Full Deck Oil and Water
Where This Fits
This routine works perfectly when you want to take a standard card effect and give it a memorable, impossible ending. Since it uses a full deck, it’s ideal for casual settings, cocktail hours, or any time you’re holding a deck that you’ve already been using for other tricks.
What Makes It Practical
Because the setup happens naturally while you "search" for specific cards, you don't need any weird pauses or suspicious movements. You can have the spectator shuffle the cards thoroughly at the start, which makes the final separation feel completely fair. It’s a worker’s routine—designed to be performed in the real world without needing special conditions or a prepared deck.
What You'll Learn
You’ll learn how to use a "dev-ex" (developing exchange) technique to separate colors while pretending to hunt for eights and nines. Borja explains how to use those specific cards as "cover" for your actions, keeping the audience engaged with a bit of storytelling while you do the real work.
The lesson covers two ways to finish the effect: a more challenging, high-impact version and a simpler alternative. You’ll also learn how to structure your practice—moving from individual moves to full routine rehearsals—so that by the time you perform it for someone, the handling feels natural and relaxed.
About the Instructor
Borja Mazorriaga is a professional magician from Spain who has spent years performing for everything from small private groups to large theatrical stages. He teaches this routine with the mindset of someone who performs it regularly, focusing on "situational intelligence"—knowing how to handle the deck, talk to your audience, and recover if the timing doesn't go exactly as planned.
What's Included
- The Search: Using eights and nines as cover for your setup.
- Dev-Ex Technique: The core method for separating red and black cards during the performance.
- Two Finishes: A high-level version for maximum impact and a simpler version for when you want something quicker.
- Practice Structure: Three stages of rehearsal to get you stage-ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do this with a borrowed deck?
Yes. Since the routine is built around a full-deck shuffle, it works great with any standard deck you happen to have.
How much setup does this need?
There is no "before" setup. You do the necessary work during the performance while you look for the eights and nines.
What if I don't have much table space?
This routine is designed for close-up environments; it’s compact and doesn't require a large surface area to perform.
Is this good for beginners?
It’s a step up from basic self-working tricks because it requires sleight-of-hand. If you are comfortable with basic card handling, you’ll be able to master this with consistent practice.