10 Levels of Deception: The Neuroscience of Magic 

BUY TICKETS TO MY SHOW: parlourofdeceptions.com ONLINE COURSE ON CARD MAGIC: cardmagic101.com PRIVATE EVENTS AND LESSONS: danielroymagic.com/booking SIGN UP FOR MY NEWSLETTER: danielroymagic.com/newsletter This video is by far the most complex and time-consuming of any video I've made. I hope you like it! CREDITS, CITATIONS, and FURTHER INFORMATION: The crediting write-up for this video was so long that it doesn't fit in a RU-vid description or comment, so instead, it's in a blog post on my website: danielroymagic.com/blog/10-levels-of-deception.

"How did I make you forget I didn't shuffle the blue deck" i don't even remember you shuffling the the red deck.

11th Level of Deception: "Hi son, I'll be back from the store soon"

Daniel, you are a genius. Not just because of your skill level but your ideas and script writing. You structure very carefully your segments and then you pace yourself, so that we feel you are never rushed. You avoid the hype and so-called generalised 'energy' that so many presenters 'think' they have to put into their performance. You are clearly in control of both your mind and material. Plus, your passion shines through as genuine charm as you gently coach us...

My level of blindness: stared at the left hand when the ace of hearts was shown because I know that's a misdiraction for monkey business, and somehow not see the left hand turn over ......

Your ability to explain the core principles of magic while still managing to leave the viewer with a sense of awe and wonder after the final trick is really special. It really demonstrates the potential these techniques can be stretched to. It's unlike anything I've seen from other magic RU-vidrs.

Hey, Daniel please continue making this series of “10 levels of". I really enjoy them and they feel so relaxing.

The initial condition - final condition part takes me back to an embarrassing trick I've performed for my friends a couple of days ago. It was a "lazy man's card trick" and I was drunk. They've randomly selected a card, then cut the deck and passed it for a couple of minutes between spectators while I was waiting for the right moment to finish the trick. When I finally was ready to reveal their card and asked "what was your card", it turned out they didn't know. I forgot to ask them to actually look at the card, so the whole trick turned into a pointless group process of shuffling the deck. They've called it team building.

You know when Daniel releases a video that starts with "10 Levels of..." it's gonna be a good one

Performed magic my whole life. I often talk about my desire to have people enjoy magic as an art form, not as "trickery." It is not about how a trick is done, but rather how a trick is performed. Honestly probably my new favorite video on magic ever. Well done!

One of the reasons I started practicing card magic is the psychology behind all of it. I find it amazing how easy and simple people are fooled and how some of the tricks like hand gestures or mixing true false statements alter the memory of the participants. A good example of directing attention away is that typically your spectator looks where you are looking. I look at my hands and the deck of cards and they burn my hands with their eyes yet the second i seem to relax my hands and look up at their faces they automatically look up as well.

In college I had a logic professor who often indulged my quirks (like allowing me to "hijack" the class and teach the recap part of the lecture in "pirate speak" on international talk like a pirate day or just generally cutting in with questions, comments, and jokes throughout the classes) and my classmates mostly seemed to enjoy (and benefit from) my antics as well. Prior to our final one semester, while the test booklets were being handed out, she allowed me command of the class to do a magic trick. I did the hand flipping over thing with the interlocked fingers (the second demonstration done in the video), got the whole class to destress instantly. Prof later told me that the class did a full letter grade better nearly across the board than this class had done on previous exams and quizzes (as in almost every student who wasn't already getting A's went up a letter) and that the class overall scored an A- average, which was significantly better than previous classes to take that course usually did on that exam. She said she credits the former to my magic trick, and the latter to my presence in the class throughout the semester. Other students also credited me for their success (one guy even told me that I was the only reason he bothered to wake up for the 9 am lecture three days a week, I hope that was an exaggeration) because when I asked questions or made comments they almost always helped to clarify things that they might not have otherwise understood (part of the reason I do that) and my jokes kept the lectures engaging which enabled them to focus better on the material. I always found learning is better done when it is interactive, so I try to interact with lectures whenever I'm permitted to do so, and studies have shown that students perform better on tests and exams if they distract their mind with something entertaining or interesting immediately before the test to essentially force a reboot (kinda like how a computer is usually faster after you turn it off and on again, even if you are doing the same thing before and after), and as a magician I like doing a magic trick before a major test both to do the reset for myself, but also anyone else willing to put away the books a minute or two earlier than they might otherwise have done so to help them out as well.

"Just knowing WHY magic works will not ruin your experience of magic" that is so true. Even after this entire video literally explaining why magic works and covering very well most of the reasons, the trick you performed in level 10 is far beyond my comprehension, I cannot possibly fathom HOW it was done, even if you explained it to me I would probably be confused. It's fascinating, really.

"Knowing doesn't diminish the enjoyment" extremely true. As a very terrible amateur magician, I can be either impressed that the magician I'm watching is doing the routine smoothly enough that I catch nothing, or realize I know what's happening and just enjoy the show as a performance. It's all fun to me.

The real magic trick is when he interrupts the interruption to explain that his interruption is misdirecting you...

Dan, here's a huge admirer of your work. Your assiduousness is contagious and immensely inspiring. Hope to meet you sometime!

I enjoyed the first 9 levels because of the explanations and neuroscience... and the cardistry in level 10 was genuinely amazing!

As a game designer this was very intresting! We use a lot of these "tools", and for us, sometimes pitfalls. For example changing blindness to change in UI, locations, etc might be missed without emphasis. Not having dialogue when the player is focused at something, etc. Intresting to see them applied in this way!

This is like when that smart anime character explains how he was 7 steps ahead this whole time

You easily are my favorite RU-vidr for magic, absolutely love the way you talk and are so passionate about it. Your performances and routines are very incredible. Thank you so much!

Bro I love your handling and how smooth you did the last routine. Much respect and keep up the good videos!

When I was a kid-- I always picked up on magic tricks being done faster than those around me. Little did I know that was due to my persistent vigilance and ADHD. Being neuroscientist made me a WEE bit more perceptive to the tricks of the trade. Despite being able to pick up on things-- I still delighted in learning about them. I found the 'magic' fascinating, but I also wondered if there was a neurological aspect to it as well. Now I'm happily an amateur magician and HUGE science nerd. Magic had a part in that.

_You are amazing!!! The seamless manner both verbal and kinetic whereby you explained this lesson is a testament of your proficiency in the craft. I would love to see you in Britain's Got Talent, for you most assuredly have talent... and you have it in spades!_

I recently discovered your channel and I can't stop seeing your videos. The first one I saw was the one where you perform three card monte and it blew my mind. I know it is a trick, but the way you played with my brains is absolutely amazing. I really like the way you present your videos, because I couldn't agree more with what you said at the end of this one. I enjoy magic, and I like to get my mind blown. We all know there is a trick somewhere, but with flawless executions like yours it is a joy for the brain. It really makes you realize how weak are our senses and how "easy" is to toy with our brain, and I love that feeling. Thank you!

Not just a Magic masterclass, but teaching and video editing masterclasses as well. Thank you.

I've always loved magic and magicians but this made me want to go out and get some cards and start learning some things! Thank you!

ayy i actually spotted u flipping the deck at 4:35. so proud of myself lmao

I actually had so much fun doing the demonstrations with you. I haven't smiled so much during a video ever. You're great man !

Wow I’m so happy this is out for everyone to hear, relate to, and enjoy! Love you all! ️‍

7:00 The fact that the colors of the suits were reversed all the time went completely unnoticed because we saw red and black suits and had no reason to examine them closely because we all assumed they were the correct colors. I had to go back and look at the spread to realize the colors were reversed. 15:00 Shuffling the red deck, cutting the blue deck, and then shuffling the red deck again really masked what you did. When you later claimed to have shuffled both decks, we all remember seeing two shuffles but not the fact that it was the red deck both times. These misdirections combined with skilled manipulation of cards and other objects really make for very powerful magical effects. 18:36 I enjoy learning some tricks, but there are many that I never want to understand, because, as you said, I do not want to lose the wonder and amazement of magic. I also love the magicians who fool Penn and Teller, because it is a shared experience, not only were we were fooled, but the Magician was so skilled that Penn and Teller were fooled right along with us.

greeeeeat video

Outstanding work my friend. You are a beacon of light in these difficult times. Thank you for all that you do.

You are such a pleasure to listen to. A true master of his craft, a great teacher, and a hard worker! The quality of your videos is astounding my friend. Keep it up.

My distrust of other people has once again increased

When it was level 10 my mind just went W H A T

I see this video from time to time, and it amazes me every time. I feel like a child again. It's so true what you said at the end! A few times, some tricks were explained to me, and it really was my loss, firstly because I lack the skill to perform them and secondly, I couldn't enjoy them anymore. Thanks, man, for bringing us this magical feeling. Your presentation is amazing.

OMG, that video was SO GOOD! I loved how you focused on the WHY, not the HOW. That's a perfectly constructive approach.

I'm in absolute awe. This is definitely in my top 10 YT videos. The wrap up is very impressive. Makes me wonder what else this could be applied to! 🤓

19:41 This really smoothed my concerns I had starting the video, so thank you so much for clarifying! Such a great, well-written video, can't imagine the amount of time and effort you put into it and we really appreciate it!

Thanks for putting in the effort, Daniel, the video reflects it. A great job, lovin' your work.

So cool! I've never seen anyone search for cards like you did at the end! I loved that!

Love how you coordinated the shirt, the card deck and everything else! Production quality 10/10!

This is Gold.. I've watched it 3 times so far.. absolutely love it

These subtle details of deceptions changed the way I think some part of the routines I perform. Awesome

Even when I know the "how" (which is maybe half the time), your technical sleight of hand skills are breathtaking to watch and still result in me having that "wow" feeling. It's different, sure, but the wonder is still there.

I don't even know who is more thrilled with this...The psychology student me or the addicted-to-magic me.

Thoroughly enjoyed this video, Daniel. Magic fascinated me when I was very young but I did not pursue it... but I did pursue some basic level of study of human psychology and perception in my spare time and you are correct in that knowing about our perceptive frailties is both fascinating and "eye-opening." Great video!

Wow.... I've seen a lot of magic except the last trick. That was the best I've ever seen. Sooo good!

Awesome work! only thing i would recommend is to make your box a little bigger when you're talking

OK, that was utterly mind boggling, watching it twice made it even more impressive, and even though I've seen you do a similar if not identical trick for level 10 in another video didn't make it any less impressive or give me a clue as to how it works other than I actually caught a few false cuts during the Hearts section this time.

So well done. Bravo!

.... I'm really starting like this channel brother. Especially this video. very well done. lots of thought, care, attention to detail, and flawless. execution. I don't think I've ever met you in person... so it might sound weird for me to say that I am proud of you and the lengths you are going thru to put out high quality magic content. Keep it up.

Most underrated magician

I'm just gonna say that I'm super impressed by how quickly you were able to shuffle that well and accurately. I don't want to give away anything, so I'm not gonna explain what I mean, but definitely impressive. I could also be wrong, so even if I do give away my thoughts, I'm not sure if it's how the trick was done, but it's what makes the most sense to me

It's just fantastic to see a magic presentation that also investigates human perception. I'm endlessly fascinated by this topic. This video more than earned my youtube sub.

That final sequence was just brilliant. I'm probably going to steal that. Wow!

This man makes such high quality videos. The editing, the setting, and just the content in general is so entertaining. My eyes were on the screen the entire time. One of the most, if not the most underrated RU-vidrs out there. I hope you get more recognition for your talent, Daniel!

Dude you are so awesome and one of your parents paid me to say that, I bet you can't guess which one.

This is a stunning display, and i loved the deep dive into the way that we think and how that can be manipulated.

hi daniel, just came across your channel today. i love it. i’ve been watching it for hours. i have subscribed and can’t wait to see future videos. keep up the great work!!!

Don't read my comment if you don't want part 10 spoiled For part 10, the giveaway for me was that the sound of you cutting the deck at the beginning of the video was the sound of a lot of cards scraping together, and even though you hid the visual part of undoing the shuffle really well, you didn't have much of a way to hide the sound. This made it pretty obvious that you interlaced the red cards, and then pulled them back apart. There are probably some ways to fix this, like maybe cutting the blue deck first and intentionally scraping the cards against each other to force the audience into hearing that sound before it's a giveaway for the fake cut of the red cards. I'd imagine that this similar flaw exists with a lot of card tricks, and it actually made the video more interesting to me because of how well planned each modification to the red deck was. I especially like how you lied about shuffling both decks, then explained that you told a partial truth in only cutting the blue deck and actually shuffling both decks, but you lied about shuffling the blue deck, but you actually lied about shuffling the red deck too and used this guise of explaining the trick to make it almost undeniable that you'd faked the red deck shuffle too. Trick the viewer into thinking you've tricked them with just one deck, when you've actually done it for both.

Literally the reincarnation of Ricky Jay.... great work

Awesome video! Neuroscience of magic is a scarce yet marvellous topic. And you presented it in the most didatic way. Great job!

Love it. Watching this before bed, rewinded a few🤔Times but this is very relaxing. Truly amazing art/magic

This is so good. Amaizing handeling.

Thanks for that, Dan. Truly fascinating, giving many ideas!

This is very good because you give examples and explanations not to WHAT you (or magician,) is/should do. You give the WHY as well. I like your definition of, "what is magic." You covered a lot in a very detailed explanation. Thanks for sharing.

this new channel is great. keep it up!

That last one was so amazing

Love the new video style!

Thank you, this was utterly gorgeous bravo x

Sooooooo helpful! Great work Daniel!

I have an old magician friend (Howie Marmer) who stayed with us at my friends' house once, and we were having beers one night and he was showing me about "dowsing." He asked me to take something out of my pocket and mark it (it was a guitar pick-my only at the time, and kind of an unusual one) and then hide it in the (large 5-bed) house somewhere that night, and he'd find it within 24 hours, and give it back. I hid it well, jamming it under a TV stand, after everyone else went to bed, got up the next day, having forgotten about it, went for coffee, and when I came back home, there it was on my desk, my own mark and all. I still don't know how he did that and kind of don't want to know. It was brilliant.

I've watched a lot of magic stuff and have been working to understand it. I love that I'm at this point where I can spot maybe a *tiny* bit more than what Daniel is showing, but when he gets going I'm just sitting here like "I'm sure that's some slick prep and slight of hand, but damn if I'm not blown away by it all."

Loving this channel. Learning a lot, great content👏🏻

It wasn't until after the whole video that I remembered noting, at the time: "That was a really short sequence with the blue deck." The pace (You skipped that one) was fast enough that I couldn't process the information I actually did notice - and recall - until long after the trick, and the video, was complete. Thank you for a really fun 20 minutes.

You are amazing. One of the best lessons I ever had.

You are a true master of your craft. This was so indedibly entertaining!

The end trick was superb. I can’t imagine how many hours it took too master it. Great vid . Thank you

Amazing video and content. Congrats! Happy that the algorithm suggested your channel

Thank you for the video. This was amazing.

As always, your video is awesome. A perfect balance of showing how it is done without taking the magic out if it. Still jaw dropping to watch you do this. Thank you. You are totally awesome, and I hope I be able to make one of your shows one day.

I really appreciate this kind of videos! great job!

Filling. Kudos Mr. Roy.

That was a lovely little video, especially the message at the end. Well done, sir. Thank you! :)

Your content is absolutely incredible. It's so well made, all the credits are there, they are paced well, obviously outstanding sleight of hand, I could go on. Keep up the awesome work, I love your videos!

Kudos - brilliant presentation!

Good one Roy. I can very much relate to your way of thinking.

Stunning Video! Thank you very much !

Wonderful display of skills and insights! Thank you!

Damn man. Unbelievable qualatity and content. Cant say enough. Great video.

Really enjoyed this video. The fact that neuroscience is uncovering how our brains perceive and process the world around us is impressive (as is you study of it) it must be satisfying to combine such seemingly disparate studies to produce such wonder in your audiences.

Outstanding video. I especially appreciated your definition of magic and the brief discussion of how-vs-why at the end. Very well done.

Fantastic video, Daniel! As a non-magician, it was very enlightening to learn about the various ways magic works. It's like a puzzle to be solved.

The best card trick channel I've ever seen ❤🎉

This was REALLY GOOD! Thank you!

This is just so well done.

Love your videos deception and sleight of hand are the purest of magic tricks. It’s impressive to see the trick and even more impressive to see it revealed. I prefer these tricks more than ones using tools

This is one of the best videos about magic I've ever seen. Thank you for sharing your perspective

Just watched 2 of your videos, instantly subscribed