NFW! by Gary Freed

Effect: NFW is one of the most successful packet tricks ever!

This little trick has also generated a lot of hype, but fortunately, it mostly lives up to it. The magician removes a packet of four cards from a plastic wallet. A joker shows at the face of the packet. The magician explains that this packet contains four face-up jokers, and they will do a little trick. A magical gesture is made and the packet is counted from hand to hand. One joker has turned face down. This is repeated; another joker turns face down. Finally, all four jokers turn face down. Then, the big surprise: the face-down cards are turned over, showing that the jokers have turned into the four aces. The aces could be tossed onto the table, if desired, but they cannot be examined.

“NFW!” is a definite magician killer, and will certainly fool laymen. It is not difficult to do requiring only Elmsley counts. You should be aware of two things, however. You cannot show that the packet actually contains four face-up jokers. (Gary offers a handling that let’s you simulate this, but I think it is very unconvincing.) Second, you will have to manage your audience carefully, so they don’t make a grab for the cards. Because the change to aces is so startling, the first thing spectators are going to do is suspect that the cards are gaffed. So, you’re going to have to figure out a way to get the cards out of play without appearing to be furtive.

“NFW!” is a clever trick. I’m sure you’ll have fun with it.

Pros: Easy to do and a killer change at the end.

(Michael Close – Magic Magazine, January 2000)
Text Source: michaelclose.com – click for details

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