Smooth

The cards are spaced out evenly across the table, splayed out with a small space in between them, descending from my point of view like stairs. The person who sits on the opposite end sees them ascending and tilts their head to the side, confused with my presentation. I start with my spiel, the long monologue that I had planned out beforehand, simply made up to add more entertainment to an otherwise easy card trick.1

“You see here that I have placed four cards in front of you. There can be no way that I could possibly know which card you are about to choose. However, I had at one time in my life traveled across Europe with a roving band of gypsies, as gypsies have a perchance to be wanderers. While I stayed with them I was able to decipher some of their magical mysteries that always seem to be floating near the surface of anyone’s mind when they imagine gypsies. Through this I developed the ability to read minds for short periods of time. I will present this ability now with you being the test subject.”2

I concentrated quite hard and lifted my hand up towards the test subject, who was this time a very attractive bleach blond girl. Having grown tired of dancing in the basement of my friend’s house she had come upstairs to refill her drink and relax. I was sipping a delicious combination of diet coke and rum, scientifically made to allow alcohol to flow faster to the bloodstream. Seeing her bound up from the stairs I spoke loudly to the general audience assembled randomly around the table I was sitting at. “Well, I might know a magic trick or two,” I stated while shuffling a deck of cards in my hands. “But I would need a volunteer. I’m looking for anyone.” I shifted in the chair, turning slightly to my right as to better face the blond girl. “Ma’am would you care to help me here?” I lifted up my left eyebrow and held the cards out towards her in one hand. She stopped, apprehensively, and then reluctantly sat down in the chair across from me.3

The trick in itself is nothing special. The way the cards are arranged is meant to trick the brain into choosing the third card from the victim/audience member. The first two cards are too close and uncomfortable to choose from, while the last is too far away and requires stretching the arm in an odd manner. I had beforehand snuck a peek at the third card in the deck.4

After reciting to my speech I lowered my hand down to the table and placed one of her hands onto mine. Reacting with various noises of compliance and contemplation, I studied the lines on her hand, pretending to gain a read of her. In all actuality I was establishing a physical connection, making it easier for me to approach her later on in the party. Having already shown that I was, as a matter of fact, charismatic enough to hold the attention of all members of the party, funny, and that I had smooth hands I proceeded with the trick. 5

“You shall choose the four of hearts.” I said in a very confident tone. I then proceeded to cross my arms and lean back in my chair, showing my full domination over the situation. She reached out and picked the second card.6

“The eight of spades?”7