish, and ask if he has his chosen card in his hand.
He will say no, Go Fish. Take the top card from your pile and show it. Surprise, you fished out his
chosen card.
Recorded Prediction
Before the performance date, make a recording labeled “The Card.” Record the trick step by step and
end with the line “Your card is ------.” For this you could make a cd or use your phone. Another choice
is a mp3 player. Ask the spectator to be patient. You have the recorded instructions with you and you
will follow the instructions step by step. When the recording instructs you to make a prediction, make
a wrong prediction, then follow all the instructions and pause until the last line. Open up the paper you
wrote on and act surprised, then ask the what her card is. When she does, press play, and it will
name the right card.
Punch Card
Punch holes in a force card and return it to the deck. Have a force card selected and replaced. Bring
out a hole punch and make three punches in the air above at the deck. Spread the cards face down
and remove the card with the holes punched in it. Show the selected card has the same number of
holes.
Card on ForeheadApply a heavy amount of lip balm to your lips. Force a card and have it returned to the cards, then cut
the cards several times to give the impression that the card has been lost. Blow on the cards several
times, casually touching the top card to the lip balm from your lips. Tell the spectator to concentrate
on the name of his card and lift the cards to your forehead, pressing the top card to your skin and
showing the spectator the bottom card of the cards. Ask if he sees his card. When he says “no,” tell
them to concentrate harder and play up the moment by closing your eyes to concentrate as well. Tell
the spectator to speak up when he sees his card and yell out. Remove the deck and there is the force
card on your head.
Face up Cut
Have a spectator cut the cards face up from the ends. If he does not cut to a force card the first time,
give him another shot. He’ll surely get one the second time.
Slap Stick
Have a card selected and returned to the deck. Cut the cards a few times. Breath some warm air on
your palm to moisten it. Slap your hand down on the back of the deck allowing the top card to stick to
your palm. Lift your hand to reveal the selected card.
Instant Reversal
Before performing have a force card reversed second from the bottom of the deck. Riffle the cards
and have a card selected and returned to the pack. Cut the cards, then have the spectator squeeze
the deck. Spread the cards out revealing her chosen card face up.
Bottom Deal
If your chairs have seat cushions, secretly place a force card under the cushion. Then you’re ready to
perform. Have a spectator sit down on the seat with the hidden card. Force him to select a card and
return it to the deck. Talk about gambling and bottom dealing. Riffle the cards to show his card has
vanished. Then discover the card under his seat.
Card Under Glass
Have a force card loaded under the top cocktail napkin in a stack. Place the napkins out, keeping the
force card hidden. After drinks are served, offer to show a trick. Have a card selected and returned to
the deck. Make the card vanish and appear under the spectator’s glass and napkin.
Watch Your Card
Fold up a force card and place it under your watch. Have a card selected and returned to the deck.
Tell the spectator to watch his card vanish. Riffle to show his card is gone. Remove your watch and
allow the force card to drop out.
Card Tattoo
Have a temporary tattoo of your force card placed in an inconspicuous place. Have a card selected
and returned to the deck. Reveal your tattoo and the selected card or be a man and get a real card
tat (haha).
Card in Wallet 2Force one of the force cards. Have a card selected and returned to the deck. Riffle the cards and
show your card has vanished. Remove your wallet, but before you open it, make sure a force card is
on top and push it slightly off the deck and pull it back as you jam some fingers under it. This is called
getting a break. Set the wallet on top of the cards and steal off the hidden card under the wallet. You
could also borrow a wallet for this version and use the same method. As you open your wallet, pull the
card out quickly so they don’t see it was never in their wallet.
Sure Shot
Take a force card and burn a hole in its center. Replace it in the deck. Have a force card selected and
returned to the deck. Pull out a small cap gun and shoot the deck. Spread the cards to show a bullet
hole in the card.
Flash Cards
Variation of the above effect is to light a piece of flash paper and toss it toward the deck. Spread the
cards and reveal the selection has been burned.
The Bet
Get five $1bills and write the following: YOUR SELECTED CARD IS (Your Force Card). One word on
each card, then your force card on the last one. Have a card selected and replaced and bet your
spectator $5 that you can find his card. Fail to find his card a few times then deal the money to her
one bill at a time revealing the words and her selected card written out.
Help Wanted Ad
Make up a fake newspaper headline that reads: The Card You Selected is the (name of force card).
Have a card selected and fail to find it. Remark that you’ll have to find a better job. Scan the
newspaper as if looking through the classifieds, then turn the paper to reveal the selection.
Svengali Monte
Divide your deck into three equal smaller decks. Show one deck to be all the same, show the other
two decks to be different. Mix the decks as in the three-card monte style having the spectator keep
track of the packet that is all the same. You can riffle each packet correspondingly to show right or
wrong. He loses and you win.
Card Under Tablecloth
Before anyone is around, place a force card up underneath the tablecloth where you will later be
dining. Have a card selected and replaced in the deck. Place the deck above the tablecloth where the
selected card is hidden. Smack your hand down upon the deck. Allow a spectator to lift the tablecloth
and find the selected card has penetrated.
Card Thru Window
Have a force card stuck on the outside of the inconspicuous window with some magician’s wax. a card selected and returned to the deck. Throw or spring the cards at the window. will follow the cards as they shower from the window and see the selected card on the glass. Have
The spectators
Have
them remove the card and they will find it stuck not on the inside, but the outside!
Card DartHave a card picked. Place the force cards on a dart board in what seems in a random way, but all will
be the same and allow a spectator to throw a dart at the cards. Show the impaled card to be the
selected card.
Final words
There is no limit to the number of effects possible with this special deck. By using your imagination
and lots of practice, you will be creating new ideas and miracles of your own. Do not be afraid to
experiment with the deck and the many cool tricks in this book. At some point, you will settle on what
you will call your routine. This will make your use of the Svengali deck that much more fun.
That’s All Folks
Try these ideas and keep evolving your own routine by adding or subtracting moves and tricks
to fit you.
We hope you learn and master as many card tricks and Ideas as you can and also move on to
bigger better sleight of hand. Time is all you need.
It can make you into a person of interest and give you a lifelong career, but remember it does
take LOTS of work—but FUN work. Keep on practicing. Have FUN!!!
B. T. Moore
The Code of Magic
1. 2. 3. 4. Never explain how a trick is done.
Never explain what you are going to do ahead of time.
Never repeat a trick for the same people.
Always practice each trick before you present it.
Svengali Cards
Copyright 2022 by Sterling Magic, LLC
Published by:
Sterling Magic, LLC
48252 263rd St
Brandon, SD 57005
605-838-2775
Printed in the United States of AmericaAll Right Reserved.
This booklet contains opinions and ideas of the author. It is designed to provide useful advice. The
author and publisher expressly disclaim any responsibility for any liability, loss, or risk, personal or
otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence directly or indirectly of the use or application of any of
the contents of this book.
No part of this eBook may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or
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except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a magazine,
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information, please contact the Author by e-mail at [email protected] or by mail at 48252
263rd St, Brandon, SD.