Toss a deck of cards to any spectator. Explaining that you had a premonition earlier in the day, ask the volunteer to simply think of any of the fifty-two cards. It is a completely free choice. She can think of any card. And remember, the deck is handed to the spectator before the routine begins. Explain that you removed one and only one card from the deck as a prediction. Without adding or taking away any cards, the deck the spectator has been holding is removed from its case. The spectator herself counts the cards and notes that there only fifty-one. What is more amazing is that her freely thought-of card is missing. Reach into your back pocket and remove one card. Of course, it is the spectator's thought-of card!

Remember these important points: Only one deck is used for the entire routine! No pocket indexes are ever employed No sleight of hand, the deck does all the work for you. Deck is in the spectator's hands before the card is named. You never need to touch the cards to make the selected card vanish! No cards are left behind in the card case. The entire contents of the card case are removed and fairly counted, totaling only fifty-one! Deck is never switched! No roughing fluid, no adhesives, no short card principles. Card faces are not misprinted in any way! You'll be able to perform the trick one minute after learning the secret!

This is a truly astonishing effect!