Val Evans’ Stop Trick of Tomorrow by Lee Jacobs

The Val Evans’ Stop Trick of Tomorrow is a classic card-control effect that has fascinated audiences for decades.

Here’s how it works:

• Display a standard deck of Poker sized playing cards, a length of ribbon, and a simple wooden Houlette.
• Two audience members select cards and return them to the deck.
• Place a ribbon over the top of the Houlette, followed by the deck of cards, pushing the ribbon downward.
• The face or bottom of the deck is visible through the hole in the back of the Houlette.
• Lift the top card to confirm it’s not one of the selected cards.
• Lift the next card, which also proves to be an indifferent card.
• Turn the Houlette so the back of the cards faces the audience.
• Remove cards one by one, placing each behind a clip at the front of the Houlette.
• At any point, the spectator can call “STOP.”
• The cards are removed from the clip and shown to be all different.
• Pull the ribbon, and the entire deck rises out of the Houlette.
• The spectator can remove the very next card, which turns out to be one of the selected cards!

This effect has been considered a classic in card magic made in select hardwood, ribbon and the full instruction booklet. You provide the regular deck of Poker sized cards.

If you’re a fan of elegant card tricks, the Stop Trick of Tomorrow is definitely worth exploring!