The performer is recklessly and haphazardly mixing cards face up and face down. Then, without warning or manipulation, this entire disorder is instantly corrected. All of the cards face the same way except for a selection.

The most famous routine is Dai Vernon’s “Triumph” originally published in Stars of Magic. However, he probably was influenced by other similar effects that came before. One such routine is Sid Lorraine’s “Slop Shuffle.”

Jon Racherbaumer will take you through the history of this wonderfully visual effect and will explain and discuss the many variations magicians have developed. In his selected bibliography he references 186 Triumph routines. A good start if you really want to study this plot.