This is an amazing semi-automatic A.C.A.A.N. effect (the title acronym stands for: Any Random Card At Any Numbers' Sum), requiring no stooges or any sophisticated technique.
A case containing a deck of cards is placed by the magician in full view on the table, even before the effect begins. Spectators are asked to point to a card, starting with the suit and then deciding its value through two absolutely free choices of their own. Just to further demonstrate total arbitrariness, they are asked to point to some other value from 1 to 13 and the whole thing, including the previous choices, is noted down on a notepad sheet (or on a blackboard, in case the effect is performed on a stage).
At this point, the spectators are told that they can keep their initial choice of card or change its value to any one of those indicated. Having finally established the card, its position will be determined randomly by the sum of all other values indicated by the audience.
Having taken note of the chosen card and number, the magician draws, without the slightest suspicious movement, the cards from the case (which has been in their sight from the beginning) and points out that it is now perfectly empty (and there are no cards left inside). He begins to count them one by one, showing them to the audience: having arrived at the indicated number, he can only reap well-deserved applause by revealing at that very spot in the deck their chosen card!
"Another very clever effect from Biagio! This “Any Card At Any Number” pays Homage to the great Ramón Riobóo with a little bit of Barrie Richardson, Diego Allegri and last but not least Woody Aragon. With its semi-automatic method you will even fool yourself. It does involve an ingenious one time setup which is hidden when counting down to the chosen card, making it possible to show some of the cards face up. There’s no slight of hand involved which is good for me, depending on the number created from a clever idea by Ramón Riobóo, it may involve one move which will flow by the Spectators while observing the array of mixed face up cards dealt to the table. The beauty of this routine is that the onlooker can name any value card with a freely created number to count down to. If you’re an A.C.A.A.N. lover like me, you will need to add this one to your collection. I have purchased a few effects from Biagio Fasano and I’m very impressed with his ingenious methods. He gave me a review copy of this effect which I think is going to be a winner. Treat yourself to this great fooler and impress your friends and family, Great for close up, parlour and stage." - Darren Purshall a.k.a. Trinity
