Do As I Do

You and a spectator each select a card from different packs. You then exchange decks and each take out the card you previously selected. When the cards are compared – they match!

Properties
Two decks with different back colors, one in Si Stebbins sequence. In case you're not familiar with it, we'll explain how to arrange a pack in Si Stebbins order at the end of this effect; as well as how to do the "Table Cut Glimpse."

Presentation/Handling
Remove the two decks from their cases. Have the spectator choose a deck and take the other one yourself. It doesn’t matter which deck the spectator chooses at this point. Tell the spectator that he is to follow your actions and do as you do. Give your deck three single cuts and have him follow suit.

If the spectator did not choose the deck in Si Stebbins order at the beginning of the trick, exchange decks at this point. If he did, you each keep your own deck. Tell him to cut his deck anywhere and look at the card and return it to the deck. As you say this, illustrate exactly what you want him to do by following the "Table Cut Glimpse" technique. By noting the reference card above the one he’s looking at, you now know his card. Cut your deck three more times and instruct him to do the same. If this is your last trick that uses the Si Stebbins System, you can shuffle your decks instead of just cutting them. This strengthens the effect considerably.

Exchange decks now and tell him to find the card he chose in your deck. Say you’ll do the same with his. In actuality, you simply find the card he chose. Place this card face down in front of you and have the spectator do the same with his. Ask him, "Do you believe there can be two minds with but a single thought?" Whatever his reply, say, "Let’s see." Dramatically turn over your card, as you instruct him to do the same. Both cards match!

Basic Si Stebbins Set-up
The Si Stebbins System assigns a numerical value to each card: aces are one, all spot cards are the same as their face value, jacks are 11, queens are 12, and kings are 13. In this scheme, suits rotate in the popular Clubs, Hearts, Spades, Diamonds order – easily remembered using the mnemonic word, CHaSeD. Chances are, even if you are new to the Si Stebbins System, you’re probably already familiar with both of these concepts from other card tricks.

The deck is arranged so that every card is three points higher than the one that precedes it. The complete 13-card sequence is as follows: 1 – 4 – 7 – 10 – 13 – 3 – 6 – 9 – 12 – 2 – 5 – 8 – 11. At the end of this series, the rotation starts over at one.

Note: Cutting a deck set-up in Si Stebbins order does not disturb the arrangement.

Table Cut Glimpse
This method is recommended whenever a spectator cuts the deck to select a card. With the deck on the table, begin by showing the spectator “how to” cut to a card. Cut off about half of the deck with your right hand and then, still holding it, lift the card cut to with your left hand and look at it as shown in the photo. It is important that the spectator follow your actions, since doing so will force him to use both hands – making it a relatively easy matter to glimpse the card above the selected one (the reference card). After illustrating your point, replace the card and top portion, and give the deck a single cut or two before passing the tabled deck to the spectator, so he can cut to a card.

Note: The above effect and descriptions are reprinted from our top-rated book of Si Stebbins System sorcery, Si Stebbins Unplugged. We hope you enjoy performing this version of "Do As I Do."