#1: The Magic Separation

EFFECT:

The performer counts off a number of cards from a deck and makes two separate packets. He exhibits a packet in each hand. One of the packets is turned face up, and he proceeds to mix the packets together, intermixing the cards face up and down. He fans the cards to show the grand mix-up, and to prove that there is no special arrangement, offers the cards to anyone for shuffling in any manner they wish.

The performer receives the packet and places it behind his back just for a moment. He brings forth two packets which he places on the table. Explaining that by a split-second selection, he has been able to make two packets, and the face-up cards in each packet will be the same. The cards of the first are spread out, let us say it has four face-up cards, the second packet is spread... it also has four face-up cards. The magician offers to repeat the effect immediately with the same bewildering result. 

Here is an effect that is sure fire, has no set-ups, is done with any deck and is very simple to perform.

SECRET and HOW TO PERFORM:

Count off twenty or thirty cards; the number does not matter just as long as the amount is even. The audience need not know the number. You can place your little finger between cards as you are counting to make the piles even.

Now divide cards into two packets, turn one of them face up and intermix the cards in any manner. Hand cards out for further shuffling.

You now take the cards and place them behind your back. All you need do is count half the cards off the top of the deck with the right hand. For instance, if your total amount of cards is twenty, simply count off 10 cards. The remaining ten cards in the left hand are turned over. Both packets are brought in front and placed on the table... the trick is done. All that remains is to spread the packets and count the face-up cards...the face-up cards in both packets will tally.

Now if you wish to repeat the effect immediately, be sure the right-hand packet of cards is turned over and place it on top of the other cards. Proceed to have them shuffled and continue as outlined above.