Mathematical Card Magic ─ Fifty-Two New Effects

Featuring numerous original creations, this book presents an entertaining look at mathematically based card tricks. The effects in each chapter are rated in four key areas: ease of performance, whether any setup is needed, how much mathematics is involved, and how well it appeals to a general audience. In addition, each chapter highlights the effect with the best use of the mathematical principle involved. Three chapters address the growing field of two person mathemagic, which uses subtle information theory principles to communicate. The text provides relevant mathematical details, suggestions for potential extensions, and an index of mathematical topics cross-referenced to each chapter.

Colm Mulcahy is a professor of mathematics at Spelman College. Over the last decade, he has been at the forefront of publishing new "mathemagical" principles and effects for cards, particularly in his long-running bi-monthly Card Colm for the Mathematical Association of America (MAA). He also blogs at the Aperiodical and the Huffington Post. Dr. Mulcahy has been a recipient of the MAA’s Allendoerfer Award for excellence in expository writing. His research interests are broad, ranging from algebra, number theory, and geometry to computer graphics. He earned a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in mathematical science from University College Dublin and a PhD from Cornell University for research in the algebraic theory of quadratic forms.