Get ready for an easy trick with a five-second setup that will fool even pro card magicians. Use a royal court card and a lower number card so there’s visual contrast between the two when they are face-up. Rip the court card up from the long side edge along the center, stopping at the middle. Finally, place your finger over the rip so your audience doesn’t see it. That’s the only prep you need to do. There are no other supplies or gimmicks required.

Ben Salinas suggests telling the story of a time machine that can change the card color if they go back to the past or into the future. You can come up with any story you like that best fits your overall routine. Remember, for the finale, rip up the cards so your audience cannot see the tear in the card you had for the trick’s setup.

There are many other courses that focus on similar tricks: “Card Trick Stunts,” “Royal Road to Card Magic,” and “Card Weapons.” Enjoy combining them to make your own original show.