Discover the Magic of ACAAN with Raphael

In 2009, Raphael was developing a two-deck Any Card at Any Number (ACAAN) routine, which later became the bonus feature of this ebook. During this time, the talented Italian magician Tommaso Guglielmi shared his innovative approach with me, utilizing the same method. He generously allowed me to present the basic routine under my name, and now, after three years, I can confidently say that Tommaso is truly exceptional! Below, you’ll find the original routine we both created independently, featuring ordinary decks, no sleights, and unique outcomes for each performance. This routine draws inspiration from Cameron Francis’ Convergence.

2D ACAIN: Two decks of cards are introduced, with one set placed aside. The other deck, marked with numbers on its backs, is presented to two spectators. They shuffle the deck and each selects a secret number. One spectator thinks of a card while the other thinks of a number. The magician then deals cards from the other deck based on the first spectator’s number. When the second spectator reveals their card, it matches perfectly!

Bonus Effect – DIVINACAIN: A deck consisting of two sets of 26 cards with distinct colored backs is introduced. The blue-backed set is set aside, while the numbered red-backed set is placed in front of two spectators. They each select a secret number using the red pack. One thinks of a card, and the other thinks of a number.

The magician attempts to read their minds and writes down his prediction on a business card. When the spectators reveal their card and number, the magician shows his prediction: they align perfectly!

But what if the magician had predicted the outcome and placed a specific card at a chosen number in the other deck? He deals from this deck based on the spectator’s number, and when the last card is revealed, it’s a perfect match!

Raphael also includes a variation where the magician seemingly guesses incorrectly, only for the cards to reveal his accuracy upon being turned over. This concept is inspired by John Bannon’s “Detour de Force”.

“A very nice trick!” – Stephen Tucker

“Raphael’s effects are wonderful explorations of the plot. The effects straddle magic and mental magic, and the procedure appears very fair to the spectators.” – Joe Caracciolo (Vlad_77 on the MagicCafe)