I thought this might be fun. A while back on my games and puzzles (and magic) YouTube channel I uploaded a couple of Mr. T videos with bar bets and such.

Here's one such video with cards: https://youtu.be/UhTD_AeP_Ac?si=dZHu4WUcX0WkuPSc

Based on that prop bet I thought of a little routine:

The Red Hand Deal

A one-shot wager played in hushed corners.

Presentation:

"There's a game they used to play at closing time, just once, and only with those brave or foolish enough to wager against something they couldn't see."

Lay the full deck on the table.

"They called it the Red Hand Deal. No second chances. Just one draw. Six cards, face down. If any two match, the Devil wins. If they don't ... you walk away. We know there are only four cards of each value in the deck, making it unlikely for the Devil to win with just six cards, so people would take the bet recognizing their advantage. But here's the thing, the Devil always smiles. And he never plays twice."

Let them shuffle the deck themselves. Have them cut the cards, or just take six from anywhere, it must feel fair, clean, and final. This is their moment.

Once the six cards have been chosen and placed face down on the table, you turn them over slowly, one by one, as if laying down pieces of a ritual.

If They Lose (There is a Pair):

Pause dramatically at the match. Touch the pair gently.

"There it is. The Devil doesn't cheat. He just waits."

Slide the pair together. Offer a crooked smile or slow nod.

"And now you know why he never plays twice."

Take back the cards slowly, respectfully, almost like you're cleaning an altar.

If They Win (No Pair Found):

As you turn over the sixth card, and there is no pair, lean back slightly, and then grin.

"Well ... well."

Look up at them, as if seeing them for the first time.

"He'll be furious you got away. That win? That wasn't luck. That was something in you he couldn't touch."

Gather the cards and go into something else.

Most of the time there will be a pair as explained in the video, try it. Take out six cards from a shuffled pack and see for yourself.

If you dare.

This is a fun quick casual thing, I've done it many times, and more often than not a pair will appear. It's a bit weird but it fits my character.

I thought of including this in a manuscript of self working effects I'm finishing as a little bonus, but thought it better to just share the idea here.

I love simple, self working card effects where it's all about presentation. I have a few effects out (link in signature) you may find something of interest there if you choose to look.

Thank you Alexandre

You already know I like your ideas very much, and this is no exception

Nice, Alexandre, I like it.

I did calculate the probability of having at least one pair in a 6-card packet and it is about 0.655. So the odds are about 1.9 to 1, nearly twice as likely. The probability of at least 5 packets (out of 8) having each at least a pair is about .71, i.e. odds of about 2.5 to 1. Very counter-intuitive.