How to Ditch Gimmicked Cards for "X" Tricks

Hello Jesús,

From my perspective, there isn't one cleanup technique that works for every situation.

When you select an effect you want to perform and start developing it (creating the story/patter, polishing the technique, getting the gimmick, etc.), you must include a way to get clean. If you end up compromised, loaded, or dirty after the effect, then you haven't truly finished developing it.

Specifically, you need to look for natural outs to avoid arousing suspicion.

Here's an example:

If, at the end of your effect, you're left with a double-backer or duplicate cards...

Have a second effect ready, perhaps a packet trick like Oil and Water, where you need to search for a few cards. You can then pocket the rest of the deck, use that moment to ditch the gimmick or unload whatever you need to conceal, leaving your deck clean to continue.

This should be part of your effect preparation – always have your out ready!

You need to find a solution for each situation, as every case is distinct. But if you're concerned about ending up dirty, then you're definitely on the right track! Paying attention to those details elevates your magic and makes you a better magician.

Good luck!

You could use a palm and pretend you're reaching into your pocket for something—say, a marker to sign a card later. I'm no pro or anything, but that idea popped into my head for ditching some cards.

If I had to pick one word, it's Misdirection (if you can pull it off). I mean, diverting their attention. Without knowing your routine, how many spectators you have, or where you'll be performing for them, it's tough to tell you exactly how to do it. But essentially, it's about getting them to look somewhere else while you make the switch.

What I almost always do, and it's never failed me, is simply slip the deck into my jacket pocket (where I already have another prepared deck with matching backs), as if I'm wrapping up the show. I immediately pull it back out and ask, "Wanna see another trick?"

Once you're into the next trick, no one (seriously, no one) will even think about you having reached into your jacket pocket. After using a gimmicked deck, my advice is that, once you've made the switch, you perform two or three tricks with the regular deck.

Oh, and be quick about it. Don't waste any time between the gimmicked deck effect and the next one. Don't give the spectators a moment to say anything; you keep talking and maintain control. Within ten seconds, they'll have completely forgotten there even was a switch.

Here's another idea: If the gimmick allows it, you can treat it as a joker. To ditch it, you just say, "Let's do another effect (or trick, or whatever you prefer), but first, let me remove the jokers since we won't need them." Then, just casually take it out. The less attention you draw to it, the less it's noticed.

I also think it's important to design your show with this in mind: how many tricks using gimmicked cards will I perform, and in what order? That way, you can plan exactly when to get rid of the gimmicks.

On the other hand, you don't always need to get rid of the gimmicks. If they're in the way for the next trick, then yes, and many ways have already been discussed. But if it's just out of fear or in case someone asks to examine the deck, there are other ways to dispose of the 'evidence' (basically the same methods you'd use if you have a stacked or partially stacked deck and they ask you to shuffle – obviously, you don't hand it over).

Thanks so much, everyone! It's been a real pleasure tapping into all your knowledge.

🫶 🫶 🫶 🫶

Both are good answers. I'll add this: prepare for a full deck switch. To do that, after the trick in question, incorporate something with coins or another element that gives you a natural excuse to put the deck away. Then, you can bring out a clean deck, one that's already stacked or set up and free of the gimmick (and yes, you spelled "gimmick" correctly!). These types of short effects are sometimes referred to as "sorbets," much like a palate cleanser served between courses at a wedding.

1. Switch in the Box

A classic that works: at the end of the trick, you put the deck back in its box... but first, you switch it out for a regular deck or card. If the gimmick is a single card, you can leave it out and switch it for a common card when putting the deck away. Natural and clean.

2. Pocket Ditch

Instead of lapping it, you can look for a moment of misdirection to ditch the card into your pocket. Perfect after a strong reaction or while handing something to the spectator.

3. Using the Mat

If you're using a close-up mat, you can use the corners to push the card out of sight, and then discreetly retrieve it while doing something with the deck or leaning over for another action.

4. Routine Transition

Design your next effect to justify the gimmick's disappearance. For example, you can use a deck switch or a change in the type of trick as an excuse to get rid of the special card in a linked action.

5. The “Bracket of Forgetfulness”

This theoretical principle is key. Allow a little time to pass between the suspicious action and the final effect. That way, if you have to do a more obvious action, make sure you do it when the focus is on something else.

6. Using Napkins, Covers, or Gimmicked Notepads

You can use a notepad or a cover where you “wrote something down,” and the gimmick is already out of sight inside. Some magicians even use handkerchiefs or envelopes as a temporary load/ditch spot.