Eight Card Brainwave by Nick Trost

Eight Card Brainwave by Nick Trost

Creator: Nick Trost
First Published: 1970 (as “The Odd-Colored Back” in The New Tops, Vol. 10, No. 8/9)
Also Appears In: The Card Magic of Nick Trost (2005)

Eight Card Brainwave is one of Nick Trost’s most brilliant and enduring card effects — a self-working miracle that continues to baffle magicians and spectators alike. The effect combines clean handling, psychological fairness, and a shocking ending that makes it a true classic of modern card magic.

Effect

The magician displays a small packet of cards — usually eight to ten in total. A spectator is invited to freely name any card — no forces, no restrictions. The magician cleanly removes the chosen card and places it on the table. The remaining cards are shown front and back — all are normal and share the same colored backs. Finally, the spectator’s chosen card is turned over… and it is revealed to have a different colored back from the rest!

Key Points

• Completely free choice – no forcing or gimmicked deck required.
• Simple handling – uses Ed Marlo’s “Olram Subtlety” for an elegant and convincing display.
• Visual and powerful – the finale feels impossible even when you know the method.
• Perfect for close-up or walk-around – resets instantly and fits in your pocket.

Why Magicians Love It

Even seasoned performers are fooled when they see Eight Card Brainwave performed. Its structure is deceptive, the handling natural, and the payoff unexpected. It’s a perfect example of Nick Trost’s genius for designing powerful, semi-automatic miracles that rely on subtle thinking rather than sleight of hand.

Easy to perform, impossible to forget — this classic Nick Trost creation belongs in every magician’s working repertoire.