Jazz, Murder & Magic!
Last year, I wrote a blog article on the confusion surrounding the identity of the playing card known as the “Devil’s Bedpost”. Is it the Four of Spades or the Four of Clubs? Well, I’ll let you read the article to find out. Anyway, this got me thinking about other common nicknames for playing cards. At some point, I plan to write a lengthy article on all of the nicknames I’ve discovered. However, in this post, I’ll be concentrating on another curious nickname that has always intrigued me.
The King of Diamonds is commonly referred to as the “Man with the Axe” or the “Axeman” since, in Anglo-American decks, he is the only King holding an axe, while the other three wield swords. However, I noticed that there is another card in a standard pack of playing cards that also fits this description—the Jack of Hearts. This is because, like the King of Diamonds, he is the only Jack brandishing an axe (technically, it is a halberd, a two-handed polearm topped with an axe blade and a spike). I immediately realised I could take advantage of this little-known feature in a magic trick.
Here’s the basic idea. Write either “YOU WILL PICK THE MAN WITH THE AXE” or “YOU WILL PICK THE AXEMAN” on a piece of paper as a prediction. Then, use both cards in a forcing procedure to make the selection process seem fairer and more convincing. For instance, you can use the mathematical Ten-Twenty Force, also known as the Count-Back or Numerology Force, where you ask a spectator to name a number between ten and twenty. You then use the Principle of Nine 1 to force a known card on a participant. By using two target cards, you can expand the range of choices and ask your participant to name any two-digit number below thirty. This approach seems much less restrictive than asking someone to name a number between ten and twenty.
Alternatively, you can use a re-deal force, providing your assistant with the free choice of two piles. Using a modified PATEO Force is also possible, giving your helper the final free choice between two or even three cards. I’ve described how to perform these forces in detail as part of the write-up for “Man with the Axe”. However, before you read the finished effect, I thought it would be helpful for me to provide some insight into how I develop a fully fleshed-out routine from a basic idea like this one.
The Axeman of New Orleans 🪓
Now that we have a basic effect, we must find a good way to present it. In my opinion, it’s better to first devise an engaging presentation for a trick before finalising the full details of the method. This is because the trick’s theme, script or story can often influence our chosen method (in this case, the type of force we decide to use). Presentation and method shouldn’t be seen as separate things; they should work together to support each other. The presentation can justify the method, while the script can help conceal the method by adding a layer of psychological misdirection to the routine.
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| Photo Credit: @radosky via Unsplash. |
The card’s nickname, the “Man with the Axe”, inspired me to choose a true crime theme for this effect. In the early 20th century, a series of violent attacks and murders occurred in New Orleans. These crimes were attributed to an unknown individual who became known as the “Axeman of New Orleans”. He was given this ominous moniker because most of his victims were attacked in their own homes in the middle of the night with an axe.
| A short news video on the Axeman of New Orleans. Video Credit: WGNO via YouTube. |
The murders caused widespread public panic. On 13 March 1919, a letter claiming to be from the Axeman was published in the New Orleans Times-Picayune. In the letter, the Axeman threatened to kill again on the night of 19 March at fifteen minutes past midnight but promised to spare the occupants of any home where a jazz band was playing. That night, the city’s dance halls were full, and jazz bands played at parties in many houses around town. No murders occurred that night.
The shocking string of killings also inspired a jazz standard called “The Mysterious Axman’s Jazz (Don’t Scare Me Papa)” by Joseph John Davilla. Some even suspected the composer of being the true author of the letter from the Axeman in an attempt to increase sales of the sheet music for his new composition. Here’s my favourite contemporary version of the song by the Squirrel Nut Zippers.
The mysterious, jazz-loving Axeman was never caught and has never been identified. The murders stopped as mysteriously as they started and remain unsolved to this day.
Using this true crime story as the backdrop for the trick is an excellent way to justify the vague prediction. However, we must be respectful to the victims of the Axeman; after all, his vicious attacks left six people dead and six more severely injured.
I also like the idea of using a copy of the Axeman’s letter, which many believe was a hoax inspired by the letter written by Jack the Ripper, as part of the presentation. If you’d like to do something similar, here’s a printable copy of the full letter (the link opens in a new tab/window). The letter is very bizarre, as the Axeman’s comments suggest he considers himself a demon or supernatural being. Here’s the full text of the letter.
Hell, March 13, 1919
Esteemed Mortal:
They have never caught me and they never will. They have never seen me, for I am invisible, even as the ether that surrounds your earth. I am not a human being, but a spirit and a demon from the hottest hell. I am what you Orleanians and your foolish police call the Axeman.
When I see fit, I shall come and claim other victims. I alone know whom they shall be. I shall leave no clue except my bloody axe, besmeared with blood and brains of he whom I have sent below to keep me company.
If you wish you may tell the police to be careful not to rile me. Of course, I am a reasonable spirit. I take no offense at the way they have conducted their investigations in the past. In fact, they have been so utterly stupid as to not only amuse me, but His Satanic Majesty, Francis Josef, etc. But tell them to beware. Let them not try to discover what I am, for it were better that they were never born than to incur the wrath of the Axeman. I don’t think there is any need of such a warning, for I feel sure the police will always dodge me, as they have in the past. They are wise and know how to keep away from all harm.
Undoubtedly, you Orleanians think of me as a most horrible murderer, which I am, but I could be much worse if I wanted to. If I wished, I could pay a visit to your city every night. At will I could slay thousands of your best citizens, for I am in close relationship with the Angel of Death.
Now, to be exact, at 12:15 (earthly time) next Tuesday night, I will pass over New Orleans. In my infinite mercy, I am going to make a little proposition to you people. Here it is: I am very fond of jazz music, and I swear by all the devils in the nether regions that every person shall be spared in whose home a jazz band is in full swing at the time I have just mentioned. If everyone has a jazz band going, well, then, so much the better for you people. One thing is certain: some of your people who do not jazz it out on that specific Tuesday night (if there be any) will get the axe.
Well, as I am cold and crave the warmth of my native Tartarus, and it is about time I leave your earthly home, I will cease my discourse. Hoping that thou wilt publish this, that it may go well with thee, I have been, am and will be the worst spirit that ever existed either in fact or realm of fantasy.
The Axeman
Given the letter’s format, starting the routine by reading it aloud or allowing people to read the Axeman’s strange threats themselves would make the most sense. Because of the letter’s length, using it as a prediction to be read after the card has been selected wouldn’t work particularly well. It would also be a little odd to use the letter as a prop in a more casual performance (why on earth are you carrying that around in your pocket?). In this situation, I’d revert to a written prediction and just tell the story of the Axeman of New Orleans instead.
Because you do not mention a specific playing card, you could also present the effect as an open prediction. Set the stage by explaining that the deck of cards symbolises the city of New Orleans itself, where a notorious serial killer once stalked the streets. With this approach, you can forgo the traditional written prediction and heighten the suspense by challenging your participant to accomplish what the police at the time could not: catch the elusive Axeman! Framing the effect in this way transforms it into a more immersive experience, where your audience becomes invested in solving the mystery of the Axeman of New Orleans (see the BuzzFeed Unsolved episode below to learn more about the Axeman cold case).
| An episode of BuzzFeed Unsolved on the Axeman of New Orleans. Video Credit: BuzzFeed via YouTube. |
In a more formal performance setting, using the letter as a prop, printed in a typewriter-style font, would make the trick play bigger and strengthen the murder mystery theme. The letter’s oddness also provides an interesting and memorable talking point, so it might work in certain social situations, especially if the people you’re performing for have an active interest in true crime podcasts and TV shows.
Once you know which of the two force cards your participant has selected, you can explain that one card in the deck is considered bad luck in New Orleans. Then, you can name the correct force card (the King of Diamonds or the Jack of Hearts) as the cursed card.
It also makes logical sense to produce the other three Jacks or Kings at the conclusion of the routine to prove that the chosen card is the only one holding an axe. The easiest way to do this is to put the King of Clubs, Hearts and Spades in one pocket and the Jack of Clubs, Diamonds and Spades in another (or in the card box). You can then say, “I was so sure you’d pick the Man with the Axe, I put the other three Kings in my pocket.” Or, “I was so sure you’d pick the Man with the Axe, I put the other three Jacks in the card box.”
Alternatively, you could use a more elaborate three-card production to cut to the three remaining Kings or Jacks. I’ve decided to take this approach because I think it provides a more impressive ending to the routine. The tradeoff is that it requires a more elaborate pre-arrangement of cards.
The Axeman in Popular Culture
The Axeman has become a popular character in books, television shows, films, and even video games. The killer inspired Ray Celestin’s award-winning crime novel, The Axeman’s Jazz. This is the first book in The City Blues Quartet. |
| The Axeman’s Jazz by Ray Celestin. Image Credit: RayCelestin.com. |
The Axeman, or more accurately, his ghostly presence, takes centre stage as one of the supporting characters in the third season of the acclaimed horror anthology series American Horror Story, aptly subtitled Coven. As the name suggests, the show follows the exploits of a coven of witches residing in New Orleans, where the Axeman legend plays a pivotal role in the unfolding narrative. Danny Huston is delightfully convincing as the prolific serial killer.
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| Danny Huston as the Axeman in American Horror Story: Coven. Photo Credit: IMDB. |
The series tackles sensitive and mature themes, including racial prejudice, sexual assault, and graphically depicted violence. Viewer discretion is strongly advised. However, if you’re a fan of the horror genre, I recommend it wholeheartedly!
As an amateur magician, I found the show’s depiction of witchcraft and voodoo captivating. The series also features a remarkable performance by the talented actress Kathy Bates, who brings to life the controversial figure of Madame Delphine LaLaurie, another notorious personality from Louisiana’s dark history.
With its masterful blend of horror, mysticism, and historical references, American Horror Story: Coven offers a gripping and immersive viewing experience. The show does a good job of documenting the city’s troubled past, exploring the long shadow of racism that lurks beneath its vibrant facade.
Additionally, the show inspired me to develop a darker, bizarre magick presentation for this card trick, which I call “The Axeman’s Ghost”. 👻 Instead of simply retelling the story of the Axeman of New Orleans, the card trick is presented as a “supernatural ritual” that supposedly summons his undead spirit! To break the curse, the person who located the “Man with the Axe” in the deck must cut to the other three Kings.
Learn the Tricks! 🪄
Learn Man with the Axe 🪓
Learn The Axeman’s Ghost 👻
Footnotes
The Principle of Nine is as old as mathematics itself. Take any number, say, 582. Add the digits of the number together (5 + 8 + 2 = 15). Finally, subtract the result from the original number (582 - 15 = 567). The final answer is always a multiple of nine (in this case, 63 x 9 = 567). The Count-Back Force is one of the most well-known applications of the Principle of Nine.
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