🃏🌴 Packet Trick Paradise #3: The Jaybird Jump

Learn a streamlined handling of Dr. Daley's Last Trick with a cool kicker ending!

Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐ (Intermediate)
Duration: ⏱️⏱️ (3-5 minutes)
Setup Time: 🎯 (Minimal)

Welcome to the latest edition of Packet Trick Paradise. Today, I’ll be sharing a fresh new handling of Dr. Daley’s Last Trick. In fact, this is one of my favourite variations of the plot. The trick is called “The Jaybird Jump”. 🐦

Here’s the effect:

The magician clearly displays two black Jacks sandwiched between two identical Jokers. A spectator is given the two seemingly ordinary Jacks to hold onto. The magician declares these cards to be mischievous “Jumping Jacks” with a penchant for the unexpected.

After a little humorous byplay, the Jokers and Jacks shockingly swap places! And that’s not all. The two Jokers being held by the spectator then undergo a stunning metamorphosis, transforming into two red Jacks!

The trick uses regular playing cards and standard sleight of hand. It is well within the reach of a keen beginner. Most experienced cardicians will also be able to perform it after a minimum of practice.

I've written a detailed tutorial on a hidden page on my blog. It's over four thousand words long! It will teach you the basic routine and an optional card-to-pocket routine. This bonus trick will help you clean up the effect and reset the packet in front of an audience. This makes the trick suitable for magicians who, like me, often perform standing. It is also perfect for professional entertainers who perform mix-and-mingle or strolling magic gigs.

“The Jaybird Jump” will eventually see print in by book Developing Daley. Until then, it will only be available to Learn Sleight of Hand (LSOH) members and paid Ruseletter subscribers. LSOH is Doug Conn’s new magic training website and online community. I’m a founding member of the site. I wholeheartedly recommend it, especially for magicians, old and young alike, who are looking to improve their sleight-of-hand skills in a supportive environment.