Login Required

Please log in to your account to access this lesson.

Log In

Chosen and Thought-of Card

DDaniIntermediate21m1

How to Find a Chosen and Thought-of Card

One friend picks a card and another just thinks of one. They swap the cards while your back is turned and shuffle them into the deck. If you don't have a clear method, you're just guessing and the trick falls flat.

Why the "Blackout" Method Works

Dani shows you how to identify both cards using psychological "Blackouts." This technique creates a gap in the audience's memory so they forget the moment you actually got your information. You'll learn how to make your actions look like accidents or natural reactions to what's happening in the room.

Instead of looking like a magician doing "moves," you'll look like a guy who just happens to know things. By the end of the lesson, you'll be able to name both cards even after the spectators shuffle the deck themselves. It’s the kind of magic that makes people say, "But he didn't even touch the cards."

About Dani DaOrtiz

Dani DaOrtiz is a master of making complex card magic look like a total accident. He’s famous for fooling Penn & Teller by using psychology and a casual, "messy" style that hides his secrets in plain sight.

What’s Included

  • The full routine where a chosen card and a thought-of card swap places
  • How to use the Fan Force to make a selection feel free
  • The "Here and Now" method for making moves look natural
  • Using "Closing Doors" to stop spectators from back-tracking the trick
  • How to get a secret peek by pretending to fix a mistake
  • A breakdown of "Blackouts" and how they affect memory

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this hard to learn?
It’s a medium difficulty. You don’t need crazy finger flicking, but you do need to practice your timing and how you talk to people.

Do I need special props?
No. You can do this with any normal deck of cards, even a borrowed one.

What skill level is this for?
It’s great for anyone who knows the basics of handling cards and wants to start using psychology to fool people.

How long does it take to learn?
The video is about 20 minutes long. You can learn the steps quickly, but you'll want to practice the "casual" look for a few days before showing it to friends.