How To Perform a Card Trick Using the 26th Key Card Method
This card trick is easy to do and relies on a key card.A key card is a card that the performer contrived to be at a known position in the card deck.The twenty-sixth card is the key card.
Step 1: There is a complete pack of playing cards.
Count down until you get to the 26th card.It is your key card and you should memorise it.Replacing the existing 26th card with one that is easier to remember will make this easier.
Step 2: Turn the cards face up and fan them for your spectator to see that it is a mixed-up pack of cards.
Step 3: The deck of cards should be placed to the right of the spectator.
We are going to name this packet A.
Step 4: The cards should be cut roughly two thirds down.
There are cards to the left of Packet A.This pile is called Packet B.
Step 5: Put the cut cards to the left of Packet B if you ask the spectator.
Your key card should be in the middle of Packet B.
Step 6: Pick up Packet C and shuffle the cards.
Ask that they remember the top card and replace it on top of the packet.They should place Packet C back in its original position.
Step 7: To shuffle Packet A, ask the spectator to pick it up.
Get them to put Packet A on Packet C once they have done that.
Step 8: Ask the spectator to place the two Packets on top of each other.
Step 9: The lower half of the pack should be placed on the top half.
Ask them to do it again.Thank the person.
Step 10: Instruct the audience to look for the spectator's card.
You need to identify your key card by holding the cards close to your chest.The card needs to be found quickly.It will either be in the bottom half of the cards or the top half.
Step 11: When you reach the 26th card, count the cards up through the pack.
You should count your key card as the number one.If the key card is towards the top end of the pack, you should continue from the bottom until you reach number 26.Your spectator's card has been identified.
Step 12: You have to hold the cards above the spectator's card in your left hand and below it in the right hand.
The cards should be in front of you.I am having trouble locating your card.I will need to do something else since you are saying bring the two halves of the pack together but with the cards in the right hand.The top one is the spectator's card.
Step 13: With your left hand, hold the long side of the cards while your right hand holds the short side.
The whole deck should be obscured by your right hand.
Step 14: Use your left thumb to push the top card away from the rest of the pack.
Spectators should not see this move as your right hand should cover it.
Step 15: The card should be revealed.
You are ready for the reveal.The spectator might be able to give you the name of their card.You toss the pack from your right hand to the left.The air pressure on the card should cause it to turn over.