This trick, traditionally called “Karakuri Byobu” or “Obi Karakuri” (in English it is referred to as a type of flexagon) creates fascinating effects by making holes in a paper mechanism that makes pictures appear or change. This simple prop, which is made by combining three sheets of paper, is easy to handle and allows you to create an inexplicable series of magical changes. While the trick is easy to do, it will take some space to explain it.

Effect: The magician removes a small packet of cards from the deck and shuffles them. He deals them into two piles, asking a spectator to stop him at any time. The cards on top of the two piles become two selections, one for each spectator. One is the Eight of Hearts, the other the Queen of Hearts, but the magician does not know this. Each spectator looks at and remembers their selection. The performer brings out a piece of paper that is colored with red and white squares, and has holes in the shape of hearts all over it. After displaying both sides of the paper, he explains that it will divine which two cards they are thinking of. He folds it and displays two hearts, asking, “Is that your card?” to the first spectator? “No,” he says. The performer refolds the paper to display four hearts and again shows this to the spectator, saying “That is your card, the Four of Hearts?” “No,” says the spectator. “Please give me one last try. What was the name of your card?” The spectator responds, “The Eight of Hearts.” The performer snaps open the paper to reveal an Eight of Hearts. Just as quickly he pulls the paper fully open and the Eight of Hearts vanishes. The he turns to the second spectator and asks her to name her card; she says “Queen of Hearts.” He folds the paper and in a snap the Queen of Hearts magically appears upon it. And with another snap the paper is pulled open and shown on both sides-the Queen of Hearts has vanished, and the paper is exactly as it was at the start.

*English instruction