What ShiftTrainer Trains
ShiftTrainer is a focused practice tool for the shift process used in ACAAN handling, as well as other effects that depend on moving from a card's existing position to a named position.
The goal is to make the complete mental chain fast and dependable:
Named card → existing position → named position → shift calculation → card at the shift position
ShiftTrainer assumes you already have a way to identify the named card's existing position. It does not teach a stack, memorized-deck system, or source handling.
Reading a Problem
- The playing card is the spectator's named card.
- Position is the spectator's named target position from 1 to 52.
- Calculate the shift between the card's existing position and the named position.
- Find the card at that shift position.
- Answer What card do you cut at? by choosing its rank and suit.
Rank and suit can be selected in either order. Your answer submits automatically as soon as both are selected.
The Shift Calculation
Let C be the existing position of the named card and N be the named target position. Shift-zero problems are not used.
| Situation | Calculation |
|---|---|
| Card position is greater than named position | Shift = C − N |
| Named position is greater than card position | Difference = N − C Shift = 52 − Difference |
Example 1: 9♠ is at existing position #9 and the named position is 1. Calculate 9 − 1 = 8. The card at #8 is 5♥, so the correct cut card is 5♥.
Example 2: 5♦ is #25 and the named position is 37. Calculate 37 − 25 = 12, then 52 − 12 = 40. The card at #40 is 4♠, so the correct cut card is 4♠.
Practice
Practice is pressure-free: there is no timer, score, accuracy, average, or streak.
- Correct answer: the selection turns green and a new random problem appears after half a second.
- Wrong answer: the selection turns red, the prompt stays visible, and the app shows the correct cut card with the complete arithmetic. Tap Next when you are ready.
10-Shift Challenge
Solve 10 shift problems correctly as quickly as possible.
- The timer begins the moment the first problem appears.
- A wrong answer does not advance. Keep trying the same problem while the timer continues.
- The timer stops immediately when the 10th problem is answered correctly.
- Results show total time, average seconds per shift, errors, and whether you set a personal best.
- Your best total time is stored locally on the device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why am I choosing a card instead of entering a number?
The numeric shift is an intermediate step. The operational answer needed in performance is the card at the shift position — the card you cut at.
Can a problem have a shift of zero?
No. If the card's existing position and the named position are equal, ShiftTrainer discards that problem and generates another. Every other shift, including 51, is valid.
Does the app collect personal data?
No accounts, no tracking, no ads. The personal-best time stays on your device. See the Privacy Policy for details.
The app isn't working correctly. What should I do?
Please email [email protected] with a description of the issue, your device model, and iOS version. Screenshots are helpful.
About
ShiftTrainer is made by Kevin Haggard — magician and creator of DeckClocker, SherlockTrainer, and QuartetTrainer.
Visit Magic Apps for more.