Auto Prediction

Effect

Have you ever seen a prediction that corrects itself? This effect does exactly that: at first, the performer's prediction seems to change according to the spectator's choices. Even better, this "intelligent" prediction requires only a deck of cards and a pen. This is a wonderfully clever prediction structure.

Setup

You will need:

• A Sharpie
• 1 double-backer
• 1 prediction card (for example, the 3S)
• 2 Jokers

Write "3 of Spades" vertically from top to bottom in the center of the back of 1 Joker.

Arrange the cards as follows:

• On top of the deck: the 3S is on top, and the double-backer is second.
• On the table: the 2 Jokers are face up, with the Joker bearing the "3 of Spades" writing on top of the normal Joker.

Performance

Begin by picking up the 2 Jokers and performing a Flushtration Count: first hold them squared together and display their back as a single unit, then display the back of the other Joker separately. Perform the Flushtration Count casually without drawing unnecessary attention. Since the writing is in the center, a slight misalignment will not expose it.

Set the normal Joker aside. Have the spectator sign the face of the Joker that has "3 of Spades" on its back.

Place this signed Joker face up on top of the deck. Perform a Triple Turnover, and openly write any indifferent card, such as "8 of Diamonds," vertically from top to bottom in the center of the card back. Be careful not to expose the face-up card directly beneath it.

Have the spectator cut off roughly one-third of the deck, turn that packet face up, and place it back on top of the deck.

Spread the deck and remove the 2 cards at the boundary between the face-up cards and the face-down cards: the face-up Joker and the face-down card directly beneath it.

Turn over the face-down card to reveal the 3S, showing that your written prediction ("8 of Diamonds") was wrong.

Make a magical gesture, turn the Joker face down, and show that the prediction on its back has magically changed to "3 of Spades."

Afterthought

This is a very simple trick. But to the spectators, the effect is surprising: it is a classic example of the performer running into trouble and then solving the problem through magic. It is a very fun and practical routine.

Another point is that you may feel performing this trick requires "wasting" a double-backer, and wonder whether it is worth it. In my case, a 54-card double-backer deck costs less than $5, which is cheaper than a cup of coffee. I think this entertaining effect is entirely worth such a "waste."