Martyn Smith – UP THE ANTE

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What would you do when presented with an unbeatable bet? How far would you push your limits? Before diving into UP THE ANTE, you might want to consider your strategy.

Picture this: a spectator shuffles, cuts, and deals the cards without your involvement, yet you confidently place astonishing bets on the cards they lay down! There’s no sleight of hand involved, and you use completely un-gaffed cards. You can wager that the first few pairs dealt face-down will include both a red and a black card. Once you’ve tested your opponent’s luck, you can escalate the challenge by betting that the next set of cards will feature one from each suit! This thrilling sequence continues until you make the bold claim that a set of thirteen face-down cards will contain an ace through to a king—thirteen unique cards in total! Remarkably, you can achieve this feat not just once, but twice.

By the end of this routine, you’ll have established a reputation as a card expert, all without ever touching the deck!

Curious to learn more? Here are some key highlights:

• Extremely easy to perform!
• No gaffed cards or gimmicks required!
• No extensive memorization needed!
• No sleight of hand involved!
• The cards do all the work!
• Consistent outcomes every time!
• A fantastic bar bet and a true magician’s fooler!

Did I ever share how I became a magic dealer? I entered the magic shop, spread the deck on the table, and they could see it was all above board. I closed the spread and handed them the deck, never touching it again or switching cards. They shuffled and dealt the cards themselves. I proposed a bet that seemed fair, and they accepted. As more cards were dealt, the odds shifted in their favor, and I suggested we UP THE ANTE. I never touched the deck, yet I continued to propose increasingly outrageous bets. They shuffled, dealt, and the stakes grew higher with each round. By the end, they left the shop calling each other reckless, and I locked the door behind me. They’ll think twice before betting with a stranger again. – Dominic Reyes (Don’t believe a word of it)

Review by Gary Jones

This routine isn’t suited for casual performers; it requires table space as it’s a ‘layout’ effect. If you perform gambling-themed magic or entertain at parties, this is a standout routine for intimate settings. Martyn, an airline pilot and clever thinker, excels with the ‘hands-off’ approach—once you hand over the deck, you don’t touch it again. Each bet escalates in absurdity, culminating in a logical yet impossible finale.

With increasing bookings for private parties, this routine is perfect for when someone says, “I wouldn’t want to play cards with you.” As Martyn puts it, “If you didn’t have a reputation as a card-sharp before this routine, you certainly will afterward!”

This package includes valuable presentation tips, ideas, scripts, and additional handling techniques for the more advanced performer.