Instructions / Assembly

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IF YOUR CARDS GET MIXED UP
In order to perform tricks with the Mystery Deck, all the cards should be kept aligned the same way – all
narrow sides facing one way, and all wide sides facing the other. However sometimes they might get
mixed up, such as if they get accidentally shuffled or fall on the floor. If this happens, don't worry!
TO REALIGN THE DECK, it's easiest to sort the cards by "stripping them out" just like in the tricks:
1. Hold the deck in one hand in front of you. Think of the cards with the narrow ends furthest from you as
pointing "forwards." Think of the cards with the narrow ends closer to you as "backwards." Your goal is to
get all the cards to point forwards.
2. With your other hand, run your thumb and pointer lightly over the sides of the cards, starting from the
middle of the cards.
3. "Strip out" as many of the cards as you can, all at once. By doing so, you are separating the cards into
two piles: those that are pointing forwards and those that are pointing backwards.
4. Take the pile of backwards cards. Rotate them so they're forwards, and add them back into the deck.
5. If there are still some cards facing backwards, simply repeat this process until they are all good.
38. CARD AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
Instantly find a chosen card placed back in the deck!
PROPS USED: Mystery Deck
THE SECRET: Once the card is chosen, you turn the deck so that the narrow end is closest to you. When
the card is put back in the deck, it sticks out from the other cards so it’s easy to find.
SHOW:
1. Start with the narrow end of the deck furthest from you. Overhand shuffle the cards, which does not
disturb their alignment.
2. Have a volunteer select a card. Turn the deck so the narrow end is close to you. See FIGURE 3.
3. Ask volunteer to put card back in the deck and overhand shuffle deck.
4. Take deck back and “strip out” the chosen card by running thumb and fingers of one hand lightly over
the deck’s edges. Show it to the audience!
39. THE REVERSED CARD
A chosen card placed back face down is found face up in the deck!
PROPS USED: Mystery Deck
THE SECRET: When the deck is behind your back you “strip out” the chosen card and turn it over in the
deck so that it’s face up.
SHOW:
1. Start with the narrow ends of the deck furthest away from you. Have a volunteer select a card and show
it to the audience but not to you. Turn the deck so that the narrow ends are now closest to you. Place the
deck in your other hand. See FIGURE 3.
2. Ask volunteer to put the card back in the deck and overhand shuffle the deck.
3. Place the deck behind your back and “strip out” the chosen card. Turn it over and put it back
somewhere in the center of the deck.
4. As you bring the deck in front of you, ask the volunteer to name the card. As he does, spread the cards
out showing the chosen card face up!
40. THE FOUR ACES
Make the four aces come to the top of the deck!
PROPS USED: Mystery Deck
THE SECRET: The aces are placed in the opposite direction from the other cards so that they are easy to
“strip out” and bring to the top of the deck.
SHOW: