Trick Review: Hypno Aces by David Penn

About.com Rating

An impressive packet trick that's easy to learn and perform, four "hypno" cards, playing cards with standard "Bicycle" backs and a hypnotic swirl on the front, almost instantaneously turn into four aces. It's an astonishing change that relies on a couple of basic sleights and gimmicked cards.

Hypnotic Handling

The handling requires only two key sleights - all of those with fundamental card handling skills will know them - and this is one of the few packet effects that doesn't require an Elmsley count.


The overall procedure is short and easy to remember. If you already know the sleights, you’ll be able to technically perform the trick after watching the DVD.

The gimmicked cards are standard Bicycle stock and the clever "gimmick" is one that I have never before seen used in a packet effect. In addition to the startling change, the trick cards allow you to freely display them at the end, although you won’t be able to allow spectators to hold and examine them.

Quick Reset

Reset is fast so this one can work in table hopping situations. However, unlike some packet effects, you probably can't reset this one as you put the cards away. You'll want to at least turn away from spectators momentarily to put them in order and away for the next set.

David Penn explains the trick on an accompanying DVD and does a great job of not only teaching the trick, but the basic sleights. But when it comes to packet tricks, I appreciate written instructions. If one already knows the moves, it's easier to learn looking at a written page.

And if you don't perform the trick for some time and need a refresher, it's easier to refer to written instructions than it is to fire-up a DVD. Admittedly, this is a minor point and personal preference.

Fantastic Four

In Hypno Aces, Penn has created a packet effect where four cards quickly and clearly turn into four other cards. And there's none of the usual counts that are requisite in these types of effects. $30 is a bit high for a packet trick, but this is a solid one.

-Wayne N. Kawamoto

MSRP: (US) $30

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