Double-Faced and Double-Backer Cards: Prediction and Anniversary Waltz

Borja Montón presents two routines for working with double-faced and double-backer cards. The first allows you to announce a card before the participant stops dealing and repeat the revelation with another card. The second is Anniversary Waltz: two people sign their cards, they reverse inside the deck, and they end up fused together in their hands.

Handling the Gaffs

The explanation begins by distinguishing between double-faced and double-backer cards, their possibilities, and the precautions they require. The types of decks or assortments where they can be found are discussed, along with the compatibility of the backs with the deck being used.

A method is taught for storing the gaffs in the tuck case, bringing them into play when needed, and keeping them separate when working with the regular deck. It also analyzes when it is best to start prepped and how to remove those cards at the end. The goal is to understand their position and avoid exposing them when spreading, turning over, or handing out the material.

Two-Phase Prediction

In the initial performance, the magician names a card and asks the participant to stop the spread. The selection matches what was announced. The process is repeated with a second card.

Borja explains the setup and packet rollovers that make both phases possible. He looks at how to show the rest of the deck, integrate cuts into the search, and use patter to make the handling natural. A detail with the ace of diamonds illustrates how to add interest to a card along the way and cover a positional adjustment.

The final situation of the routine and the removal of the gaffs are also reviewed. The specific values in the example depend on the available double-face; it is not presented as an effect with any freely named card.

Anniversary Waltz

The second routine is demonstrated and explained with two signed selections. Each card appears to reverse inside the deck before both fuse into a single one, which can be handed out as a souvenir.

It covers the force while dribbling, dealing packet sizes, and managing the signature. The explanation pays attention to keeping the hands close while the spectator signs, double lifts, Biddle grip, and cover actions to avoid showing a face prematurely.

The final display reinforces that there are two cards before the fusion. Borja compares the function of the double-backer with the limitations of doing without it, and suggests studying the handling to adapt it to your own presentation. The routine works well with a couple or focused on the bond between two participants.

The close includes handing out the signed card and how to continue a session when the deck is left incomplete. The presentation and removal of the material must be planned right along with the sleight of hand.

Recommended Materials and Skills

You need a deck, a double-faced card, a double-backer with matching backs, and a sharpie for Anniversary Waltz. The signed card is given away as a souvenir, so you need to plan for its replacement if you repeat that effect. The tuck case is used to practice bringing the material into play.

It helps to know the dribble, stop forces, breaks, and handling double cards. The class explains how they fit into the routines and covers their cover details; it does not replace a full study of each basic technique. Practice the orientation of the cards first, then the transitions, signatures, and the pacing of the revelations.