Do as I Do Trick

What is the Do as I Do trick?

This is a classic card trick that works well for beginners and experienced performers alike. It uses two ordinary decks of playing cards and relies on a simple but effective technique that keeps you in control throughout.

The trick involves both you and a spectator handling cards at the same time. You each select a card from different decks, yet when you reveal them at the end, both cards match perfectly. Having the magic occur in your spectator's hands often enhances the impact, making it feel more personal and, for many, more impressive.

What you need

You will need two standard decks of playing cards. Using decks with different coloured backs makes the trick easier to follow and adds a visual element that helps the audience keep track of which deck belongs to whom.

Red and blue backed cards work well for this purpose. You can pick these up from most newsagents, supermarkets or online retailers. There is no need for special or gimmicked cards.

You won't need any pre-arranged cards for this trick, making it perfect for spontaneous performances. That said, having two complete decks with matching card sequences helps avoid confusion if your peek isn't perfect. The trick relies entirely on technique, which means you can perform it with borrowed decks if they happen to be different colours.

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How the trick looks to your audience

You place both decks on the table and invite someone to choose which deck they would like to use. You each pick up a deck and shuffle the cards thoroughly. Then you swap decks with each other.

You both spread through your cards and each select a favourite card, memorising it before placing it back into the deck. The decks are cut several times to lose the chosen cards somewhere in the middle.

You swap decks once more. You then locate your spectator's card using the technique described below, while they genuinely search for theirs. When you both turn your cards face up at the same time, they are revealed to be an exact match.

The spectator will often check the decks afterwards, looking for duplicates or marked cards. They will find nothing unusual because the method is entirely invisible.

The method explained

The secret relies on a technique called a peek or glimpse. At a key moment during the trick, you secretly note the bottom card of one of the decks. This glimpsed card tells you exactly which card your spectator has chosen.

Let's break down the simple mechanics that make this trick work:

• After the first shuffle and swap, you glimpse the bottom card of the deck you receive. Do this casually as you square up the cards.
• When you both select cards, it does not matter which card you actually choose. You will not be using your own selection.
• Your spectator places their chosen card on top of their deck and cuts the cards. This puts the bottom card you glimpsed directly above their selection.
• After the final swap, you search through the deck looking for the card you glimpsed earlier. The card directly below it is your spectator's chosen card.
• You simply pull out this card and pretend it was your choice all along.

The timing of the glimpse matters. Ensure this action is subtle so it doesn't attract undue attention. Practice squaring the cards while tilting the deck slightly towards yourself. A brief glance is all you need.

If your spectator accidentally flashes their card during selection, simply note it and skip the glimpse entirely. You already know what you need to know.

The patter about doing as I do serves a purpose beyond entertainment. It gives your spectator instructions to follow, which keeps them focused on their own actions rather than watching your hands too closely.

Rehearse the full sequence several times before performing. The moves themselves are simple enough, but smooth execution makes the difference between a puzzling trick and one that falls flat. Run through it with a friend who can give honest feedback on where the method might be showing.