A Dream of Aces by Gary Ouellet

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In mid 1992, Gary Ouellet taught his handling for MacDonald Aces to Alain Choquette, so that Alain could use the routine to close his fifth successful television season.

One week later, Alain also performed it in the middle of his live stage show, before a crowd of 1000 spectators, using a hand-held television camera and a large projection screen. At the climax of the routine, 1000 spectators rose to their feet and gave Alain a standing ovation – in the middle of his performance – after a card trick! Soon after, David Copperfield adopted the routine, then adapted it for his 15th CBS special!The effect follows along classical lines: The magician cuts a deck of cards and produces the four aces. Each ace is then covered with three indifferent cards. Three of the aces vanish from their piles and reappear together in one pile. What makes this version different? It will not require months of practice. The handling is economical, deceptive and pleasing to the eye. The presentation offers a beautiful emotional hook. And finally, it is quite simply exquisite magic! This is the most elegant approach ever to one of the world’s greatest card tricks!