Richard Turner

Richard Turner, born in San Diego in 1954, is an American expert card mechanic celebrated for his unparalleled card trick performances. His birth year, which he playfully dubs “the year of the full deck,” aligns with his lifelong passion for playing cards, symbolizing a connection to the standard 52-card deck and the two jokers.

Turner’s fascination with card manipulation began at the age of seven when he discovered the television show Maverick. Despite facing visual impairment, he honed his skills at the Lamb’s Players Theatre, a San Diego Christian theater, under the mentorship of television actor Steve Terrell. Terrell not only nurtured Turner’s theatrical talents but also taught him the art of making eye contact to conceal his visual challenges.

Over the years, Turner’s card manipulation prowess has captivated audiences worldwide, earning him recognition on prominent television programs such as That’s Incredible!, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, and The Paul Daniels Magic Show in Great Britain. His feats have also been showcased in Japan on programs like World Geniuses.

Aside from his captivating performances, Turner serves as a “touch analyst” for the United States Playing Card Company, providing expert evaluations on the texture, flexibility, and cut of numerous decks annually. Turner’s life and incredible journey into the world of card manipulation were brought to the forefront in the documentary Dealt, shedding light on his remarkable skills and overcoming challenges with resilience and grace.