You may not feel it directly-but it’s there. That’s what’s amazing about the influence of these cards. Then I say something like, “That felt like a free choice, right? You could have taken the Queen or the Seven. It is a blue-backed card with no X.Īs for the reveal, I ask why they chose that card, and comment on their response. Each non-chosen card is seen to have a red back with a large X drawn from corner to corner. You then gather the remaining cards and show the backs. Each comment suggests why that card may be appealing, but perhaps reverse psychology is at play, and they are being influenced NOT to select that card.Īfter all the cards have been shown (including the Three of Diamonds which has the words “Don’t Pick Me” written across the face), the participant makes his choice by sliding the chosen card out of a face-up ribbon spread. Then there’s the Queen of Hearts, the feminine principle, the anima, the goddess….” And so forth. The Joker represents the inner trickster, or the wild side of one’s personality and may be especially appealing as it can be a wild card in many games and assume many identities. Or maybe you were born in July, the 7th month. Or perhaps you’ll choose the Seven of Clubs, which is attractive to those who think it’s a lucky number. But also has dark associations, which is why many avoid choosing it. “There’s the Ace of Spades, which is the first card many people name when asked to name a card. As you show them, you comment on the appeal of each. You show eight cards one by one, which you claim have been painstakingly chosen to influence the spectator’s choice of one of them.

I don’t recall the original title, but the effect goes like this.

Years ago Ian Rowland released a humorous “influence” trick that I often perform.

Houdini magic tricks revealed