CONUS ACE

T

he number of four-ace tricks is now almost legion, but one of the first and still the best is the one devised by the French conjurer Conus a century ago. With slight modification the trick is as effective today as it ever was. The plot, as in all great tricks, is simple: The four aces are transformed in a spectator's hands into four other cards, and they are finally found in one of his pockets.

Preparation. You will need a deck of cards and four duplicate aces. On the top of the deck place the four duplicate aces, with the ace of clubs uppermost. On top of all place the ace of clubs from the deck, so that at the top you have two aces of clubs followed by the three duplicate aces. The other three aces of the deck are scattered through it. Remove any four indifferent cards from the pack, then put it in its case and put the case on your table.

Procedure. The steps are as follows:

1. Invite a spectator to come forward to assist you. Seat the volunteer at a small table at your left. Pick up the card case and, saying that you will use a deck of cards, remove the cards and lay the case on the table. Spread the cards with their faces outwards, showing them but keeping the aces at the top bunched together. Close the spread and insert your left little finger under the five top cards. Square the deck and hold the break under the five top cards by pressing the little finger firmly against the side of the deck. You can then hold the deck quite openly, yet you are ready to palm the five cards whenever you please.

2. Address the spectator: "You, sir, are to act as a committee

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