In a twist of events, the Great Ballentini, a local magician, picked a card for one of his illusory card games. The magic man was alone earlier in the day and decided to practice his tricks, observing that he’d “never had this type of experience before.”

According to Ballentini, who usually is seen performing at bar mitzvahs and retirement parties, the trick was a new one he was working out: a person picks a card and memorizes it. Upon placing it back into the deck, the magician shuffles the cards, which is supposed to disorient the viewer. The magician then draws the correct card and the viewer is in awe, claimed Ballintini.

“Usually I have my beautiful assistant, Tina, but she left me a few weeks ago and I haven’t heard from her since. Well, actually, I have. She sent me a letter asking me not to contact her ever again. I guess some aren’t as passionate about their work as others.”

With no one around but his hairless cat, Herman, Ballentini turned to himself to master his technique. “I have a big event coming up. I have a 4 year-old’s birthday party, and let me tell you, no one is as ruthless as a pack of preschoolers!”

The magician reported that he was amazed by his own trick. According to Ballentini, the key to success is to remember the card picked and then where it is placed once returned to the deck.

When asked if he would practice more aspects of his magic act on himself, Ballentini replied, “Of course. In fact, I don’t think there’s a better way to learn magic than to perform a trick on yourself.” The magician has plans to practice harder illusions, such as sawing a person in half and a straitjacket escape.

“Conducting the trick is one thing, actually participating in it is another entirely,” Ballentini said.