A Number For Fast Cut
by Miku W.

This is my adaptation of Marlo's A Number for Fast Company. I've reworked it to be completely impromptu, finishing with a clean, accurate cut to the spectator's selection.

The spectator shuffles the deck freely, chooses any card, and returns it before shuffling again. The performer then names the exact position of the selection and says, "If I know the position of your card, I should be able to cut straight to it." He then lifts off a packet - matching the number just named - and the final card of that packet is the spectator's selection. Full performance in the demo video.

Performance transcript:

• And then this.
• It's a completely improvised magic trick.
• In the beginning, it allows the audience to shuffle the cards at will.
• Wash however you want.
• And?
• The next time I deal cards like this, ask the audience to say stop anywhere.
• So imagine the audience says stop.
• Let him memorize this card.
• Three of diamonds.
• And then, close the other cards.
• OK.
• Then the audience can cut cards casually.
• The audience can cut whatever they want.
• OK, and then next, the magician can ask the audience.
• What card did you just pick at random?
• Audience says three of diamonds.
• Three of diamonds.
• Really?
• Here we go.
• So I drop the cards like this, from the top down.
• At the moment of dropping the card, I've seen the three of diamonds.
• And I don't just see three of diamonds.
• I also saw the whole deck.
• About the 13th one.
• The 13th card of the whole deck is good.
• I know you don't believe it.
• But I could, at a split second, see the 3 of diamonds you chose.
• Here's the 13th one.
• Then I should be able to just cut it out.
• 13 sheets.
• Pay attention.
• This is the first position I cut to.
• Here.
• This should be 13.
• Let's take a look.
• One two three four five six seven eight nine ten eleven twelve thirteen
• Then this one. It's three of diamonds.

1st edition 2025, video 8:47