Nick Conticello – The Catch-All Principle

The Catch-All Principle enables you to secretly position a freely chosen card at a specific location within the deck using two key cards. Its true power lies in the spectator’s ability to cut the deck at critical moments, creating the illusion that the chosen card could not possibly end up in a predetermined spot — yet it does.

This principle shines in ACAAN-style effects, as showcased by Nick Conticello in his SODACAAN routine (see below). With the Catch-All technique, you can place an unknown selection at a predetermined position from the top of the deck, marking a significant advancement in impromptu ACAAN concepts. I’m eager to see how others will innovate upon this idea.

In addition to a comprehensive explanation of the principle, you’ll discover two routines that utilize the Catch-All Principle.

A MAGICAL APTITUDE TEST

A unique Do-As-I-Do effect presented as a test of a volunteer’s card magic skills.

SODACAAN

A spectator shuffles a borrowed deck, and both the performer and spectator cut the cards. The spectator thinks of a number in the twenties and may write it down. They add the digits of their number, note the card at that total, and bury it in the deck. The performer, unaware of both the card and the number, attempts to move the chosen card to the specified position. After a quick run through the deck, the performer shifts a group of cards from the center to the bottom. The spectator then announces their thought-of number and counts to that position, revealing the card they initially thought of.

Features:

• Ideal for close-up, platform, or stage performances.
• Works with any shuffled, borrowed, or incomplete deck.
• No pre-show work or preparation required.
• No preliminary effects needed.
• No confederates involved.
• No manipulation of the cards necessary.
• No sleight of hand required.
• No Littlecount involved!

1st edition 2015, 12 pages. Word count: 4728, equivalent to 18 standard pages of text.