Most popular cards

[Dave Le Fevre]

I seem to remember that there was a discussion here a while ago regarding which card a spectator might think of. (However, I cannot now find it.)

I've just now seen the following on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10160312517935857

(Not sure how to include it as an image.)

Hearts are noticeably more popular and Clubs are noticeably less popular.

[Tarotist]

I have a method of knowing what card an individual specific person is going to say. It takes a bit of initial investigation but the effect is worth it.

[katterfelt0]

Here's the image Dave wanted to share.

[katterfelt0]

And here is one thread where the popularity of certain cards is discussed.

[BarryAllen]

Putting aside the girls generally opting for the Queen of Hearts, over the years, the most popular card I've had blokes call out (when prompted to not choose something obvious), has very often been the Three of Clubs. At one time, I even used to carry a 3C loose in my wallet for this very reason - and also had the 3C as my odd-backed card when performing Chicago Opener. On more than one occasion, I've forgone that particular effect - using the opportunity to perform an 'instant Brainwave' instead!

I haven't a clue why the 3C was called so often - particularly with younger (under 40yo) folk, that sometimes can't remember the name of the Club suit - even when they see it.

Perhaps this is due to the fact that card play within the UK nowadays, must be at all all-time low. Having frequented Working-man's Clubs and Pubs socially throughout my life, busy card schools are long gone. You still see the occasional game of Cribbage (a superb game) and Seven Card Brag - but these are generally being played by much older guys.

[UKNeil]

Out of interest I asked ChatGPT the question "what is the most popular playing card a person might think of?"

This is what came back.

"The most commonly thought-of playing card is often considered to be the Ace of Spades. This card is widely recognized due to its prominent place in card games, pop culture, and even symbolism. Reasons for its popularity include:

Cultural Significance: The Ace of Spades is often depicted as a card of power, mystery, and even luck, and it’s frequently referenced in movies, music, and art.

Distinctive Design: Unlike other cards, the Ace of Spades is usually adorned with a more elaborate and unique design, which makes it stand out visually.

Historical Context: In some contexts, particularly in Western cultures, the Ace of Spades has held a symbolic meaning and even military significance, which has only added to its notoriety.

However, depending on the audience and context, the Queen of Hearts might also come to mind frequently due to its associations with love, royalty, and appearance in literature and media.

[chetday]

My limited experience confirms that the Ace of Spades is most often named as the thought of card for men. Women has usually been Queen of hearts. Regarding the ace of spades being called, I'm reminded of how nicely that worked out for Mark Lewis on his $25,000 award appearance on television earlier this year.

[Dave Le Fevre]

Here's the image Dave wanted to share.

Thanks for posting that. I'd realised that I need to use [img ][/img ], but I couldn't work out the string that went between them

[BarryAllen]

My limited experience confirms that the Ace of Spades is most often named as the thought of card for men. Women has usually been Queen of hearts. Regarding the ace of spades being called, I'm reminded of how nicely that worked out for Mark Lewis on his $25,000 award appearance on television earlier this year.

Joe Riding, within his superb instructions for 'Think A Card' over the years, stated that if a person appears overly negative; or displays a "catch me out if you can" challenging attitude; then there's every likelihood that they'll think of the Ace of Spades.

As for Mark.....if ever a decent bloke has earned 25 Grand, then it's him.

[Tarotist]

My limited experience confirms that the Ace of Spades is most often named as the thought of card for men. Women has usually been Queen of hearts. Regarding the ace of spades being called, I'm reminded of how nicely that worked out for Mark Lewis on his $25,000 award appearance on television earlier this year.

I think I had better explain that I do NOT rely on chance when asking someone to think of a card. I am certainly not going on television in front of millions of people relying on what some people "might" think of. I KNOW beforehand what card they are going to say. I am not going to reveal my secret in a public forum like this. I shall merely say that Martin Breese revealed my secret some decades ago in something he published somewhere although I can't remember where. I do remember it was revealed in about four or five lines at the most.

[Brad Jeffers]

There's a great trick called "Vanished or Gone" from Peter Duffie's book Effortless Card Magic.

Quoting from the book ...

"You give a spectator the deck and ask him to think of any card that comes to mind. he has a completely free choice. He tells no one what the card is. You now state, 'The card that you are thinking of is gone!' Please deal through the deck and verify that fact.' He deals through deck and, sure enough, the card is missing, and there are only fifty-one cards.
If the above sounds like a miracle, then that's because it is. However, I have a confession to make. There is a catch. You only get that miracle effect fifty-percent of the time."

If you were to make the deck needed to perform this trick, using the cards below the 50% line in the diagram, it should increase the success rate of the "miracle effect" from 50% to around 75%.

Nice!

[Dave Le Fevre]

"(Not sure how to include it as an image.)"
My thanks to Dustin for his recent post on the subject. I've saved it for future reference.