Easy Does It #4: Sixpence Ceremony
A magical marriage ceremony with ten cards and five silver coins. 💒👰🏻🤵🏻🕊
Welcome to another edition of Easy Does It, a regular Ruseletter column dedicated to easy magic tricks that are often entirely self-working.
This time, I’m sharing a simple yet elegant approach to Johann Nepomuk Hofzinser’s Royal Marriages card plot. It is based on Larry Becker’s “Will the Cards Match?” published in Apocalypse (Vol. 10, No. 5) in May 1987. For my money, this card trick is one of the best self-working tricks ever invented.
The genius idea of using coins (or counters) instead of spelling a phrase as the routine unfolds is from Michael Weber and Tim Trono’s effect, “Money Fixes Everything”, published in Real Secrets #27 (2014).
The combination of cards and coins makes this an excellent “transition piece”, allowing you to migrate between card and coin magic (or vice versa).
Bob Farmer has recently explored this trick (in response to a video by Craig Petty). In The Bammo Crambazzled Dossier (2023), he presents similarly intriguing ideas based on the same combination of cards and markers; Bob prefers to use mystic runes and antique keys as the objects. Mr. Farmer’s ebook is available from Lybrary.com and is well worth the small investment, especially if you like bizarre magick.
The suggested presentation included in the write-up requires five silver sixpence pieces. These pre-decimal coins from the UK are easily found on eBay and are often sold as wedding gifts. You can also purchase newly minted silver sixpence coins from the Royal Mint. However, this option will cost significantly more. I would only recommend it if you insist on having bright and shiny coins. They also occasionally sell some nice ones in uncirculated condition and Extremely Fine (EF) condition for a reasonable price (£8 to £10 per coin). You can use any five silver coins if you cannot source some sixpence pieces.
I’ve included some additional ideas that strengthen the routine, along with an excellent video tutorial by Rick Holcombe that teaches you how to produce a coin between two playing cards (from the pages of Modern Coin Magic by J.B. Bobo). Rick has a fantastic YouTube channel. If you love coin magic, you must subscribe to it! 🪙🪄
While I haven’t modified the core method of the effect, the deeply romantic theme significantly enhances the trick. It gracefully intertwines the traditional symbolism of the silver sixpence—representing luck and prosperity in marriage—with the improbable pairing of Kings, Queens, and Jokers with their perfect matches. This fusion creates a heartfelt narrative that resonates with couples and audiences alike. After all, love is a universal experience that touches everyone’s lives. 🥰
Additionally, the routine fosters a sense of involvement and connection by engaging participants in the shuffling and pairing process. This interactive element boosts the emotional impact and memorability of the performance.
The trick is visually, kinesthetically, and aurally captivating. The moving and clinking of the five silver sixpence coins adds sensory intrigue. The surprise appearance of the fifth sixpence between the King and Queen also adds a visual that delights audiences with an unexpected, focused moment of magic before the final reveal. I also think using coins (or counters) better hides the mathematical nature of the deception. Adding another prop, one that is thematically relevant, not only makes the card trick more interesting and memorable, but also provides more distraction from the cards and better justifies the random nature of the pairing process.
Furthermore, incorporating the sixpence piece, a coin traditionally associated with British wedding customs, adds cultural depth and authenticity. This connection to heritage evokes nostalgia and enriches the routine’s storytelling aspect.
Moreover, the routine’s structure allows for flexibility in presentation, making it suitable for various settings—from intimate gatherings to larger wedding receptions or engagement parties (although it does need to be performed at a table). Its adaptability ensures it can be tailored to fit the specific tone and style of the event. This routine could also be performed in a less formal environment, such as a restaurant, pub or café—anywhere you can perform at a table. Of course, the ideal place to perform this is at the top table after the bride and groom have finished enjoying their wedding breakfast. 👰🏻🤵🏻
I’ve thoughtfully crafted “Sixpence Ceremony” to combine meaningful symbolism with engaging magic. It is a compelling choice for performers seeking to create memorable experiences at romantic events.
Yours Magically,
Marty
P.S. I’ve developed a longer, three-phase routine called “Shidduchim” built around “Will the Cards Match?”. It uses twenty half-cards and nine matches as counters. I’ll be sharing this routine on my blog later in the year.
I’ve also created a variation called “Will the Stars Align?”, which I’ll share in a future Ruseletter article. 🌟🌟🌟 In the meantime, if you’d like to explore this plot, I recommend reading this excellent blog post by Jack Shalom explaining some of the underlying mathematics and how you can construct an alternative phrase to use with the trick. You can explore the Ramasee Principle at Denis Behr’s ever-useful Conjuring Archive. You can also learn more versions of the Royal Marriages card plot at Peter Duffie’s The Marriage Bureau. 🤵⛪👰
I love the use of counters!