Count of Monte' Crysto


The cards are shuffled by a spectator who then chooses a number and notes the card at that position.

The magician then shuffles the deck and hands the cards back to the spectator and asks that they deal off the same number off cards that they mentioned a moment earlier.

Turning over the top card the spectator is asked if that is their card - they say that it is not !

The magician takes up the cards, re-shuffles and deals the same number of cards.

Employing a special 'count' the top card is turned over and found to be the sighted card !

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A knowledge of false shuffling is required for this effect - Retaining top stock and Adding a card.

The cards are shuffled by a spectator. The spectator is asked to name a number between 5 and 15 (say 7). They are then asked to count down to that number (without reversing or changing the order of the cards) and note the card at that position (say King of Diamonds). The counted cards are placed back onto the top of the deck.

Note: Demonstrate the count before commencing the trick.

Take back the deck and false shuffle retaining top stock and adding one card.

Ask for the number previously announced -"Seven" will be the reply.

Hand the cards to your volunteer "Please deal off that number of cards and turn over the top card."

When the final card is turned you say "Is that the card which you noted ?"

"No" will be the reply.

Look surprised, saying "Oh well, perhaps the cards are not behaving themselves today or maybe we didn't count correctly !"

Position check : The top card of the deck is now the sighted card.

Take up all the cards, placing the dealt cards on the bottom and false shuffle again (retaining top stock).

"Let's see... The number you chose was seven - correct ?." Deal seven cards face-down.

"And what was the card you sighted at that position" you ask.

"King of Diamonds" will be the answer (in this case).

You now announce that this time you will use a very special count, the 'Count of Monte' Crysto'.

Pick up the dealt packet of cards, begin dealing them again, face-down.

Count aloud as you deal - using an amusing 'distinguished' accent ! - like so:- A wan.. A tooo... A tree... A fow.....

When you get to the last card repeat the chosen number and name of the sighted card aloud "Zee number seven and the zee King of Diamonds - Yes ? "

Casually toss the last card face-up, revealing the seventh (last) card as their card (KD).

So saying "The Count of Monte' Crysto always finds the treasure !"



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