Forcing a card is one of the most important skills a magician can have. It allows the magician to control the audience's perception of the trick and create a sense of wonder and amazement. But how do you force a card? In this article, we will cover the different methods for forcing a card and provide a step-by-step guide on how to do it.
What is Forcing a Card?
Forcing a card is a technique that magicians use to make it seem like the audience member randomly selected a card when, in reality, the magician made sure that specific card was chosen. The magician does this by subtly manipulating the deck or the audience member's choices to ensure the selected card is the one they want.
Why Should You Force a Card?
Forcing a card is an essential technique in magic because it allows the magician to control the outcome of the trick. By forcing a specific card, the magician can set up the trick and create a sense of wonder and amazement in the audience. It also allows the magician to perform more complex tricks that require a specific card to be selected.
How to Force a Card
Now that you understand what forcing a card is and why it's essential, let's dive into the different methods for forcing a card.
The Classic Force
The classic force is one of the most common and straightforward methods for forcing a card. Here's how to do it:
- Spread the deck face down in your hand.
- Ask the audience member to select a card and remember it.
- As you square the deck, move the selected card to the top of the deck.
- Hold the deck with your thumb on top and your fingers on the bottom.
- Ask the audience member to take the top card and show it to the audience.
- The card they show is the one you forced.
The Riffle Force
The riffle force is another common method for forcing a card. Here's how to do it:
- Hold the deck face down in your left hand.
- Ask the audience member to say "stop" as you riffle through the cards.
- When they say "stop," use your right thumb to lift up the top half of the deck.
- Ask the audience member to take the top card and show it to the audience.
- The card they show is the one you forced.
The Hindu Force
The Hindu force is a more advanced technique for forcing a card. Here's how to do it:
- Hold the deck face down in your right hand.
- Ask the audience member to say "stop" as you deal cards into your left hand.
- When they say "stop," use your left thumb to take the top card and place it on the bottom of the deck.
- Ask the audience member to take the top card and show it to the audience.
- The card they show is the one you forced.
Conclusion
Forcing a card is an essential technique in magic that allows the magician to control the outcome of the trick and create a sense of wonder and amazement in the audience. Whether you use the classic force, riffle force, or Hindu force, mastering this skill will take your magic to the next level.
