I almost didn't write this post out of sheer selfishness because my fave trick in the RRTCM is sooooo good I wanted to keep it for myself. But that wouldn't be very nice, would it? My mom taught me to share my toys with my brothers and sisters. But what makes the trick so good? Well, first of all, I have known dozens and dozens of magicians, both amateur and pro, and have always been amazed that none of them - and I mean zero, zilch - have done this trick or even know of it. Equally amazing, most of them owned and/or read the book and totally overlooked this gem. It is so simple (requires no sleight of hand), and yet it is a total magician fooler (I absolutely love watching the look of bafflement on their faces). Sadistic, huh? It's great for lay people too. What else? Oh, it's unique, really easy and lots of fun to do, it doesn't involve them "picking a card," and prior to the delightful revelation, it can convincingly be sold as a "you just THOUGHT of a card." And, it has a very surprising and magical climax. Now you're thinking: "When the H is he going to tell us what it is?"
Well, I'm really sorry, but I've decided not to, because...
...I'm a sadist.
OK, just kidding. It's called "Mountebank Miracle," and it's in Chapter XIV, "The Reverses." I hope you give it a try and have as much fun with it as I have. One tip I would offer (and you really don't even have to do this, but I think it makes it even stronger) is, at a certain point in the trick, to throw in a jog shuffle that retains the top stock. You'll know where...
