Jumbo Poker Tells by Devin Knight (PDF)

Transform any spectator into a psychic with Jumbo Poker Tells, a stage-sized adaptation of Devin Knight’s acclaimed Poker Tells. This version features oversized 5 x 7 inch playing cards, making it perfect for larger audiences. Unlike its close-up counterpart, this stand-up mentalism effect is designed to astonish any crowd. The handling differs from the original, so if you’re performing on stage, this PDF is essential.

The routine begins with the performer suggesting that some card players possess psychic abilities, allowing them to intuitively sense their opponents’ cards. To test this theory, the performer presents four large opaque envelopes and removes the four aces from a jumbo deck. These aces are placed inside the envelopes, which are then shuffled, ensuring the participant has no knowledge of which ace is in which envelope. The envelopes are arranged in front of the participant, who is tasked with identifying the contents of each.

The participant selects an envelope and guesses the ace inside. The performer writes the suit of the chosen ace on the envelope’s exterior. This process continues until all envelopes are marked. Once completed, the performer displays the envelopes, revealing the suits written on each. He informs the participant that only three envelopes are needed for the first phase and instructs them to set one aside as their “lucky card.” For instance, they might choose the envelope marked with Hearts.

Next, the performer opens the three remaining envelopes, showcasing the participant’s correct guesses. The real surprise comes when the participant opens the set-aside envelope, which contains the expected ace along with a handwritten note stating: “This card was placed aside as your lucky card. It is the Ace of Hearts.” The participant can verify that the other envelopes are empty and inspect both the envelopes and the four aces. There are no forces involved, and all items are ungimmicked.

To create this effect, you will need six 6 x 9 manila envelopes, available at Walmart or any office supply store, a magic marker, and any jumbo deck of cards.

“Jumbo Poker Tells is a fantastic routine… this is as powerful as it gets.” – Don B., MyLovelyAssistant

1st edition 2015, 13 pages.Word count: 5670, equivalent to 22 standard pages of text.