Card Prediction: Remembering a Déjà Vu
The Prediction and Its Presentation
A card is set aside as a prediction. The spectator shuffles, forms a packet, and carries out the deals that will lead to the outcome. The lesson shows the complete routine and explains how to present the déjà vu story so the audience understands what is being anticipated and remembers the conditions of the effect.
Borja Montón dwells on aspects that go beyond the procedure: keeping the deck still while telling the story, giving instructions that the spectator can follow, and recalling what happened without interrupting their actions. He also explains how to verify that the card's identity has been made clear before revealing the prediction and how to use a pause at that moment.
A Study and Rehearsal Process
An important part of the recording develops a method for preparing a trick from the initial study to the performance:
- Study the effect and its details before attempting to perform it; take notes on what you want to keep or adapt.
- Practice the handling until you can attend to the audience without constantly thinking about the next move.
- Work on the patter separately: intonation, pauses, silences, and filler words. Recording yourself allows you to detect habits that go unnoticed when speaking.
- Combine handling and presentation, checking at which moments one task makes the other lose its naturalness.
- Test it with a trusted person and make corrections based on their feedback.
- Review actual performances afterward: visibility, spectator placement, and moments when attention drops.
Optional Handling and Props
The main routine is self-working and requires no advanced sleights. The lesson adds an optical shuffle as an optional resource and discusses when it makes sense to use it while talking or performing another action. It is not necessary to achieve this prediction.
A standard deck, a table, and a spectator are all you need. It is advisable to rehearse the deal and instructions with someone before presenting the routine.