Mystifying Magic: Four Aces Trick with Simple Setup

[soroban]

You probably noticed that I have an interest in Magic.
It was a hobby when I was young (I still have a trunkful
of tricks).$\;$ I've been reviewing simple card and coin
tricks, inspired by my grandson, who requires constant
entertainment, but is a most appreciative audience.

I learned this trick recently on the internet.$\;$ I was
impressed by its simplicity, requiring no special skills,
only the simplest set-up.The effect.

You ask the volunteer to cut the deck into two piles
You each take a pile and take out any four cards.
You take the packet of eight cards, discarding the
rest of the deck.

You show the top two cards, fanned face down
and ask them which on they want.$\;$ They pick
either card and you give them that card.

Sometimes you ask which card they want to give
to you. .Then you take that card.

This continues until the eight cards are distributed
between the two of you.

When you turn over the cards, you have a "nothing"
hand and they have Four AcesThe secret

When you select your four cards, select the four Aces.

Place your Aces on top of his four cards (all face down).
Place the rest of the deck aside.

Fan the top two cards face down and ask "Which card do you want?"
When he chooses, place the card face down in front of him.
Place the other card on the bottom of the packet.

Fan the next two cards face down and ask the same question.
When he chooses, place the card face down in front of him.,
Place the other card on the bottom the packet.

Fan the next two cards face down and ask "Which card is for me?"
When he chooses, place the card face down in front of you.
Place the other card on the bottom of the packet.

Fan the next two cards face down and ask "Which card is for me"
When he chooses, place the card face down in front of you.
Place the other card on the bottom of the packet.

Fan the next two cards face down and ask "Which card do you want?"
When he chooses, place the card face down in front of him.
Place the other card on the bottom of the packet.

Fan the next two cards face down and ask, "Which card is for me?
When he chooses, place the card face down in front of you.
Place the other card on the bottom of the packet.

You must memorize the order of the questions thus far:
$\qquad$ You, You, Me, Me, You, Me.

You now have two cards with the Ace on top.
Fan them and ask "Which is the Lucky Card?"

If he picks the Ace (top card), give it to him.
. . You take the other card.

If he picks the other card, add it to your pile
$\quad$ Saying, "Okay, I can use the luck."
Give him the other card (the last Ace).

At this point, remind him of the choices he made.
"I offered you two cards at a time and you had a
free choice of either of them.$\;$ Did I influence you
in any way?"$\;$ He should say No.$\;$ Then you can
say "Let's see if you made any good choices."

Now you can dramatically reveal your poor hand
and his four Aces.

 

[lofgran]

Dear forum post author,

I find your interest in magic intriguing. It is always fascinating to see how simple tricks can captivate and entertain us. I appreciate you sharing this trick with us and explaining the secret behind it.

From a scientific perspective, this trick involves a combination of psychology and probability. By asking the volunteer to choose between two cards, you are giving them a sense of control and free choice. This can make them feel like they are making their own decisions, when in fact, you are subtly guiding them towards selecting certain cards.

Moreover, by placing the Aces on top of the volunteer's four cards, you are increasing the probability of them choosing an Ace when given a choice between two cards. This is because the Aces are the top cards and will be the first ones seen in the fan.

I also find it interesting how you use repetition and memorization to create the illusion of randomness and free choice. By repeating the same sequence of questions and choices, it appears that the volunteer is making their own decisions, when in reality, you are controlling the outcome.

Overall, this trick is a great example of how simple techniques can create a seemingly magical effect. Thank you for sharing your interest in magic with us and for explaining the science behind this trick.