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How to Do the Color Changing Deck Trick

Perform the "Color Changing Deck Trick" using one of the easiest methods. Fool spectators with this illusion without learning complicated sleight-of-hand techniques. Many versions of this trick use ordinary cards, but require long hours of practicing complicated sleights. Create a gimmicked deck of cards that will automatically perform the color change effect. The more work you put into creating your automatic deck, the more stunning your performance of the color changing deck trick will be.

Things You'll Need

  • Red deck of playing cards
  • Blue deck of playing cards of an identical brand
  • Pair of scissors (optional)
  • Scrap-booking or picture cutter
  • Roughing spray
  • Fanning powder (optional)
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Instructions

  1. Preparing the Trick Deck

    • 1

      Remove 26 cards from each colored deck of cards; set aside or discard the rest. Trim 1 mm from a short side of each blue card

    • 2

      Apply roughing spray to the face of each of the trimmed blue cards, and to the back of each red card.

    • 3

      Apply fanning powder to the back of each trimmed blue card and the face of each red card using a cotton ball.

    • 4

      Put the two sets of cards together, alternating red and blue throughout the deck. The top card of the deck should be a blue card.

    Performing the Color Changing Deck Trick

    • 5

      Tap the short end of the deck on the table before starting to ensure that the deck of cards is flush on one side. Explain to your audience that you can change the color of a card they select from blue to red. Riffle the cards from one hand to the other to show that they are all blue. Additionally, fan the deck and show it on both sides.

    • 6

      Riffle the cards from one hand to the other, holding them across your palm. Have a spectator choose a card by sticking a finger into the stream of cards as they fall into your hand. The card the person selects is the bottom card of the pile left in your upper hand; deal the riffled cards back onto the top of the deck. Turn your hand over, showing the audience the selected card on the face of the deck.

    • 7

      Say something to the effect of, "How did you do that? The card you chose is the only red card in the entire deck." Flip the card over displaying that it is red. Put the card back on the face of the deck, face up. Turn your hand and the entire deck over showing the blue backs. Say something like, "I'm just kidding, of course. All the cards are always blue." Fan the deck to show that the cards are all blue.

    • 8

      Repeat steps 2 and 3 with a different spectator. Change your spoken lines slightly as you repeat steps 2 and 3. Repeat steps 2 and 3 again with a third participant if possible, each time demonstrating that a different card turns red, and that the cards are all blue.

    • 9

      Hold the deck face down with the blue backs showing and set up your big finish with a statement like this: "By now you've probably figured out that I've hidden a red card or two inside this blue deck." As you say the words, take the top card off the deck and put it at the bottom revealing a red card. As you reveal the red card, say "but that is not how this trick is done at all. I haven't hidden any red cards in the deck at all." Turn the deck face up and riffle the cards into your other hand as you say, "really, the whole deck of cards is red" as you reveal the red cards landing face up in your hand.

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