Bubkus Divination
Posted on 9/19/2009
This is based on an idea conveyed to me over the telephone by Ed McGowan, who demonstrated it as a telephone trick. He did it with only five cards and the necessary transfer of two cards (which makes retrograde analysis easy) is conspicuously done. This version uses ten cards and the transfer is less conspicuous, if not casually concealed.
Effect: Ten cards are removed by the spectator from his deck. The cards may be mixed as the spectator thinks of a number from 1 to 10. He then notes a card at the same numerical position (from the top) of the packet. He performer turns around and asks the spectator to transfer an equal number of cards from top to bottom. For example, he his chosen number is 6, he transfers 6 cards from top to bottom. The packet is shuffled and inserted into the deck, which in turn is shuffled. The performer names the selection.
Method: Use a borrowed deck. Have ten cards are removed by the spectator and then mixed. Ask the spectator to think of a number from 1 to 10 and then note the card at the same numerical position from the top of the packet. Do this by holding the packet face down in your left hand.
Take cards on at a time into your right hand without reversing their order as you audibly call out each number from 1 to 10. Say, “Please concentrate on your card and your number.” As you say this, separate the ten-cards into two sections of five cards each, taking each five-card portion in separate hands. When you reassemble these cards, place the right-hand five cards under the left-hand five cards and square up.
Hand the packet to the spectator and turn your back. Ask the spectator to transfer an equal number of cards from the top of the packet to the bottom of the packet. For example, if his chosen number is 6, he would then transfer 6 cards from top to bottom.
Say, “Please do this silently and quickly. The purpose is to exert a physical action to coincide with the mental activity.” When the spectator has finished, take back the packet and add, “At this point if I were to look at the faces of the cards, I would not be able to determine the identity of your card or your number. Granted: If I had known the order and identity of all ten cards before you transferred cards, I could deduce the number of cards you transferred and then figure out which card you chose. But, remember, the cards were mixed and I have not seen the faces of any card.”
Position the packet for an Overhand Shuffle. Run four cards and throw. Then run a few more cards and throw. The card now at the face is the selection. Glimpse it and fairly shuffle again.
Insert the packet into the talon and hand the deck to the spectator for further shuffling. Say, “Would it be a good trick if I could now find your card?” Permit the spectator to reply. Then add, “Well, I cannot do that. However, wouldn't it be easier if you sent the name of your card to me telepathically?”
When the spectator replies, name his selection.