The Card in the Pocket
(C.O. Williams)

Originated by C.O. Williams, this wonderful, impromptu mental card feat was first described in Professor Hoffmann's Later Magic in 1904. Although the handling has evolved over the years, the underlying principle remains the same. The following description is based upon Al Koran's masterful presentation of the effect. Give it the showmanship it deserves and you'll be hard pressed to find a better impromptu card trick.

Handling/Presentation
Hand someone a deck a cards and have him shuffle them. Next, ask him to think of any number up to 20. Emphasize the point that he should not be impulsive in choosing a number. Rather he should take his time and make a conscious decision. Once he has a number firmly in mind, tell him in a moment you will go across the room and turn your back. When you do, he is to count down in the shuffled deck and locate the card at the number he has in mind; but he is NOT to remove the card. He is simply to note the card at that number and square up the pack. This is important, so make sure he understands what is expected before proceeding.

Go across the room and allow the spectator to carry out your instructions. When you get there, silently count to 20. Ask if he has done as you have asked. When he confirms that he has, turn back around and approach him saying, "You now have two things in your mind. A number and the card which is located at that number. Is that correct? Good." Take the pack back.

"It would be impossible for me to know either of these things. The number was your own choice and known only to you. You shuffled the deck, so the cards were in completely random order before we started. In fact at no time, until now, have I even touched the deck. As impossible as it seems, I am going to try and find your card using only my sense of touch. Please concentrate on your number and card, so they are prominent in your mind."

Place the deck behind your back and immediately, take the bottom card and move it to the top. Next, take the new bottom card and bring it out with the back facing the audience to conceal the card's identity, as you say, "I think I have found your card." Openly place this card in your pocket (without flashing its face). "In a moment, we'll find out if I was successful. What was the number you were thinking of?"

The spectator gives you his number. Let's assume it's 12. Repeat the number to him as you begin slowly counting the cards face down onto the table. "If I am wrong, your card will still be there." When you reach the last card, push the face down card toward the spectator and ask, "Is that your card?" Rest your right hand on top of the deck in your left. As soon as the spectator reaches to turn over the tabled card, your left thumb pushes the top card of the deck into your waiting right palm. Remember, this is the card the spectator actually looked at; since you added a card from the bottom while the deck was behind your back. The misdirection is so strong here that you can palm the card as deliberately as you like. No one will see it, since all eyes will be RIVETED to the card the spectator is turning over. When the spectator indicates that the tabled card is not his, smile and thrust your right hand (with the palmed card) into your coat pocket. Wait a moment and then, bring the same (palmed) card out of your pocket - holding it up high at the right fingertips with its back to the audience. Everyone naturally assumes it's the card you located and openly pocketed earlier.

Ask the spectator,"What was the name of your card?" When he names it, don't say a word, just turn the card you are holding around show him it's his card. Until you do this one for a lay audience, it's hard to convey just how strong this effect is. Don't let its simplicity fool you. This one is a real gem.