Thus, it is important that the cards held by the right thumb 7.

7. again the Ascanio count: cards are now all face up like
and middle-finger are always well squared. at the beginning (picture 11).
While performing the trick, whenever you read “Ascanio
count” you’ll have to move your hands as described above
(no matter what is the order the cards are in). The two
cards to be shown as if they were one card, will from now
on be called “gimmick” for a better comprehension.
copyright 2009 Vincenzo Di Fatta - Italy

Picture 11
PERFORMANCE
Cards are set as described in the preparation.
1. Do the Ascanio count: the audience will see 4 cards
EFFECT With the cards in this position, the left forefinger takes face up (picture 7). 8. The gimmick now has to be placed at the bottom of the
Four cards are shown face up. The magician puts them away the last card (the one at the bottom of the packet) packet which is squared off; ask the audience: “what color
together in a packet, and as he opens it one card is now to the left. Pay attention to keeping the rest of the packet were the backs?” – they’ll answer: “blue”.
face down. This same move is repeated and each time the well squared (picture 3). 9. Now you’ll make them believe you are going to show all
following card appears face down while the previous one four backs, while you are only and always going to show
is face up. The back changes from blue into red, and in the Picture 3 one, giving them the illusion
end each back has a different color. that all backs turned to red.
Do as follows: keep on hol-
Picture 7
PREPARATION ding the packet by the right
You were supplied with the following material: thumb and middle-finger as if
- four cards having the same value (for example 4 tens) seen from below 2. The gimmick will be taken out of the packet and put you were to do the Ascanio
and different back colors; under it; cards are squared off. count (picture 12). Turn the
- a double back card, blue on one side and red on the A second card (always the one at the bottom) is taken out 3. Do the Ascanio count: the first card back up will be Picture 12 right hand palm up: the red
other one. of the packet in the same way by the left middle-finger, seen (picture 8). back of the double back card
Cards have to be prepared as follows: the four normal and put aside next to the previous one. Warning: the will be visible; turn the hand palm down and with the left
cards face up, while the double back one has to be put, second card does not have to completely cover up the first thumb slide away the first card on top of the packet over
blue up, between the second and the third card. We sug- one, they have to be fanned (picture 4). the left palm (picture 13).
gest you to alternate red and black suits as shown below:
black, red, double back, red and finally black. In this way, Picture 4
during the performance, the colors of the faces will alter-
nate and this will create a better effect (picture 1).
Picture 8

Picture 13
seen from below 4. Without releasing the gimmick, put your right forefinger
on the first card on top of the packet. Move the right hand
Now, the left thumb goes on the card on top of the packet. to the right, taking away both the gimmick and the card on
While the right hand stands still, the left one moves to the top. The latter is put under the two cards in the left hand,
Picture 1 left, so as to take along the card on top, held by the thumb. while you put the gimmick on top of the packet. Cards are
By doing so, four cards will be shown (one will be hidden squared off.
– picture 5). 5. Do the Ascanio count: the second card back up is seen Picture 14
SECRET MOVE (picture 9). Put the gimmick on bottom of the deck and
The whole trick is based on the “Ascanio count”, that is a square it again. Show again the red back moving your right palm upwards
Picture 5
specific way of showing cards hiding one to the audience (picture 14). Turn again the right hand palm down and with
view. Cards have to be kept well squared with the right the left thumb slide away another card from the top of the
thumb and middle-finger, palm down. packet, to the left palm. Go on this way until the right hand
The picture below shows the exact points where fingers will be left with nothing but the gimmick (that is two cards)
have to be placed while holding the packet: middle-finger which you’ll as well put over the other cards on the left
on the top right corner while the thumb is on the bottom palm. It is very important that you do all these moves flui-
seen from below
right corner (picture 2). dly; also, while showing “the backs” count 1 to 4 loudly.
The right thumb and middle-finger are, in fact, holding two Picture 9 10. Square off the packet, bring a card from bottom to top
cards as if they were only one card (picture 6). and turn over the packet back up; do the Ascanio count:
6. Do the Ascanio count: another card appears back up four backs will be seen, each one being different from the
(that is the gimmick – picture 10). Put it below the two other (picture 15).
cards on top, that is above the bottom one; now square off
the packet.

Picture 15
Picture 2 Picture 6
Picture 10