Ah, the Chicago Opener – a classic that’s been around longer than most of us can remember, with a backstory messier than your average magician’s table after a show. Originally concocted by Al Leech as the Hot Card Trick No. 1 (and later given the much catchier title Red Hot Mama), this trick quickly became a staple for many working pros. You’ve probably heard names like Frank Everhart and Jim Ryan tossed around when discussing its origins—Everhart’s version popped up in a Frank Garcia book as Chicago Opener, while Ryan’s got its moment in the spotlight as Red Hot Mama in a tome by Phil Wilmarth. Who gets the credit? Who cares! What matters is that it’s a killer effect that has stood the test of time.
So, what’s the deal with this trick? Picture this: a spectator freely selects a card, and you, the magician, perform a little back-color magic (think blue to red). You lay that card down on the table, feeling pretty smug. Then, you invite them to pick a second card, and—oops!—you can’t seem to produce a second red card. But wait, you’re not out of tricks yet! You flip over that first red card to reveal it’s now their second selection. Boom! Mic drop.
In this downloadable gem, you’ll get to hang out with some of the best in the biz as they throw their unique spins on this timeless piece of card wizardry. First up is Bill Malone, who takes a mentalism route that’s as entertaining as it is baffling. Then there’s Michael Close, who brings his own brand of humor and a method that’ll have you scratching your head. Michael Ammar doesn’t just stop at one handling—he gives you two versions of his signature Red Hot Mama, plus the classic handling for good measure. Daryl joins the party with some essential finesses that’ll have your spectators gasping, and Dan Fleshman ups the ante with a killer Card to Wallet kicker that’s sure to pack a punch.
There’s a reason this effect has been a go-to for professional card magicians since it first hit the scene in 1950—it’s a straight-up miracle. Whether you know it as Red Hot Mama or Chicago Opener, if you’re serious about wowing audiences with a deck of cards, this trick deserves a spot in your arsenal. And trust us, you won’t find a better resource than the performances and teachings packed into this download.
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