The Illusion of Skill

One of the most pleasing aspects of my new trick “Hit” is its self-working nature. While most gambling routines call for perfectly executed, knuckle bustling technique, “Hit” requires none. Rather it operates using a subtle method free from the need of sleight of hand.

Unusually for routines that share the structure of the classic 10 card poker deal the routine requires no control over any of the choices made by the spectator. This results in a perfect feeling of freedom, because the illusion we wish to create is the reality we are presenting!

Framing the routine as a demonstration of influence allows you to maximise the freedom of the method and increase the impact of what feels and appears to be utter freedom in the choices made, which you are then impossibly able to prove have been controlled and manipulated by you the performer.

A less obvious but equally pleasing side affect of the freedom the method allows, is that it gifts the creative performer with a black canvas. Within the instructional video I present many different premises and frameworks for transforming the effect into demonstrations of coincidence, prediction, influence, dowsing and more. The subtle but self working method allows you to bring the routine to life in many different ways.

Most pleasing of all, the self working nature of the routine allows you the performer to truly focus on being present and in the moment during the performance of the routine. With no need to worry or think about the method, you are liberated to connect with your spectators in the moment.