Direct Deceptions by Steve Reynolds

SPECTATOR CUTS 12 WAYS

The spectator divides the deck into four piles, revealing a King on top of each. The performer quips, “Behind every great man is a great woman.” Under each King lies a Queen, followed by the statement, “With that kind of support, he can achieve extraordinary feats.” Each pile is then turned over to unveil the four Aces.

TRIPLE PROPHECY TRIP

Four cards are set aside as a prediction. A spectator selects a card, which is then lost in the deck. They choose a number between ten and twenty. The performer skillfully cuts a section from the deck, counting it to match the spectator’s number. The four-card prediction is revealed to total the chosen number, and the last card from the cut packet turns out to be the selected card. A true triple prophecy!

O.K. ITO

Four coins are removed from an Okito Box. Two coins are placed back into the box, which the spectator holds, while the other two remain in the performer’s left hand.

The box is positioned on the back of the performer’s palm-down right hand. As the spectator presses down on the lid, a coin appears to penetrate through the box and hand, landing on the table. Upon opening the box, only one coin is found inside.

The spectator returns the two coins to the box and closes the lid. One coin from the left hand vanishes, only to reappear inside the box. The spectator shuts the now-empty box, and the fourth coin audibly penetrates the box. They hear the coin’s impact!

In a final flourish, the boxed fourth coin disappears, accompanied by the phrase, “Money comes—money goes.”

SO YOU WANT TO BE FAMOUS

A signed card is briefly held by the performer as a memento of a supposed famous spectator. After confirming the spectator’s lack of fame, the card is torn and nearly discarded. The performer has a moment of inspiration, squeezing the pieces in their hands to restore them—except for one piece. The restored card and the last fragment are handed to the spectator with the suggestion, “If you can restore the last piece, you’ll be famous—good luck!”