In Effect. The Ace of Diamonds, Ace of Clubs and Ace of Spades are shown to the company and laid face down on the table. Then one is picked up and inserted in the middle of the deck, another is placed on the bottom, and the third is placed on the top. A single true cut is now made and the three Aces are found together.
Sleight. Prearrangement.
Execution. Secretly place the Ace of Diamonds on top of the deck. Arrange the other three Aces in the left hand, fanwise, face up, the Ace of Hearts below the other two, and showing in the middle. The figure of the heart is inverted and shows at the angle made by the other cards, so that the part seen is diamond- shaped. The corner of the Ace on the left of the fan just covers the small heart figure of the index, but fully exposes the small letter A." (See Fig. 101.) This arrangement can be made in a moment. The appearance is most innocent and surprisingly deceptive.
Turn the faces to the company, and then lay the three cards face down on the table, still in the same fan position, and with the same hand. Now take up the deck, and, if desired, execute a blind shuffle, retaining top Ace. Hold deck in left hand, pick up the top card of the fan, which is the Ace of Hearts, and insert it in middle of deck. Pick up next Ace, carelessly showing it, and place it on bottom. Show third card as it is placed on top. Lay the deck on the table and request spectator to cut; and as the three Aces, i. e., the two black Aces and Ace of Diamonds, were on top and bottom of deck, all will be found together.