21 Card Trick Explained: A Step-by-Step Guide | Easy Magic Tricks To Do With A Deck Of Cards

Are you looking for a new party trick to impress your friends? Look no further than the 21 card trick! This classic card trick is easy to learn and can leave your audience in awe. In this article, we'll explain the 21 card trick step-by-step so you can master it and become the life of the party.

What You Need

To perform the 21 card trick, you'll need a regular deck of cards. Make sure the deck is shuffled and the cards are in random order.

The Setup

Start by spreading out the deck face down in front of you. Ask a volunteer from the audience to choose any three cards from the deck and place them face up on the table. Tell them to remember the total value of the three cards and keep it a secret.

The Trick

Now, ask the volunteer to place the three cards back into the deck anywhere they choose. Shuffle the deck thoroughly and place it face down on the table. Explain to the audience that you can magically determine the total value of the three cards the volunteer chose.

Start by dealing out the cards one at a time, face up, and counting the value of each card as you go. When you reach a total of 21, stop dealing and reveal the three cards that were chosen by the volunteer. Your audience will be amazed!

How it Works

The 21 card trick works because of basic math. There are a total of 21 possible combinations of three cards that add up to 21. By memorizing these combinations, you can easily determine the total value of the three cards chosen by the volunteer.

Memorizing the Combinations

Memorizing the 21 possible combinations may seem daunting, but it's easier than you think. Here they are:

Ace, 2, and 8
Ace, 3, and 7
Ace, 4, and 6
Ace, 5, and 5
2, 3, and 6
2, 4, and 5
3, 3, and 5
3, 4, and 4
4, 4, and 3
5, 5, and 1
6, 6, and 9
7, 7, and 7
8, 8, and 5
9, 9, and 3
10, 10, and 1
Jack, Queen, and Ace
Jack, Queen, and 10
King, Queen, and Ace
King, Queen, and 10
King, Jack, and Ace
King, Jack, and 10

With a little practice, you'll be able to memorize these combinations in no time!

Variations

There are many variations of the 21 card trick that you can try once you've mastered the basic version. Here are a few ideas:

Use four cards instead of three
Have the volunteer choose a number instead of cards
Use a different target number instead of 21
Perform the trick blindfolded or with your back turned

Get creative and have fun!

Conclusion

The 21 card trick is a classic card trick that is sure to impress your friends. By memorizing the 21 possible combinations, you can easily determine the total value of three cards chosen by a volunteer. With a little practice, you'll be performing this trick like a pro in no time!