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Perform the Ninja Card Trick

Perform the Ninja Card Trick
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Learn and practice the Ninja Card Trick using a deck of playing cards, misdirection, and sleight of hand to amaze friends safely.

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Step-by-step guide to perform the Ninja Card Trick

What you need
Adult supervision required, deck of playing cards, optional mirror, small table or flat surface

Step 1

Clear a small space on the table so you have room to spread and move the cards.

Step 2

Remove any jokers or extra cards and put them aside so the deck is normal.

Step 3

Hold the deck and secretly look at the very bottom card and remember it as your "ninja key card."

Step 4

Fan the deck face down and ask a friend to pick any card and memorize it.

Step 5

Tell your friend to place their chosen card back on the top of the deck.

Step 6

Gently square the deck so all the cards line up neatly.

Step 7

Take only the bottom card and move it to the top so the ninja key card now sits above your friend’s card.

Step 8

Say a quick funny ninja line to distract your friend for a second while you prepare the reveal.

Step 9

Look at the top card to make sure it is the key card you remembered.

Step 10

Slide the second card from the top forward with your thumb to show its face to your friend as their chosen card.

Step 11

Share your finished Ninja Card Trick on DIY.org

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

What can we use instead of a standard deck if we can't find one?

Use homemade cards printed and cut from cardstock or a card-deck app, but still remove jokers as in step 2 and make sure you can see and remember the very bottom card as your 'ninja key card' in step 3.

What should we do if the revealed card isn't the chosen card?

Check that you actually placed the friend's card on top in step 5 and that you moved only the bottom card to the top in step 7 and then re-square and repeat steps 3–7, confirming the top card in step 9 before sliding the second card in step 10.

How can we adapt this trick for different ages?

For younger kids, use fewer cards and practice steps 3–7 slowly so they can remember the bottom 'ninja key card,' while older kids can add extra misdirection in step 8 and perform for a group or record the reveal for DIY.org.

How can we enhance or personalize the Ninja Card Trick?

Personalize the quick funny ninja line in step 8, decorate the back of your remembered bottom card from step 3 for flair, and practice moving the bottom card to the top in step 7 to chain multiple reveals or add a dramatic flourish at step 10.

Watch videos on how to perform the Ninja Card Trick

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12 VISUAL Card Tricks Anyone Can Do | Revealed

4 Videos

Facts about card magic

⏱️ Top magicians repeat a single move thousands of times until it looks instant and smooth.

🃏 A standard deck has 52 cards — most classic card tricks use a full deck!

👀 Audiences tend to look where you point or gesture, so a tiny glance can hide a big move.

🎩 Dai Vernon, nicknamed "The Professor," helped make card sleights look natural and effortless.

🧠 Misdirection is a magician's superpower: it guides where people look so secret moves stay hidden.

How do you perform the Ninja Card Trick?

Start by learning one or two basic sleights (double lift, false cut, card control). Practice the moves slowly until smooth, then add misdirection: a chatty line, a gesture, or eye contact while you execute the sleight. Use a simple reveal like producing a chosen card from your pocket. Rehearse in front of a mirror or record video to check angles. Perform calmly, keep patter short, and build confidence through repetition.

What materials do I need for the Ninja Card Trick?

You need one standard deck of playing cards (a well-worn deck is easier to handle), a clear flat surface, and a mirror or phone to record practice sessions. Optional items: a soft cloth to keep cards clean, rubber bands to practice grips, and a notebook for notes. No special props are required, but a comfortable chair and good lighting will help learning sleight-of-hand.

What ages is this activity suitable for?

The Ninja Card Trick suits children about 7 years and up with adult guidance; younger kids (5–6) may try simple cuts and reveals. Ages 9–12 are ideal for developing fine motor skills and patience needed for sleight-of-hand. Older children and teens can learn more advanced moves. Always match step difficulty to the child’s attention span and offer encouragement during practice.

What safety tips should we follow when practicing the Ninja Card Trick?

Keep cards away from pets and very young children to avoid swallowing or paper cuts. Practice at a table to prevent dropping cards on the floor. Take frequent breaks to avoid hand strain and stop if fingers become sore. Teach kids not to reveal secrets unless performing for friends and to respect others’ feelings when using deception for fun only. Supervise younger practitioners during practice.
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Perform the Ninja Card Trick. Activities for Kids.