13 Down

This card trick is a “self-working” effect by Peter Duffie. Here is the clear, step-by-step breakdown of how to perform it.

The Setup

1. Write the Prediction: On a piece of paper, write “13 down.” Place it face down on the table.
2. The Intro: Tell the spectator, “This is a prediction that guarantees a lucky outcome from an unlucky premise.”

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The Selection Process

1. Count the Packet: Take a deck of cards and count out exactly 24 cards.
   • Tip: Do this casually (e.g., in groups of three) so it doesn’t look like you are counting.
   • Or do a Faro check to split the deck at 26 and then drop two cards.
2. The Shuffle: Give the 24-card packet to the spectator and have them shuffle it. Turn your back so you cannot see what they do next.
3. The Secret Number: Ask the spectator to:
   • Cut a small pile of cards (less than half) from the top.
   • Count how many cards are in that small pile and remember that number (let’s call it X).
   • Put those X cards away (in their pocket or on the rest of the unused deck).
4. Memorizing the Card: Ask them to pick up the remaining packet and count down to their secret number (X).
   • Ejemplo: If they kept 7 cards earlier, they look at the 7th card from the top.
   • Crucial: Tell them to remember the card but keep it in the same position. Do not move it.

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The Spelling Procedure

1. The Reveal: Turn back around. Explain that you will use a “lucky sentence” to find their card.
2. Move the Cards: For every letter you speak, the spectator must move one card from the top of the packet to the bottom.
3. Spell “MY CARD IS NOW”: Have them move a card for each letter:
   • M – Y (2 cards)
   • C – A – R – D (4 cards)
   • I – S (2 cards)
   • N – O – W (3 cards)
4. Pause for Effect: After they finish spelling “NOW,” stop them.

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The Big Finish

1. Reveal the Prediction: Ask the spectator to turn over your paper. They will read: “13 down.”
2. The Final Count: Explain that 13 is the “unlucky” number. Ask them to count down to the 13th card in their hand.
3. The Result: The 13th card will be their memorized card every single time.

Additional thoughts

Obviously the spelling and counting simply moves 24 cards in a cycle. So instead of having the spectator move cards, spelling the words, you can simply take the packet yourself and move 23 cards cyclically in a series of cuts. This will bring the noted card to the top of the packed. I push off blocks of three, four, or five cards, noting how many, and cutting them to the to the bottom of the packet. Keeping a running total of the number of cards, I make the last cut so the total is 23. Their card is on top and I can reveal it in any way I want.