Great Magicians Do This
Timing Forces: Everything you need to know, revealed.
Magic effects and techniques follow trends, just like any other art form. In recent years, timing forces have gained significant popularity, especially in an era where magicians often create content designed to fool one another. These forces have become a go-to technique for anyone exploring fresh and deceptive methods.
If you’re unfamiliar with timing forces, don’t worry—they’re more straightforward than they sound. A timing force is any forcing technique that relies, wholly or partially, on the precise timing of its execution.
In card magic, a force occurs whenever the magician ensures the spectator unknowingly selects a predetermined card. By incorporating timing into the process, you will not only discover innovative methods but also enhance almost any force you already know.
Timing forces have been a part of magic for decades but have gained fresh attention in recent years thanks to magicians like the Spanish Dani DaOrtiz.
Known for his relaxed and seemingly chaotic style, DaOrtiz can force almost anything, making the process appear entirely natural.
While timing forces are often associated with their fairest and purest forms, there’s much to learn from their broader applications.
What is the purest form of a timing force? Imagine this: the magician deals cards into a pile, asking the spectator to say “stop” whenever they like. The card they stop on is the one the magician intended to force, thanks to its position in the deck. The method relies entirely on timing, creating a highly deceptive effect.
Despite their strength, these forces are rarely used. It’s easy to see why: they feel open to chance and lack a fixed, structured method. Most magicians see them as inaccessible, and the only way to do them successfully is to do them consistently.
Whether timing forces have always intimidated you or you’re already experimenting with them, we recommend the following three exercises. These will not only build your confidence with the techniques but also improve your overall awareness and presence in magic performances.
