You show 5 cards and explain that the Magic Evan Card is in the middle. While holding the cards with the faces up, you ask a volunteer to put a paperclip on the Magic Evan Card… it’s easy!

But then you take the paperclip off and turn the cards face down. When you say the magic words (“Abra-ca-dishwasher!”) and ask your volunteer to find Magic Evan with the paperclip, your volunteer won’t be able to do it! This can be repeated several times, and every time, the Magic Evan Card magically runs away from the paperclip!

The Secret:

It’s an optical illusion. An optical illusion is when something looks different than it really is.

The Magic Evan Card looks like it’s in the middle, but really, it’s off-centered.

To put a paperclip on the Magic Evan Card your volunteer would need to put the paperclip all the way on the edge of the last card on the right (it’s the card showing it’s full back). Try it yourself.

Now go have fun and fool your friends. And remember: a magician never reveals the secret!