Andrew Loh Shang Hai's Cardician Den

My Upcoming eBook - My Reflections

2012-01-20T01:04:00.000-08:00

Andrew Loh introduces you to ten of his most cherished effects direct from his working repertoire.

The material ranges from variations on classic routines and with the objective of delivering entertaining card magic to your audience. The routines explained in this work are all audience tested. They constitute a body of work that dates back to 2006 and there are a number of new items included as well.

The book is divided into 3 sections; Simple Effects, Impromptu Effects and Effect with Set-Up Cards. It is structured that way for ease of referring to a particular routine.

I sincerely hope you will find something to share with your audience and enjoy the routines as much as I do for years.

CONTENTS & EFFECTS

Royal Mates: An effortless four-of-a-kind production that you will use. Simple, direct and very magical! You will use this in less than two minutes as soon as you read it!

Divide & Concur: This is an amazing two-phase card revelation routine where the work is done by the spectator. There are no difficult sleights involved. In addition, it is so unfair that you devastate your audience in silence.

The Hackers: A story based on cyber intrusion. Two spectators are given an opportunity in witnessing how the Jacks hack certain information on the cards as input by one of the spectators. Be prepared for an unexpected outcome! This serves as a good lesson in "Pasteboard Intrusion" and additional ideas are included as well!

The Proactive Jacks: Perform a card sandwich routine that emphasises on the pro-activeness of the Jacks!

Sandwich in My Pocket: A three-selection card sandwich routine that fries! Three Jacks visually vanish and find the two selections in an amazing manner.

Hofzinser Meets Balducci: A revisit to the classics. As the title says it all, this routine can be done in an impromptu situation and if you are lucky, you may end this routine with another climax that they will never see it coming!

A Double Journey: An amazing and visual two-phase two-packet card transposition effect.

Cannibals Journey: This is an unusual Cannibal Cards routine where the cannibals devour the missionaries. One of the missionaries hypnotises the rest of the cannibals until an unexpected event takes place!

Clandestine Twister: This routine is a combination on Dai Vernon's "Twisting the Aces" with a card revelation. I presume you are familiar with the original routine before attempting this routine.

The Intuitive Couples: The Kings and Queens work together in locating the spectator's selection in a very magical way. Two minds work at its best.

Here's what a few of them say:

"Nice item (Royal Mates)! It’s quick and easy and is also strong. A very good combination of qualities."
-- Mike Powers

"Great quick trick (Royal Mates). I like a lot. Very simple and effective construction."
-- Peter Duffie

"I really enjoyed it (Royal Mates); nice and simple, but a really novel production."
-- John Gelasi

"I've just read your trick (Royal Mates) and I can say that I love it. Because very easy to do and the effect is very powerful!"
-- József Kovács

This e-book is not suitable for beginners. While all the moves are explained clearly but some previous card handling experience is preferable.

Available soon at: http://www.freewebs.com/cardicians

ALSH

My Review - Just Cards Vol.1

2012-01-15T17:33:00.000-08:00

Recently, I read another new release by John Gelasi. I am quite excited because being as a card guy, I always look forward to reading any card material from any magician.

Honestly speaking, the pdf contains some great card material in this collection. There are a few items that I find appealing to me and in fact, I will use them in my performance. The pdf contains 15 pages and the file size is 490 KB. There are five items in this pdf. There is no illustration shown in this pdf but the author films his own performances and uploaded to Youtube where the links are accessible.

This is great as you can see the author in performance on how the effects looks like before you discover the secrets. Alright, without further ado, I will review each of the following items.

Fine Feathered Finks

This is a two-phase routine inspired by the Homing Card plot. I think the first phase is excellent where the selection is placed in between the Jacks and somehow it vanishes and appears on top of the pack. In the second phase, apparently, the selection is back in among the face-up Jacks and a magical gesture, the selection seems to have vanished once again and appeared in the main deck. The transposition looks nice between the phases.

Yes We CAAN

This is an unusual version of ACAAN plot. However, the methodology does not appeal to me much because I believe that the effect of the original ACAAN is very simple, clear and very straightforward. A number is named and the selection is found at that freely called number. In the author's version, a few cutting of cards, a number is written down on a card then re-dealing the cards in the process and finally it reaches to the spectator's selection. Perhaps other readers may find this version appealing.

And Another Thing

This effect is inspired by Richard Sander's "King Thing" which has a few phases but this version also does not appeal to me much as there are lots of cutting, then the Kings jump to the top. And later, they jump back to the performer's hands and at the end, the Kings appear in the card case as well as the performer's pocket. I think this will cloud the spectator from understanding and following the routine. Perhaps other readers may find this to their liking.

J.G. Monte

This is a very nice routine! The construction is good and the handling is efficient as well. There are a few phases and I really like the transposition between the Queen and the Tens which is very magical. Nice!

Estimation

I really enjoyed this item very much and it is very strong! It is excellent and the author applies a very good card principle to produce a wonderful effect! I really like all the phases. The apperance of the Aces really sells the idea. The spectator is given a free choice in naming a certain number and arrives to a certain card and at the end, all four Aces are produced based on the "estimation" theme. I really like the selection transposes with the final Ace. This is nice and I think it is the strongest item!

I think that the author once again has produced some great and quality card magic material. Please keep in mind that even though the above items do not appeal to me do not mean that they are not suitable to you. Perhaps you will find them interesting. Last but not least, I enjoyed some of the items in this collection particularly "Estimation" and "J.G. Monte" and most of them are practical.

ALSH

My Review - Trinities

2012-01-12T00:02:00.001-08:00

I have spent quite some time in going through Trinities. So, what trinities is all about? Basically, if you are a mentalist who like to perform an entirely different two-phase mind-reading routine; card divination and an electronic book test, perhaps you would like to take a look at Michael Daniels's routine.

However, if you expect to just read-and-go kind of pdf, perhaps this does not suit you because there are a great deal of things you need to go through as well as a solid understanding on how each of the things fits in nicely into the routine.

Let's start off by listing some of the basic information on this pdf. "Trinities" contains 23 pages, the size of the file is 1.08 MB and also included 10 eBook. The eBook are used for the electronic book test performance. Each eBooks contains at least 400 pages long and has the "full text" of the original literary works.

The entire pdf is well laid out. The author introduces how the effect should look like by listing out in the effect section. In addition, the conditions of the routine along with the patter and presentation are covered in detail as well. I think the author has done a wonderful job in terms of explaining the basic card principle behind of this routine. To me, it is like a brainstorm session and once you get the idea, it is easy to follow the rest of the explanation.

However, if you familiar with the principle, you might skip through this session but I find there is something that is worth a visit. After describing the principle, next, the author will walk you through the Trinities Stack. In addition, references and credits are well done, too.

Alright, let's get down to the details of the particular routine. First and foremost, I do not have the right to disclose the card principle used in this routine as this will give too much away. The card principle involved is very well known in card magic.

The first phase takes place where the mentalist correctly divines attributes (colour, suit, value) of playing cards which the spectator has shuffled, dealt and covered fully with his hands while the mentalist has turned away. Is it 100% correct all the time? Yes, it works all the time and you always have the correct divination. However, there is some sort of set up or stack that you need to do beforehand. Once the set up is done and combined it with the card principle, it 100% works all the time. The best part is the spectator can shuffle the deck. I regard this phase as playing a game or warm up exercise with the spectator.

In the second phase, the spectator is asked to form a page number by combining the values of three freely selected cards from the deck. Without the mentalist seeing, the spectator then opens up and freely examines an eBook (standard PDF) from a collection of classic literary works stored on a computer, eBook reader or smartphone. Turning to the chosen page, a word is selected which the mentalist exactly identifies.

I find that the second phase is quite challenging because there is a memory system or code that you need to remember. Once you learn this by heart, I am sure you do not have any problem of remembering its sequence. The strength of the second phase is any books can be freely selected and there is a very cunning way which allows the spectator always to land herself on pages where the performer is able to determine the selected words. That is the page where you, as the performer divulge the particular phrase or word on that very page. This is very good!

In a nutshell, perhaps I should make something clear. Once again, this is not a "touch-and-go" pdf where you will learn this routine overnight by simply glancing it. As mentioned earlier, there are a great deal of things that you need to go through fully before attempting this routine. If you are a patient reader and willing to spend your time in learning and familiarising yourself with the card principles and other memory system, I think this pdf will somehow make you discover the creative side of the author.

ALSH

Do As Chameleon Do

2012-01-03T03:37:00.001-08:00

I remember fondly the first time I learned the Do-As-I-Do effect in a beginner card magic book since I was 9 years old. I was very excited at that time because I feel the routine plays well to any lay audience.

I am sure most readers would familiar with this basic routine where a few cards are involved and the spectator is asked to follow the magician's instruction such as turning and flipping a number of cards in the packet. However, if you don't, I have added an extra something to enhance this plot further and of course, everything can be given out for examination. This is done with a regular deck.

I really enjoyed the effect as audience participation is of paramount importance in the routine. This routine is not limited only to a few spectators. I have performed this routine for a number of years.

I realised that the more people that are involved, the better it will look. And as it gets interesting it will seem more and more comical to the audience watching and those participating. At the end, somehow the spectators manage to follow exactly the instructions given by the performer with an exception when one of the cards is turned over, it has an odd back! Did I say both the magician and the spectator exchange each of their own packets in between the phases?

Here's what a few of them say:

"Do As Chameleon Do is a great audience-participation effect. I particularly like the odd back ending. Gives it a great kick."
-- Peter Duffie

"I like the Do As I Do theme and I think that your packet version is very amazing. The climax is very strong for the spectators because they handle the cards!"

-- Jozsef Kovacs

"The "Do as Chameleon Do" effect was awesome, very neat handling and a great finish; I'll definitely be using it."

-- John Gelasi

"These are two very strong effects. The "Do As Chameleon Do" is really unique and interesting. Very cool trick. I also love "Majestic Jokers". Lots of magic going on. Really fun. Andrew has once again stared two powerful and effective routines with us!"

-- Cameron Francis

Available at: http://www.freewebs.com/cardicians

ALSH

Majestic Jesters

2012-01-01T17:03:00.000-08:00

I really enjoyed performing Majestic Jesters during Christmas festival. This is a non-impromptu item but towards the end of the routine, it packs a punch to those who like gambling. A story on how the Jokers help a gambler wins in gambling. Basically, this effect is inspired by Jack Parker's "Court Jesters" and I have added a few plots to enhance the effect with a final kicker.

In performance, you introduce the four Jokers and have a card chosen and lost in the deck. The spectator is asked to cut the pack into four piles and each of the Jokers is placed on top of each of the piles. Magically, you cause the Jokers to appear one at a time into your packet. At the end, you will show the Jokers transform into odd backs with an amazing revelation that your spectator will never forget! Everything can be given out for examination.

I released this routine just before Christmas and I would like to thank to those who support my works and products. I consider this as my pet routine and it has been in my repertoire for years. This routine is quite challenging because I assume you have the experiece or skills in handling cards.

Here's what a few of them say:

"Majestic Jesters is a powerhouse routine of magical effects. Really strong."
-- Peter Duffie

"I very like Majestic Jesters!! It's very strong. I like that it has more climaxes than the spectators expect. I am sure that many magicians will put it in their repertoire. This trick is one of my favourite at the moment. Thanks a lot for this great trick!"

-- Jozsef Kovacs

"It's a great routine packed with magical moments. The Jokers transpose from the table to your hand, fuse into the selection, and change color on the back (one of my favorite finales). The selected card also reveals an additional surprise with a production of a royal flush at the end of the routine. Definitely one to check out!"

-- John Gelasi

-- Cameron Francis

This e-book is not suitable for beginners. While all the moves are explained clearly but some previous card handling experience is preferable.

Available at: http://www.freewebs.com/cardicians

ALSH

My Review - Four Cast

2011-12-20T01:52:00.000-08:00

Christmas is around the corner and I guess this is a great time to make a purchase during this season. It is shopping time!

If you make a purchase at Peter Duffie's online shop right now, you are entitled to receive a copy of "Four Cast" featuring four lovely card routines.

The pdf contains 17 pages and easy-to-do card routines. It is a fairly small file (297 KB) and as always, the author provides colourful photos to support the explanation and everything is well laid-out.

So, let's get down to serious business by reviewing each of the following items.

Revelations

This is one of my favourite items of the book. Somehow this routine reminds me of or has a feel when I first read the author's previous "Cards in Principle" and "Ulterior Motifs" eBooks. The author has a knack of applying a very simple card principle to end this two-phase routine. I believe you will use it as soon as you read it. The plot is very simple, have two cards chosen and you reveal the selections in a very interesting way. I think the second phase is very strong where the second spectator ends up with all the Spades cards in her hand. Sounds coincidence? Not really. I really like this and it is good!

One at a Time

I am sure most of us (cardguys) like the "Collectors" routine and this version somehow caught my attention. It does not involve heavy sleights or moves and is a nice three-phase collectors routine. The revelation of the three selections appeals to me especially the third selection. I believe if it is done correctly and smoothly, it is a nice piece of eye-candy item.

Table d'hôte

This is an interesting revelation on the spectator's selection which can be done seated or walkaround situation. The author has added a neat touch on Alex Elmsley's "Repulsive Aces" with an emphasis on card through table with a nice display. It is very easy to do and there is a proposed handling that you cause the spectator's card to pocket. I think both handlings are equally excellent.

Psychologistic

This is my favourite card discovery based on a principle published by Phil Goldstein and has a little CAAN feel to it. I really enjoyed this effect very much coupled with an interesting presentation. I really like the phase where the performer shows four cards that represent the four suits of playing cards and one of the cards vanishes that matches the suit of her selection. The spectator then counts the cards and her selection is found at a number. I really look forward to performing this very item for my next Christmas gathering.

To sum up, I really enjoyed the four card routines in this collection especially "Psychologistic" and "Revelations" perhaps I should say they are very easy to do and great impact to any lay audience. The four routines can be done with a regular deck. In addition, the above routines somehow make me feel as though I revisit the author's previous excellent work on card principles. The author is pioneer in card principles. If you favour card principles and would like to explore your horizon and the amazing possibilities in card magic, then I urge you to take a look on the above eBooks.

Available at: http://www.peterduffie.com/

ALSH

Designing Card Miracles (Hardback)

2011-12-16T17:39:00.000-08:00

This is one of my largest projects featuring my first hardback card magic book. It is my dream to publish this book since I got serious in card magic for the past few years. This book is available exclusively at my online shop.

The book contains 27 card effects which include sleights that are culled directly from my working repertoire and personal note books. It is divided into five sections; "Simple Tricks", "Impromptu Tricks", "Tricks with Odd Cards", "Tricks with Set-up Cards" and "Sundry Sleights".

In this collection, you will find the material ranges from easy to difficult with various plots. Most of the material puts more emphasis on direct and entertaining card magic.

The format of the book is A5 and hardback format. However, the book is not available at the moment and I have no intention to print this book in large quantity. Once I have a number of buyers, then I'll send this book for printing. If you would like to secure a copy, kindly send me an email to pre-order this book. Thanks!

CONTENTS & EFFECTS

CDP: An effortless four ace production that you will use! A spectator cuts the deck a few times and you produce the other two Aces by casting a magical gesture over the cards! This is a very simple and magical production of the Aces!

ROYAL HIGHNESS: Spectator freely names out certain number. After some byplay and counting the cards in the process, the spectator unknowingly produces the four Kings. 100% works all the time!

TRIU3PH: This is a three-phase version inspired by Dai Vernon's "Triumph" and with a strong emphasis on visual card magic. Perfect for walkaround situation.

TRANS-CASE: The performer introduces two packets of cards; the four Aces and Kings. The Ace-packet is placed in the card case and the flap is closed. The King-packet is placed on top of the card case, with a magical wave over the Kings; the Kings visually change into Aces! The performer places the four Aces on the table and the card case is opened, the performer tips out the four Kings. Everything can be examined both before and after the routine. A visual card magic at its best!

THE HUNTERS: My personal favourite card sandwich effect to date! A two-phase routine where each of the phases seems impossible. The spectators have no idea how and when the magic takes place until they discover the big final climax by themselves!

INVISIBLE ENTITIES: The performer turns a freely named four-of-a-kind into invisible cards! None of them can be seen in the deck. With a snap of fingers, the freely named four-of-a-kind appears in the centre of the deck!

DIVIDE & CONJURE: This is my best-selling item in the year of 2009 and also published in The Linking Ring (August 2010) magazine. This effect is inspired by "Spectator Cuts to the Aces" theme and an added powerful twist that involves 3 selections.

CARLYLEBON COPY: An impromptu card magic effect inspired by the “All Backs” plot. Four awkward cards that have no faces, only backs on both sides are outjogged in different parts of the deck. With a snap of fingers, the four outjogged cards magically change into freely named four-of-a-kind and the deck can be given out for examination.

ASTRAL PROJECTION: Inspired by the famous Hofzinser four ace problem. Four Kings are removed and placed onto the table. A card is selected and it's placed under the spectator's covered palm. The performer casts a magical gesture and one of the Kings changes places. The performer has the spectator's selection and the King that matches with the spectator's selection (suit) is now under the spectator's palm.

VISITOR IN MY POCKET: This is my impromptu handling of Larry Jennings' "The Visitors" that takes place in the performer's pocket. A fusion with transformation and transposition that will fry both layman and magician!

FOUR-ACE PRODUCTION: An impressive looking three-phase four-ace production you will enjoy performing!

THE CHARRED CARDS: The performer burns the back of a court card. The first phase where the perfomer causes the burnt card to turn invisible and locates the spectator's selection. For the second phase, he applies the ash mark onto the spectator's palm and magically transfers the ash-mark to locate the final selection. Bizzare card magic at its best!

INVISIBLE TRANSITION: Three ghost cards take the image of a spectator's card. What is left in the remaining packet will astound your audience.

A BANDED HOFZINSER: One of the Kings reveals the suit of the spectator's selection in a very bizarre manner.

A STRANGE CARDSHARP: Inspired by Magician vs. Gambler plot that ends with a colour changing deck kicker. Imagine Mr Elmsley meets Mr Vernon and they sit together for a gambling demonstration. In the game, the spectator is accused at cheating by using marked cards! This is one of my challenging cards routines.

CHAMELEON COLLECTORS: An interesting two-phase collectors routine that ends with a colour changing on the collectors cards!

JOKERS ON THE WILD SIDE: An effect nearly looks like CAAN that combines with Card Fusion concept and it looks impossible in the hands of the performer!

A LUCKY HAND: A five-card packet is used to locate the spectator's mental selection and ends with an unbelievable climax that you think it's unfair to kill them in silence!

THE SUMMONER: First published in Magicians Do Red Nose Day (March 2011) for a charity purpose. A spectator cuts the deck a few times and in the process, she produces the four-of-a-kind without knowing how. Included a bonus handling that focuses on a gambling theme.

HOF FOR A CHANGE: Hofzinser Ace Problem combines with card flourish and a magical transformation that will astound your audience.

MIX FLUSH ASSEMBLY: This is one my favourite Ace Assembly routines with a kicker ending. I usually reserve and perform this routine as my final closer as I consider this is one of my strongest routines in my current working repertoire.

THE ESSENCE OF SPADES: My personal all-time favourite effect! This effect involves transposition and transformation that ends with a big finish! No one will ever play cards with you again!

A DELIBERATE APPROACH: Inspired by Aldo Colombini's "Slow Approach" with added phases and kicker ending. This main emphasis is on solving a mystery puzzle.

THE ESSENCE OF COLOURS: Inspired by Mike Powers' "Virus" with a strong emphasis on a strong and kicker ending.

TWISTING ON THE BIDDLE TRICK: A multiple phase routine combines with three spectators' selections. Imagine Biddle meets with Vernon and they end up having a card sandwich! This is my all-time favourite card routine.

THE A-FLIP SHOT: This is a visual production of a single card or cards in your hands instantly! Can be used as a revelation and has endless possibilities. For those Lennart Green lovers, you might like this but it would be great if someone says this rather than myself.

FLIP-DROP SWITCH: This is my version of "Drop Sleight" that is very easy to do which has multiple applications to other popular card work.

ALSH

Covert Assembly & Embellished - My Review

2011-11-06T19:08:00.000-08:00

I couldn't recall when was the last time I was being fooled by a magician. Well, this month, Peter Duffie offers his latest two routines and they fooled me very badly. Please do yourself a favour by going to Peter's online store and you will see what I mean.

You may purchase the downloads in WMV (Windows Media Video) format. The duration of "Covert Assembly" lasts about 11 minutes (83.7 MB) which includes the performance and tutorial whereas, "Embellished" lasts about 9 minutes (65.8 MB) that also includes both the performance and tutorial.

The two routines to me are extremely powerful especially "Embellished" which is surprisingly not very difficult to do and it kills! However, I do not mean that "Covert Assembly" is not great but the card-changing phase seems appeal to me a lot. And I really like the Ace, Two, Three and Four of Clubs are ended up in the performer's pocket. The plot attracts me a lot and in addition, great construction, too! To be honest, in the performance section, I really had no idea how the Ace, Two, Three and Four went. The part that I scratched my head in disbelief was there is no extra cards involved! The best part is you can perform this routine at moment's notice. Very nice flow and construction in this particular routine.

"Embellished" really amazed me. The finale of the routine really kills me and it is a two-phase routine. The first part is a physical test. I find that this phase is quite amusing because the two mates fuse together and the spectator has no way to separate the card. In fact, the card can be examined.

In this case, the spectator is not able to separate the card and the performer does it effortlessly. And the second part, the spectator is asked what colour of the cards. This part is where the mystery comes in that I like it very much. The performer shows the rest of the cards have big and bold crosses! Of course, you may adapt this to other ideas too which is limited by your own imagination. And, when the two cards are turned over, they also have big crosses on the backs! Very, very nice and ends with a big impact! As I said earlier, the cards with the big and bold crosses really stunt me!

In a nutshell, these two routines are very powerful and nice constructions. They are not very difficult to do and also minimal set-up of the cards. Peter is so kind and offer an attractive deal for these two downloads at the moment. I think you will enjoy these routines and I can attest that they would play well to any lay audience.

Highly recommended!

Available at: http://www.peterduffie.com/

ALSH

The Mystery Sigil

2011-10-31T23:47:00.000-07:00

This is one of my all-time favourite routines that I use regularly in my current close-up performance. This routine is inspired by the Biddle Trick with a bizarre twist!

This is not the ordinary Biddle Trick that you have read or performed for years. You need a gaff card in performance.

The strength of this routine is the gaffed card serves as an effect and can be handed out for examination or as a souvenir.

If you have been performing the classic Biddle Trick and would like to try something new on this routine, perhaps you would like to try out this routine. As always, my ultimate goal in card magic is to deliver a huge surprise at the end of the routine. This is the routine that I have polished and refined for years. Carry this little miracle for your next show or act and start to astonish people.

Here's what a few of them say:

"I really like the effect. It is a very original take on the classic plot."
-- Raphaël Czaja

"I've just read it and I really enjoyed it. I think that it's a great idea to use an odd backed card in the effect. And another good thing is that you can give the sigil card to the spectator as a souvenir and your deck remains complete. I can't wait to try the trick on my friends."
-- Jozsef Kovacs

"What a really good effect. Good construction, too. I like this a lot. This would be a real killer for an audience."
-- Peter Duffie

"This is a really good, souped up version of the Biddle Trick! Really nice, Andrew!"
-- Cameron Francis

This e-book is not suitable for beginners. While all the moves are explained clearly but some previous card handling experience is preferable.

Available at: http://www.freewebs.com/cardicians

ALSH

The Conjuror Card

2011-09-28T21:00:00.000-07:00

This routine is inspired by Roy Walton's "The Overworked Card" and it's not very difficult to do.

This can be done in a walkaround situation or a group of people. I offer additional three versions that include the elements of Dai Vernon's "Triumph" as well as other interesting revelations on the spectators' selections.

All the routines described can be done with a regular or borrowed deck and best of all, you can hand out the deck for examination.

No advance set up or gimmicked cards involved and it can be done in an impromptu situation.

Here's what a few of them say:

"Very nice tricks! I like them a lot!"

-- Cameron Francis

"These are excellent handlings for this plot."

-- Peter Duffie

"I really like the conjuror card and the non half-pass version is very clever!"
-- Raphaël Czaja

"I agree with Cameron, very magical, and the magic part happens while a spectator is holding the deck."
-- Michael Cookman

"I took the opportunity to perform both The Conjuror Card and the one-selection Conjuror Triumph to some people and reactions were very good. One of the things I enjoyed was that I could cleanly "show" and push the face up cards into the face down cards and then of course, ending with the magic in the spectator's hands really seals the deal. And I found that it made it that much more personal when the spectator was able to have a selected card added to this effect as per Conjuror Triumph."
-- Wayne Kong

"I finally took time to work through “The Conjuror Card.” It’s a very nice effect. I like the idea of the card moving from top to bottom and causing the other cards to reverse. Very cool! Keep up the great work."
-- Mike Powers

This e-book is not suitable for beginners. While all the moves are explained clearly but some previous card handling experience is preferable.

Available at: http://www.freewebs.com/cardicians

ALSH

TransWave

2011-09-03T20:23:00.001-07:00

I came up this effect while I was toying around with a few versions of "B'Wave" and in my version, this is a pure sleight-of-hand approach and there's no equivoque or prediction.

I put more emphasis on pure card transposition between two packets and a series of magical occurences. In other words, this means that my handling is not related to "B'Wave" at all.

If you enjoy visual card transposition between two packets and nail the spectator at the end for a big kicker, this is the kind of effect that plays very well to lay audience. The kicker implies that the performer reveals the cards have different and various backs in spite of the two packets exchange places in the process! Also included two bonus handlings that are very strong to end this wonderful routine. Best of all, all the cards can be given out for examination.

Here's what a few of them say:

"I think Transwave (excellent title) is a great routine -- one of your best. A lot of magic happens before the final kicker ending that will fry minds."

-- Peter Duffie

"I love the trick! Lots of really strong magic."

-- Cameron Francis

"I like the trick - it is clever to use a discrepancy to add another effect so then everything is clean at the end. This is a beautiful and effective packet effect. Keep'em coming!"

-- Raphaël Czaja

"I have to say that the routine is very well constructed. Andrew turns an unexaminable card trick into an examinable one by using the clean up as an effect! Overall, it's a great transposition routine."

-- John Holt

"Very good trick! The final surprise is a great idea!"
-- Didier Dupré

Last but not least, I also received a not-so-good review from Tom Frame at: http://www.geniimagazine.com

This e-book is not suitable for beginners. While all the moves are explained clearly but some previous card handling experience is preferable.

Available at: http://www.freewebs.com/cardicians

ALSH

Business as Usual - My Review

2011-09-01T09:40:00.000-07:00

It's good to read some magic stuffs that use business cards and can be given out as souvenirs.

This is what I read another pdf from John Gelasi's "Business as Usual" that I think it's great, which has 7 visual and commercial routines with business cards. I really like the front cover of the pdf, which is nicely done and has 37 pages. The size of this pdf is 2.14MB.

In addition, the pdf has more than 30 colourful photos to support the explanation and some of the effects have a video link that I find very useful especially if you would like to watch the performance before you start your journey on reading each of the effects. The overall layout of the pdf is nicely done.

So, let's start off by reviewing some of my favourite items.

Slider

This is a great little quicky item that basically, you show a misprinted business card and just a few seconds, you magically cause it turns out to be a proper business card that can be given out for examination. This is a good moment to hand out your business card and also serves as an ideal opener for walkaround situation. The handling is surprisingly easy to do! I really like this!

Cap and Trade

Cap is a visual piece of magic that you can do, which you remove a red marker and you visually change it into a black cap. Honestly speaking, I have no much comment on this one but judging the fact that I have seen the clip as performed by the author, the change is visual but I would rather perform "Trade". It's just a matter of my preference. I simply like "Trade" as there is quite a number of magical things happen along the way. You perform a transposition effect that involves a torn business card that bears both the magician's and spectator's signatures. At the end, you fuse or restore the signed pieces and can be handed out as souvenirs. This is a great routine that I see myself using for my next event.

Sketchy

This is another of my favourite item! The handling is very simple and I can attest that this routine may play well to layman. I really like the overall idea where the performer draws picture that resembles a quarter and then some gesture, the real quarter that you drawn on the business card falls in your hand and you immediately show the the drawn quarter has vanished from the business card! However, I think it would be nice if the business card can be signed by the spectator so that you will come to this "Out to Lunch" principle that look-alike kind of scene. Nice thinking and I think I'll add this item to my repertoire! The author also offers another variation of "Sketchy" that use without force and gimmick. But I prefer the first one.

Portrait Surprise

This is an interesting item that you can do with your own portrait. Again, I think the nature of this routine would play well to any lay audience. I really like the overall idea and the revelation of the selected card in the deck. I think the most interesting idea is where you show a business card that has a prediction of you holding the spectator's selected card. A magical gesture, you show the photo of yours holding the selected card is no longer there! Finally, you end the routine with a nice and simple finish. Nice flow and construction!

This concludes my review of the above items. I believe you will find some items that may be of interest and most of the routines above would play well to any layman. Most importantly, the routines above are highly practical and the items can be handed out as souvenirs, which create lasting impression to your spectators. I also find that the effects above also serve as good collection of interesting ideas.

Highly recommended!

Available at: http://gelasimagic.weebly.com/

ALSH

Reorder - My Review

2011-08-31T06:53:00.000-07:00

This is the second Cameron's pdf that I went through recently and my instinct tells me that this might be another great and strong item.

Basically, this routine is inspired by the "Wild Card" plot and I anticipate that the author must be working something powerful. So, without wasting time by doing other things in the morning, I went through the pdf just after my breakfast because am so excited about the routine.

The pdf contains 6 pages, pdf size is less than 1MB with colourful photos and has a link to watch the author in performance. Before I watched the clip, I decided to give this a good read because I believe by doing so, this is to somehow induce my mind to visualise how the routine looks like in a performance.

So, what's my final verdict? I think you will be thrilled by the author's performance as well as the nature of the routine. I have one word to describe this routine, it's just pure "Awesome!" I really like the construction and flows of the routine. The message is so simple to comprehend and straightforward. You show a few Jokers, one Ace, and each of the Jokers magically transforms into Aces! At the end, you show the Aces have different backs and the Jokers have different with bold letters appear on the backs too! This is quite a shocking revelation! In addition, this routine also ends with a nice display and doesn't take very long to perform.

In a nutshell, this routine is really, really nice and I believe it plays well to any layman. In addition, it's surprisingly easy to do and with just a few cards and sleights, you can start to impress people in no time.

Highly recommended!

Available at: http://www.cameron-francis.com/

ALSH

Fit for Kings, Too! - My Review

2011-08-30T06:01:00.000-07:00

John Gelasi is a very young magician and recently, I received a reviewed-copy of his "Fit for Kings, too!" pdf. Basically, this is the second volume of "Fit for Kings" which you can check my previous review in this blog as well.

The pdf contains 18 pages, 6 effects, the size of the pdf is less than 1MB and each of the effects has a video link that you can watch the author in performance at Youtube. There are more than 10 colourful photos to support the explanation.

Most of the routines are not very difficult to do and work with regular deck. Just like his previous volume, the main theme is using the four Kings in all the six effects. I think the author has done a wonderful job in the explanation on each of the routines. So far, I found four items to my liking.

I'll start off by reviewing the four of my favourite items.

Almost Perfect

This reminds me of Martin Nash's "Title Bout" but the author's approach in this routine is different. This routine focuses on the visual approach in terms of producing the Aces in a rather surprise manner with a transposion throws in for good measure. I like the flow of this routine and basically, it's not very difficult to do. Nice!

Funny Assembly

This is a nice transposition routine between two packets of cards without dupes. This is an excellent piece as I usually like a simple transposition between two packets of cards. This item works with four vs. two as this creates a good contrast during the transposition, which I think it's excellent. I really like this!

Walton-ing Around

I think most of you familiar with Roy Walton's "Oil & Queens" and the author has done a wonderful in applying this concept (very clever!) to determine a spectator's card. The initial handling basically remains the same and somehow at the end, the selection appears in the centre of the deck! It's not very difficult to do and I think it's very effective to layman.

Kangaroo Kings

Another of my favourite items that can be done with more than one spectator. Basically, this routine requires you to engage your spectators and they will do all the work in finding the Kings. The first two Kings are found by the two spectators. However, the author uses a different method for the third phase and I think the last phase is interesting. At least, the spectators think that you ruin the routine but in fact, it's an indicator card and at the end, the performer successfully locates the fourth King to end the routine! It's a nice routine that you can do especially if you have a group of friends, etc.

Overall, I really enjoyed the pdf and as I mentioned earlier, the author is still very young and I really impress of his work. The good thing about this pdf (as I mentioned earlier) is that each of the effects has a link to Youtube and you can watch the author in performance! You may just view the clips and have a clear picture on how the routine looks like in real time. The price of the pdf is $7.50. I think you'll find some items that you'll use in your performance.

In short, very simple but effective card magic!

Available at: http://gelasimagic.weebly.com/

ALSH

Chop the Monte - My Review

2011-08-29T19:07:00.001-07:00

Cameron Francis offers his latest pdf "Chop the Monte" with a big knife on the front cover! Well, I think this justifies something in this pdf and as the title says it all, you know what to expect from the author as well as the first routine. The second bonus item is "Self Explanatory", yet another excellent item!

Anyway, I should say that I really enjoyed the two card routines. The pdf contains 9 pages and the file size is less than 1MB.

The overall layout or presentation (as usual Cameron's work) of the pdf seems excellent and the author understands when to include helpful colourful photographs to show the work.

Let me start off by reviewing the first item.

Chop the Monte

This routine requires some set-up but that doesn't bother me because in the effect itself, it sounds excellent and how it plays to lay audience. I give this a try and I should say the flow and construction are really nice! Honestly, each of the phases are much magical than another and at the end, four Aces suddenly emerge out from nowhere and this happens between the performer and spectator's hands! Give this a try and you'll love the reaction from layman. If that doesn't enough, the author also includes a link where you can have the chance to watch the author in performance.

Self Explanatory

This is a very nice and surprisingly easy routine with a built-in great presentation. I read the author's previous works before and one thing I can conclude is that he has the knack of incorporating wonderful and crazy ideas into blank cards! Yes, this routine requires a few double blank cards and the preparation is so easy to do. But I can attest that this is another powerful routine that you can do that will cause layman turns crazy! You'll definitely love performing this because it's so easy to do and believe me or not, it's just one card sleight that does all the work! The revelation of the Aces is just pure mind-boggling! I really enjoyed and this item has gone straight into my repertoire! Again, there's a link to view this routine at Youtube.

Well, that's the end of my review. As I said above, this is an excellent pdf with the two routines alone, I think you'll definitely have a wonderful time with them as they are highly practical and entertaining. To date, I have no idea how much the author would sell this but I'm sure, it's definitely worth to get a copy.

Highly recommended!

Available at: http://www.cameron-francis.com/

ALSH

Card Tricks for the Fractured Mind - My Review

2011-08-26T19:22:00.000-07:00

I'm very excited to read Peter Duffie's latest card magic eBook "Card Tricks for the Fractured Mind" (love the title!). This eBook contains excellent collection of entertaining card effects.

It's a 47-page pdf and the file size is less than 1MB. I always enjoyed the author's presentation of his work particularly in terms of each of the effects that is hyperlinked at the table of contents for ease of navigation and there are plenty of colourful photos throughout the eBook. There are 12 card effects and all using a regular deck.

Most of the routines that the author explains are based on his previous refinements that can be found in many sources with excellent credits. You also will find some very clever construction and ideas as well.

Without further ado, let's start off by reviewing some of my favourite or delicious card effects.

K.F.C.

A very nice and novel way of revealing a spectator's selection in the deck by using a ribbon! The handling is very simple and efficient. I really like the revelation where the performer pulls the ribbon and the spectator's selection is attached to the ribbon. This item has gone straight into my repertoire! Everything can be examined!

Misdirection Monte

I really like the neat construction of this routine as well as each of the phases. The key surprise moment is that the performer somehow causes the winning card to transpose with the spectator's selection! In addition, lots of magical happenings in the phases. I really enjoyed this as the handling is very simple and direct!

From Beyond the Veil

Another excellent routine which is a hands-off approach in finding out two spectators' selections whilst they are doing all the work! This is another great addition to my repertoire. I really like from the beginning until to the end of the routine, everything seems fair and the cards are shuffled by the two spectators. This is one of my favourites!

Dance Steps

This is another great routine inspired by the classic Hofzinser plot. This is my favourite two-phase routine where each of the phases seems entertaining. I really enjoyed the last phase where you show they are mis-match and at the end, with a snap of fingers, the Kings and Queens become match with each other. Again, nice flow and construction!

Numberville

This is essetially an almost hands-off version of Card at any Number plot. I consider this routine worth the price of the entire eBook! Everything seems very fair and it's a nice addition to my current repertoire.

Populace Revisited

This is a surprise and sudden revelation of three selections in between the face-up Aces! The handling is very easy and again, one of my favourites!

Post Production

I consider this another invaluable gem that I really enjoyed performing this recently! Basically the plot is inspired by "Chicago Opener" and I really like the idea of using the post-it note to create a wonderful miracle on locating two spectators' selections. I think the author has put the post-it note for good use in this kind of effect! The first phase relies on presentation and the last phase seems more magical. I really like this!

Safe Cracker

This is another visual eye-candy item where the performer shows a four-spot card and you magically separate or crack it open into four Aces! Very nice and I really enjoy playing around with this one!

I didn't realise that I have found 8 items that I personally consider as my favourites! In other words, more than 50% of the material that I will actually use! The card effects in this collection are excellent and highly practical. Most of the routines are not very difficult to do. The price of the eBook is $14.95! I think it's well worth to get a copy and start exploring some nice and entertaining card effects in this collection. By the way, don't miss out the "Summer Madness" that the author is offering at the moment!

Highly recommended!

Available at: http://www.peterduffie.com/

ALSH

Some Things with Cards - My Review

2011-08-26T03:38:00.000-07:00

I just read John Holt's "Some Things With Cards" and I would like to say, I enjoyed some of the items in this eBook.

This eBook contains 17 pages (less than 1MB) and with some colourful photos to support the explanation. In addition, the entire presentation or layout of the eBook is neatly done. Most of the routines can be done with a regular deck but only two effects you'll need to make some minor preparation but none of them are difficult to set up.

The credit sources seem excellent and I think the author has done a wonderful in listing the respective sources. Since this eBook contains 7 effects, I will review each of the items based on my liking.

Let's start off by reviewing the first item.

Fourbearers
This is inspired by Roy Walton's "The Collectors" plot. The author also shares an additional handling which is a much bolder approach. I have no much comment on this routine because I prefer a direct approach such as the cards are lost and instantly trap the selections. This version seems a little unique as you cut the three cards and later show the cards are not the selections. Next, you show the Kings trap each of the selections between them in the deck. I think perhaps other reader may fancy this little unique routine.

Fight
A wonderful two-phase routine. This routine has a nice built-in presentation where the performer reveals a spectator's card twice; first as a mind reader and then as a magician! I really like the construction as the author uses an old and familiar method for good use! After the revelation of the selection, the performer is able to perform an impressive stunt by throwing the pack up into the air and produce the spectator's selection, which is a nice finale. This routine uses a normal deck of playing cards and no dupes!

Slippy Sandwich
This is a nice little eye-candy item that incoprates a card transposition between two spectators' selections without the standard loading move. A nice flow between the phases with an excellent control by Troy Hooser. I personally change my handling slightly in terms of the featured control.

Psychic Mystery Card.... Of Death
The title really scares me! At first I thought it has any linkage with the Tarot Card but I was wrong. Anyway, this effect basically inspired by Frank Everhardt's "Chicago Opener" and I really like the approach as well as the construction. The presentation of this routine is nice and the author is very kind to share additional ideas to make this routine interesting.

The World's Greatest Card Vanish
This is the most simplest routine in this eBook! A very simple yet effective routine with additional interesting ideas that you can use. I think this effect plays well with lay audience and it's very easy. This routine depends entirely on your presentation that uses a very simple sleight and best of all, the card can be given out as a souvenir.

One Hand Palm Handling
The author's approach in executing a fair looking one hand top palm. It's not very difficult to do especially if you already know how to do a one-hand top palm. The nice idea on what the author explains is that because of the action in terms of executing the palm that looks strained and cramped. The solution to this is very simple and I think it's well worth to give it a try.

P.D.S. Transposition
This is a great little gem that uses Gregory Wilson's "Pitch and Ditch" and to be honest, this is my first time to come across this move. I'm not sure how it looks like in appearance but basically, I think John did a wonderful job in explaining the whole move. However, being as a card guy, I believe this routine requires some practice and I can attest that the coin (or any small object) changes to another coin in mid-air is simply great. The great news is that no duplicates required.

Overall, I think the eBook has some interesting card effects, ideas as well as food for thought. If you consider yourself as intermediate card worker, you shouldn't have much problem in learning the material. I also believe that you will actually perform some of the routines as most of them are practical. I think you'll certainly enjoy John's approach in his magic.

Available at: http://johnholtmagic.wordpress.com/ebooks/

ALSH

Shoot Ogawa Lecture

2011-08-20T21:38:00.000-07:00

The Shoot Ogawa lecture was held on 30-07-2011 (Saturday) at 11am. Unfortunately a heavy downpour had caused some delay (lots of vacant seats) and the lecture started around 11.30am. There was quite a number of audience turned up and everyone was so enjoyed throughout the lecture.

Both the magicians and the audience were quite engaging with each other in the performance as well as during the Q&A session. Shoot started off by performing a few card and coin effects. Most of the effects he performed were very visual in nature. He also talked about the importance of timing in magic.

It's interesting to get to know about the history and facts about the limited quantity of "The Ninja Rings". For those of you who might be interested to get the Ninja Rings, worry not as Shoot and Charlie informed that they may manufacture another batch of Ninja Rings this year.

As you know being a cardguy, I handle playing cards everyday and I think it's great for me to indulge myself with this mystical linking rings. Judging the fact that Wizard's Inn produced such high quality rings, I definitely will purchase another 3 sets in the future. It's excellent!

I also managed to learn some important insight from Shoot and Charlie. Charlie was very kind to share his insight on the Chinese Linking Ring.

He described on how he developed, proposed the how-and-why that a magician should do or avoid for these rings in terms of the techniques, linking and unlinking moves as well as the timing and psychology.

It's interesting to get to know him in terms of his young days on this craft and his upcoming competition. Honestly, these guys were quite funny throughout the lecture.

The lecture ended around 1.30pm. I managed to buy a few items such as the Ninja Rings and three DVDs directly from Shoot. In a nutshell, I really enjoyed very much throughout the lecture. Thanks to The Magic Annexe for conducting a nice lecture.

ALSH

Tri-Wave - My Review

2011-08-10T21:32:00.000-07:00

I just read Andrew Galanter's first work on his new "Tri-Wave" pdf. This is a three-phased effect inspired by Phil Goldstein's "B'Wave" and the good news is without the use of gimmicked cards! I should say I'm impress in terms of the approach and great routining. This pdf contains 12 pages and with ample of colourful photographs to support the explanation.

The great strength of this routine is that, as mentioned earlier, this can be done without any gimmicked cards and with a great three-phased built in routine. Each phases seems stronger than another. And, there is no magician's choice or equivoque involved in this version.

The first phase is where a packet of Queens is placed on the table and the spectator is asked to freely name any of her favourite Queen. After she has done so, the performer picks up the packet and shows the freely named Queen is the only face up in the face-down packet! This first phase alone is quite strong as the performer managed to nail the freely named Queen!

For second phase, the freely named Queen seems to vanish in the hands of the performer leaving only three Queens on the table and the named Queen is removed from the performer's pocket. I really like the vanishing premise as well as the revelation of displaying the three cards which is very convincing.

For the final phase, the performer challenges the spectator to name another Queen of the opposite colour. No problem, the performer removes the prediction cards from his pocket and he shows three Queens are similar colour except the named Queen! This is a great finale and I really like this!

In conclusion, I really like all the phases and I think the author has done a wonderful job in his methodolody and approach in tackling this wonderful plot. As mentioned earlier, this is a great piece of work based on the "B'Wave" premise. If you enjoy this kind of plot, no doubt you would like to give this a look and I think it's worth to invest a copy which is $3. I'm really impress the author in spite of his young age, he has come up something that is worth for magician to explore. I look forward to reading his work in the future.

ALSH

Miracle Hands on Deck V E-Book

2011-07-28T21:40:00.000-07:00

Finally, after months of selling Miracle Hands on Deck series, this concludes my final volume 5.

If you have been purchasing my previous four volumes of “Miracle Hands on Deck”, I would like to thank you for the support given.

So, what's the content in this final volume? You will find effects such as lie detector, Triumph, and a series of vanishing and solving a mystery card sandwich effect.

Most of the effects included in this volume are catered for intermediate card magician. I am absolutely certain that you will enjoy the material in this final volume.

Table of Contents:

Lie-Kingtector

This version is different from other lie detector plot which does not involve calculation or card principles but rather based on pure card-sleight approach and very visual in appearance!

Guardian’s Triumph

Imagine card sandwich meets triumph! A convincing display is used to spice up the overall routine and it's very easy to do!

A Deliberate Approach

A series of vanishing and solving a mystery card effect which is enjoyable to perform.

Here's what a few of them say:

"I LOVE Guardian's Triumph! The best Sandwich Triumph effect, I've seen. Great stuff Andrew, it's gone straight into my repertoire!"

-- Kyle Macneill

"As always, well constructed routines, direct to the point. The Lie Detector trick is great, not difficult and with a lot of effects through it. It's basically a variation on the Hofzinser problem but the Lie detector plot justifies the handling. The third trick, his take on an Aldo Colombini trick is awesome, great impact with minimum sleights and a few subtleties. The 5th ebook may be my favorite from this collection. I'm glad it ends on a high note!"

-- Raphaël Czaja

"All of the Miracle Hands on Deck books are terrific. Andrew really knows how to construct interesting effects with devious methods."

-- Cameron Francis

"I have enjoyed this series of ebooks -- the latest -- Miracle Hands on Deck V, maintains the standard set by the previous four volumes. This is an excellent set of ebooks containing well-constructed routines and I recommend all five volumes."
-- Peter Duffie

This e-book is not suitable for beginners. While all the moves are explained clearly but some previous card handling experience is preferable.

Available at: http://www.freewebs.com/cardicians

ALSH

Miracle Hands on Deck IV E-Book

2011-07-10T23:12:00.000-07:00

My fourth volume of Miracle Hands on Deck is now available!

If you have been purchasing my previous three volumes of “Miracle Hands on Deck”, I would like to thank you for once again for purchasing “Miracle Hands on Deck IV” featuring yet another 3 practical card effects. In this volume, you will find effects such as card fusion, an instant and visual card sandwich, and an entertaining card routine that combines with a series of transposition and transformation that you will enjoy performing!

There is one effect that requires you to use special card which is mostly available at most magic shop. The effects are catered for intermediate card worker.

Table of Contents:

Card Fuzion

This is a two-phase routine; the first phase involves a visual approach and in the second phase, the card fusion takes place in the spectator's own hands! Both cards can be signed and given out as souvenirs!

Teleportation

This is a visual eye-candy item. A spectator's signed selection transposes between two packet of cards and ends with an unbelievable climax!

The Essence of Spades

My personal all-time favourite effect! This effect involves transposition and transformation effects that ends with a big finish!

Here's what a few of them say:

"Three great routines; the final one is a full-blown killer."

-- Peter Duffie

"Card Fusion is my favorite in this ebook. Very clever structure and using of a particular force. I appreciate that it is direct to the point. Thus, one of the best versions I've seen so far. Teleportation has a great moment in which you remove one selection and it becomes two cards. Need a bit of practice but very visual and can be used for other tricks I guess. The Essence of Spades has a kind of impossible transposition and multiple endings that may be worth the work and is sure to have a great impact. Nice work again!"

-- Raphaël Czaja

"Nice work on volume 4! Good tricks! I think my favorite is Teleportation!"

-- Cameron Francis

This e-book is not suitable for beginners. While all the moves are explained clearly but some previous card handling experience is preferable.

Available at: http://www.freewebs.com/cardicians

ALSH

Fit for Kings - My Review

2011-06-07T20:55:00.000-07:00

John Gelasi's (a very young magician) Fit for Kings contains some excellent card magic. This eBook contains 15 pages and features impromptu commercial card magic. Based on what the author claims, the materials have been tested in real world and most of the items are not very difficult to do.

My personal favourites are "Jazz Club", "Daley + 2" and "Big Mistake". In "Jazz Club", this effect essetially deals with the four kings and red spot cards. One by one, the Kings switch places with the red cards in the card case, all leading up to a kicker ending! This is a very neat effect which I will include this into my working repertoire.

"Daley + 2" is another excellent piece of work that based on Dr. Daley's classic plot with an extra kicker! I really like this version as the author combines this effect with two freely selected cards and revealed in a surprising manner.

"Big Mistake" is my personal favourite little eye-candy item. Basically, this effect involves a small packet of cards with lots of surprises, where the performer finally ends up producing the four Kings from a packet that used to contain jokers! This is a great opener where if you like short and effective effect that breaks the ice in any situation, this is a great item!

In a nutshell, this is an excellent eBook where most of the materials are easy to do and very commercial. In addition, the price of this eBook is just $4 (available at lybrary.com) and I think it's worth to support a copy. Did I mention that the author is just 15 years old? I think he has a creative mind in coming up more card magic stuffs and I look forward to reading his material in the future.

ALSH

Miracle Hands on Deck III E-Book

2011-06-02T15:55:00.000-07:00

My new card magic eBook "Miracle Hands on Deck III" is now available at my online shop.

This collection contains 3 of my favourite card effects. The two items included in this eBook are based on my previous card materials that have been polished and for the first time, you'll find them in this collection. As before, these routines are not difficult to do if you considered yourself as an advanced card performer. But, there's a requirement that you must familiar with culling, Elmsley Count, Tilt, and others.

You will find effects such as a bizzare card sandwich, an interesting variation of Twisting the Aces theme with a signed selection and an ambitious card routine.

Table of Contents:

A Reunion Sandwich

This is my revisited version based on my previous Come Together (2009) and Jacks Union (2010).

Colourful Jackrobats

My take on David Britland's "Jackrobats" and combines with a spectator's signed selection that ends with a total surprise!

Quadruple Ambitious

Based on my previous handling of "Overly Jackbitious" with an emphasis on surprise climax!

Here's what a few of them say:

"It looks like another three winners in this new volume of your series. All three routines are strong."

-- Peter Duffie

This e-book is not suitable for beginners. While all the moves are explained clearly but some previous card handling experience is preferable.

Available at: http://www.freewebs.com/cardicians

ALSH

Miracle Hands on Deck II E-Book

2011-05-03T16:07:00.000-07:00

My new card magic eBook "Miracle Hands on Deck II" is now available at my online shop.

This collection contains 3 of my favourite card effects. The material focuses a full deck, half deck and a packet trick.

As before, these routines are not difficult to do if you considered yourself as an advanced card performer.

You will find effects such as a visual colour changing packet trick, visual card sandwich and a three-phase routine that joins forces with Karl Fulves' "Universal Card", card sandwich and a killer revelation of the Jokers!

Table of Contents:

Half-Pack Sandwich

Based on Alex Elmsley's "Half-Pack Vanish" with the emphasis on visual card magic.

Thanks to Goldstein

A lovely four-phase colour changing packet trick that will delight your audience. You can perform this packet trick at anytime and anywhere. Instant reset!

The Master of Disguise

A visual three-phase routine that will bring your audience an amazing roller-coaster ride and ends with an unbelievable journey!

Here's what a few of them say:

"I love your use of the Elmsley half deck vanish. I have never seen anyone use this in their work (including me!). Well done! You have created a powerful effect with it. I also like Thanks to Goldstein. I have always liked the Golsdstein premise and you have taken it in a new direction. I knew I would like Master of Disguise as soon as I saw it was a Universal Card plot (one of my favourite plots). Great finish with the Royal Flush!"

-- Peter Duffie

"I really like your item Thanks to Goldstein. Very cool!"

-- Mike Powers

"Just read through Andrew's two new PDFs. All in all some very nice effects here. Three effects in each booklet. Very good, commercial card material!"

-- Cameron Francis

"My favorite trick is Thanks to Goldstein, I love packet tricks and this one is superb! The Master of Disguise is a full routine with a lot of effects in it. Really interesting. Miracle Hands on Deck 2 is another great ebook from Andrew."

-- Raphaël Czaja

This e-book is not suitable for beginners. While all the moves are explained clearly but some previous card handling experience is preferable.

Available at: http://www.freewebs.com/cardicians

ALSH

Anilecram - My Review

2011-04-11T04:15:00.000-07:00

I'm very excited to indulge myself in going through Michael Kettle's "Anilecram" effect. The reason is simply because firstly, the effect is automatic and secondly, the spectator seems to have a freedom in the process of determining which cards to represent suits and values. So, to wrap up, this is a wonderful routine and I really enjoyed its self-working mechanism. Very clever!

You would like to take note that in terms of the methodology, it's very clever but you need to master one crucial sleight that is the "Perfect Straddle Faro" and there's some set up required in this routine.

But I'm sure that fellow readers may familiar with the system. However, if you don't, Michael explains this in the manuscript too. The first section starts off with a very brief introduction on the "Set up" system, "The Straddle Faro" and finally, the handling and methodology, everything is explained in detail.

In terms of the layout and illustrations of the eBook, he also provides the source of inspiration and I really like the overall presentation. In spite of the nature of the effect is not completely impromptu, however, the choice of determining which cards to represent suits and values are free. There is no magician's choice or equivoe used in this routine which is great.

Overall, I think it's worth to get a copy and try out this effect to yourself. It's really cool and you may like its self-working mechanism!

ALSH

Miracle Hands on Deck E-Book

2011-04-01T00:19:00.000-07:00

My new card magic eBook "Miracle Hands on Deck" is now available at my online shop.

This collection contains 3 of my favourite card effects that specially catered for stand-up performance.

These routines are not difficult to do if you considered yourself as an advanced card performer. You will find effects such as card sandwich, cards separation and in the hands visual two-packet transposition.

All the effects can be done completely impromptu. Just bring a deck of cards with you and ready to perform at a moment's notice.

Table of Contents:

Pocket Filter

Based on Alex Elmsley's "Colour Filter" but without the use of handkerchief! Convince your spectator that the cards filter through magical tunnels!

Optical Zones

A visual two-packet transposition that happens in the hands of the performer.

A Sandwich Choice

The Kings instantly vanish, reappear and trap the spectator's selection in the deck which held by the spectator!

Here's what a few of them say:

"Just tried them with cards in hands! Pure Andrew Loh magic! The simplicity of each effect along with direct methods make this ebook worth a purchase."

-- Raphaël Czaja

"The ebook is first rate. All three routines: Pocket Filter / Optical Zones & A Sandwich Choice are really well constructed and very effective. My favourite is Pocket Filter -- a great performance piece."

-- Peter Duffie

"Just wanted to say, Andrew's new Ebook: Miracle Hands on Decks is awesome! Contains 3 great, commercial effects, that aren't too hard to do. Crediting is great, and the illustrations are a work of art! Well done Andrew!"

-- Kyle MacNeill

"These 3 effects, after my test on the road, work very well in real world I have very glad to use them in my performance."

-- Tommaso Guglielmi

This e-book is not suitable for beginners. While all the moves are explained clearly but some previous card handling experience is preferable.

Available at: http://www.freewebs.com/cardicians

ALSH

Double Scam - My Review

2011-03-31T06:34:00.000-07:00

"Double Scam" is a lovely card effect by Michael Daniels based on Tommaso Guglielmi's "Subtle Scam" idea. I really admired his work in this collection. To those of you ACAAN fans out there, "Double Scam" may be your delicious treat because in this version, this can be done with a borrowed deck, completely impromptu, no force, and best of all, no complicated calculations. That's right, no counting numbers again in your mind. That's the beauty of this version and once you understand how it works, it will work automatically.

Let's start off by listing some of the basic information. It's a 13-page eBook, file size is about 1.12 MB and the overall layout of the eBook is excellent. Mike starts off by explaining the presentation of the effect which is good because it gives a brief idea how the effect plays out to the audience.

It's my preference to read any effect before indulging myself straight into the secret or explanation section. Mike did an excellent job for that. In addition, many colourful photos are shown in the explanation section so, you don't need to worry about following the routine.

I also like the way Mike gives some good introduction at the "Method" section to the reader how his version evolved based on Tommy's "Subtle Scam" in great detail and to be honest, if you are a vivid fan of ACAAN, I urge you to read Tommy's "Subtle Scam" and this guy has a wide range of excellent ACAAN effects in other eBooks as well. However, I don't have the intention to make a comparison between Michael and Tommy's work on the ACAAN because I believe each versions has its own strengths and merits.

Let's discuss in terms of the methodology. First thing first, if you expect this is a "Hands-Off" approach, I'm afraid I have to tell you this is not. But, to be honest, I don't mind at all simply because this can be done completely impromptu and ends with a big ending. In this version, it's a two-phase routine where the mentalist and spectator each selects a card and number. I know what you're thinking. Maybe you think that there's a "fishing" technique involved. But surprisingly not! Keep in mind that, you won't find any "fishing" technique and best of all, you just need to remember some very simple arithmetic calculations which you will understand easily in minutes!

However, there is some slight weakness in the methodology but you don't have to worry, because Mike explained how to overcome this in "Dealing with a Card Shortage" section. There is some additional work needed from the performer to handle this particular phase.

Some of the essential card sleights such as Mike's "Passover Cut" that is very deceptive, Jay Ose's "False Cut" and "False Three-Heap Cut" (after Walter B. Gibson) are explained clearly as well. Mike also includes useful notes that you may want to refer in the explanation section.

As I mentioned earlier, if you are a fan of Tommy's work, it's worth your time and money to check out "Double Scam" which I can see myself using. I look forward to performing this for the next event!

Highly recommended!

ALSH

Lucky Charms - New Packet Trick

2011-03-20T17:45:00.000-07:00

This is one of my most favourite packet tricks. Basically, this effect does not require intensive sleight of hand and is highly entertaining.

In performance, the performer removes and displays the "stars" cards and places them into the four-leaf-clover cards. Magically, the star card disappears in the four-leaf-clover cards! For the end climax, the performer picks up the blended cards and deals the JUMBO four-leaf-clover cards on the table!

Don't miss this wonderful packet trick as it plays well with any audience and they will love the final climax that they don't see it coming.

Add this packet trick into your working repertoire today!

Comes complete with the necessary Bicycle cards, a transparent card wallet and instruction booklet.

Here's what a few of them say:

There is much to like here. The presentation with the stars and four-leaf clovers is great fun and great magic. I also like that it is well-constructed and requires minimal sleight of hand (a couple of easy counts). A nice routine to carry and perform for all types of audience.
-- Peter Duffie

Available at: http://www.freewebs.com/cardicians

ALSH

Magicians Do Red Nose Day

2011-03-19T00:11:00.000-07:00

This month, I contributed one of my items from my upcoming "Fiver with a Deck of Cards" to the Red Nose Day (http://www.rednoseday.com/) to Jamie Daws, whose in charge for compiling the materials and producing the pdf to raise fund for the charity event.

I would like to thank Jamie Daws for taking the effort in compiling the materials from other top names in magic such as Ben Harris, Liam Montier, Peter Duffie, Darren McQuade and others. In addition, Jamie's design and layout of the pdf deserved to be praised. The materials are great and it's just £5 to donate. However, this pdf is only available temporary from 17th Match until 1st April 2011.

There are a total of nine effects in this pdf and I find the materials are interesting. I hope fellow readers may purchase the pdf to raise the funds to help those in needs and at the same time, you will get a taste to some of the excellent materials.

Available at: http://jamiedaws.com/rndpdf and http://www.peterduffie.com/

ALSH

Dark Thief & Entanglement - My Review

2011-02-12T21:24:00.000-08:00

This is my second attempt in going through Tommy's latest offering - Dark Thief & Entanglement. Once again, I would like to say I'm impressed on most of his ACAAN work and admired his thinking in all his creations. Although at first I had some difficulty in going through some of the materials, but eventually I got through them.

To be honest, my background as a serious cardician, I am so used to sleights or moves to create card effects all over the years or in that kind of category. When comes to ACAAN, I really seldom read those stuff even if I do, most of the stuffs involve gaffs which eliminate principles or other tools.

I always attracted to non-gaff stuff because the nature of my performing style. But I don't mind if there is a slight set up which I believe it can be done in a matter of seconds. However, in Tommy's offering, the stuffs can be done without any gaff which really surprise me. But of course, there is some other trade offs too. This is where I think (even now) Tommy has invested his huge amount of time in experimenting the routine as well as the methods. I am not going to list all the items but rather I'll start off reviewing with three of my favourite items.

The first one is "The Dark Thief" and this is one of my favourites. According to the author, this version is an improvement based on his previous released that published in Silent Running by Ben Harris. I can't comment that previous version because I haven't read or tried it. I really like this effect and the reason is simple, you can perform this with a normal deck of cards. I really like this two-phase routine where two spectators are involved. I have been using this and I really like the reaction from my friends. It's just that good, really.

My next favourite list is going to be "Entanglement" that I thought awesome! Again, the deck is non-gaff and in the process, everything seems fair and involves two spectators. I am not going to reveal much on this one. In short, I really have a great time in performing this one.

The next list is "Enigma" and once again, a hands-off, two-phase version and best of all, it's so easy to perform. I really like the patter given by Tommy. I haven't tried this effect with my friends so I cannot guarantee how it plays with layman. But by judging the nature of this effect, in the first phase, it looks like you are able to reveal the spectator's selection based on the tone of her voice. However, this phase is quite tedious because it involves some writing. But it pays off later for the next phase. The final phase it's my favourite because it combines with ACAAN that works automatically (remember I explained in the first phase was quite tedious in terms of writing?). I am not going to explain in much detail but I think I will definitely try performing this when I have the chance.

Overall, I really like the materials in this collection. I think if you invest your time in reading and trying Tommy's stuffs, not only you enjoy his creative materials but you will appreciate some of the ideas or methods that can be used to create another effect or routine. I think it's possible because once you know the secret or work, you may come up with your own handling. I think if you like ACAAN stuff, you will enjoy the material in this collection.

I'm addicted to Tommy's materials, I really can't wait to read his new material in the future.

Highly recommended!

Available at: http://sites.google.com/site/m2mmagictrick

ALSH

The Charred Cards - New E-Book

2011-02-12T05:18:00.000-08:00

I just released my latest eBook "The Charred Cards" and this effect has been in my mainstay for many years simply because the nature of the effects that involves fire and ashes.

This effect is based on combinations of plots and the interesting part of this trick is that you can perform for a normal setting or as bizarre magic.

Anything that has a relation to ashes you can optimise your presentation whatever you think fits its premise. I have been using this in my entire career as a cardician.

Basically, the plot is you burn the back of a court card and will use it to locate two freely selections in the deck. The first phase is you cause the burnt card to turn invisible and locate the spectator's card. For the second phase, you apply the ash mark onto the spectator's palm and you transfer the ash-mark to locate the final card.

Here's what a few of them say:

"This is excellent."
-- Peter Duffie

"I had the pleasure to read about the The Charred Cards. What I can say, that it is an excellent effect that I will use over and over again."
-- Tommaso Guglielmi

"This is indeed a very good effect. It takes Sankey's Carbon Paper to a new level. Really, really good and well constructed routine."
-- Cameron Francis

"Everything is well explained and although there are some sleights in it (which are not explained), it's a great "simple" effect. The "convincer" method makes the trick complete. That's what I like in this method; the convincer. It's not the effect that's new or stunning, but it's the way it's brought and achieved. Is this trick worth it? Yes, because it will allow you to create a "miracle" with a little effort."
-- Kevin van Hoof

Available at: www.freewebs.com/cardicians

ALSH

Manual Impact - My Review

2010-11-04T19:55:00.000-07:00

Let me start off by saying, "This is an awesome card magic eBook!" I really like some of the card magic routine. I received a review copy from Chris and honestly speaking, by reading this book, you will appreciate Chris's thinking and construction some of the effects which I thought very clever.

The entire eBook is well laid out but the only criticism I would like to make is, it would be great if Chris could make the background in plain colour such as white, etc because that would make the reader feels comfortable to read through the screen. Chris covers everything in vivid details with colourful photographs. For the effects as reviewed by the top reviewers, the first section starts off with detailing some of the key sleights that used in the eBook. I also appreciate some thoughts from Chris which the way he handles some of the moves that covered in this section. Obviously, by reading this section, this entire eBook is telling you the story that, this eBook is definitely not suitable to beginners. The skills range from intermediate to advanced. I found some of the sleights and moves are not easy such as CP Fling Change but I really liked the idea.

I am attracted to the effects such as Animate 2.0 which I find the climax is very surprising. Other effects such as "Are Blue Reddy?", "Tranpost", "Unprint" and others really caught my attention in terms of the ideas. I am sure by reading Chris's effects, you may adapt your own handlings in order to achieve those plots.

I am not sure whether this is Chris's ever first release of his material but I am sure that he has a brilliant mind in creating wonderful card magic and I look forward to reading his material (if any) in the future. Highly recommended!

ALSH

Majestic Triumph - New E-Book

2010-10-03T18:50:00.000-07:00

This effect has been in my repertoire for about 8 years and I regard this effect as one of my pet routines.

I have been performing this in every part of my act as an opener. Basically, this effect is inspired by Dai Vernon's "Triumph" and Hofzinser's "Ace Problem" as well as combined with other magical elements such as changes, transposition and the like.

In addition, there is no set up or gimmick cards involved in this effect.

Here's what a few of them say:

"I think this is one of your strongest routines to date! A lot happens, with many magical effects, all well constructed to flow nicely. Very nice, indeed."
-- Peter Duffie

"Very nice effect. I like it."
-- Harvey Rosenthal

"I do like your thinking behind "Majestic Triumph" and think that the combination of effects (Triumph & Hofzinser Ace problem) works well together. Your handling and construction are reasonably tight and I suspect this does play well for layman. I also like that with just slight (or sleight) change or two, it can be done "in the hands" without a table and so would be great for walk-around "strolling" magic. Andrew is obviously a clever guy and this effect is a nice example of clever thinking! Keep up the great work!"
-- Michael Szilagyi

"If you want to pack a multitude of magical moments into a single routine, you might want to consider looking into 'Majestic Triumph'. It is a two-selection effect which merges two beautiful plots in the craft that is loved by many: Hofzinser's Ace Problem and Vernon's Triumph. Andrew did a pretty neat job in explaining the methodology. If you are fond of routines that is packed with magical moments, I recommend Andrew Loh's Majestic Triumph."
-- Bezalel Hermoso

Available at: www.freewebs.com/cardicians

ALSH

Cardrology - New E-Book

2010-10-03T07:06:00.000-07:00

This collection contains four card effects that are my favourites which all can be done impromptu.

I have been performing these effects in my entire career as a cardician. Each of the items has been my personal favourites and most of the effects are perform for stand-up or walkaround situation.

There is only one effect that requires you to use different odd-backed cards from other deck. In addition, there is no pre set-up of the deck, gimmick or special cards and the like.

Table of Contents:

- Cullectors -
This is one of my cleanest versions of "The Collectors" plot. Four Jacks are placed aside and three freely selections are lost in the deck. The Jacks are placed on top of the deck and they collect three selections instantly.

- HaLo Keepers -
An instant two-card sandwich routine that uses Harry Lorayne's "HaLo Cut" that is easy to do.

- Speedy Collectors -
I consider this effect as the fastest or instant version of Roy Walton’s “The Collectors” which essentially inspired by Edward Marlo with the use of three mates to collect 2 selections. The spectator would be surprised to see the odd-backed court cards instantly come together to collect their signed selections.

- Overly Jackbitious -
This effect is inspired by the “Ambitious Card” routine. All over the years, I have seen many excellent versions available. Finally, I came up with my own handling to suit my preference in this effect. You must be proficient in the culling technique in order to perform this effect smoothly.

Here's what a few of them say:

"An excellent booklet. Cullectors (good title!) is a great combination of methods. The Faro and the block-pushoff (thank you for the credit!) work well together to create a very cleam method. Halo Keepers is one of my favourites here - I like the stepped display of the Jacks in seemingly different positions. Speedy Collectors is a really nice use of the Cull to create a Collectors effect. Overly Jackbitious has a great finish to the Ambitious Card theme."
-- Peter Duffie

"Cardrology has some really nice sandwich/collectors stuff in it. It is a little more advanced, though. Not beginners stuff. But some very clean looking magic."
-- Cameron Francis

Available at: www.freewebs.com/cardicians

ALSH

The Confusing Jokers - New E-Book

2010-10-01T10:25:00.000-07:00

This is my second sequel of my previous “Hallucination” packet card trick.

This is one of my current favourite packet card effects that I came up few months ago while I was playing around with the Jokers. During the process, I realised that the Jokers could be used to create another new packet card trick that relates to Dai Vernon’s “Twisting the Aces” but with a different theme.

You must be proficient in the Elmsley and Jordan Counts as these two sleights are heavily used in this effect. If you are familiar with the "Asher Twist", that would be an added advantage because it fits nicely in this effect as well.

In addition, there would be an additional idea from Peter Duffie and myself which I include two alternative handlings.

This e-book is not suitable for beginners. While all the moves are explained clearly but some previous card handling experience is preferable.

Here's what a few of them say:

"The Confusing Jokers is a lovely packet effect."
-- Peter Duffie

"I thought it was very original to play with the asymetry of the Jokers and that they turn upside down instead of the usual face up/face down. It's a fun routine with an unexpected ending. Congrats!"
-- Raphaël Czaja

Available at: www.freewebs.com/cardicians

ALSH

American Dream - My Review

2010-09-29T18:52:00.000-07:00

Kyle Macneill has done it again! I find Kyle's work is inspiring and in this collection, I found there are quite a number of items very interesting and enjoyable read.

Perhaps I should put this way, this e-Book is filled with neat ideas. In addition, the e-Book is nicely done and his crediting work is commendable. Kyle has a fascination especially in the art of revelation. What do I mean by that? In his previous e-Books, Kyle is fancy in using the common object around to reveal spectator's card or thought of card in a very creative manner. It's something that you will do in a normal impromptu situation. However, having said that, some of the objects I couldn't find in my country but I am sure perhaps could use other objects as well to relate the effect.

American Dream has quite a number of interesting card tricks which I find them quite excellent and some are even well thought out! I found there are a few effects very interesting and in terms of its construction such as "Poker Players ACAAN", "Biddle ACAAN", "A Famous Star" and "Reverse hypnosis" which I look forward to showing them to my friends. I am very surprised that Kyle has the ability to integrate some of the popular plots and creates a wonderful card effects as I mentioned above.

In a nutshell, I would like to say Kyle has come up a wonderful collection of material in this e-Book. I find that American Dream is by far the best collection judging the fact that the quality and practicality of the materials. Highly recommended!

ALSH

The Manifold Effect Revisited - New E-Book

2010-09-27T06:41:00.000-07:00

My new card magic e-book "The Manifold Effect Revisited" is now available at my Cardician Den online store.

This is my favourite effect which inspired by Scott Robinson's "The Manifold Effect" which first published in Doc Docherty's Nothing to Hide (2010).

Basically, in my version, my handling alleviates the need for double-backer card, Zig 2 Way Glue and necktieing the deck.

However, you still need different-coloured back cards due to the nature of the effect. In addition, there is a "bonus handling" section from me and Cameron Francis. I have performed this effect to a number of my friends, and they really liked it. I should say this plot plays very well to layperson.

Here's what a few of them say:

What you are doing is excellent. I really like your new handling. -- Peter Duffie

I like your handling much better than Scott Robinson's. It is so much cleaner. -- Harvey Rosenthal

Very cool Effect! -- Cameron Francis

Available at: www.freewebs.com/cardicians

ALSH

Collins Extreme & Gangsta's Paradise - My Review

2010-08-30T11:29:00.000-07:00

I just watched the two clips by Peter and I really would like to say "really great and excellent" materials here.

I really liked both of the effects. Very strong and I am sure you guys will enjoy these two effects! The best part is, both effects are not very difficult to do. Of course, you will need some practice. For Collins Extreme, I thought the effect finishes with the Kings and Aces just like that with the awesome combinations of Triumph, poker game theme, etc. When the Kings are turned over, I immediately caught a fever!

I really liked this time being fooled by Peter! I also liked each of the phases, very visual changes take place.

For the gangsta paradise, again, (I suggest that you watch the clip) again Peter nailed me with this one.

I thought the Jacks in the box are going to be something else, again I was wrong, the transposition effect here with the signed card (no force!) really amazed me. I really look forward to fooling my friends with this one. Awesome stuff Peter. I think Peter has done a wonderful job in providing the explanation in great details.

You don't need to worry whether you are not familiar with this or that. He covers most of the moves in great details. I highly recommend these two effects! I think it's a very good offer and you really can't get better than this! Get these two effects while you can at www.peterduffie.com.

Zany - My Review

2010-07-26T18:11:00.000-07:00

Kyle has done again with a wonderful collection in this new e-book. And I should say I'm impressed of his creative thinking and approach in magic.

I really enjoyed the material in this collection because it has more card magic. I will go straight some of the interesting items in this e-book. For the first effect, I really like Property King with a bonus idea from Dave Forrest. Again, I really like the EXCELlent Deceit. Previously, I enjoyed his effect which utilised the Excel and this time, I like this most because you can detect when the spectator is lying or telling the truth. Excellent! The third one Hoffie Beans. I really like the idea here simply because its kicker at the end of the routine. I think Kyle has asked me quite a number of times whether I enjoyed in this collection or his previous publication Syncopation.

I would say in this collection again because first, as I did mention his approach in magic improves a lot and secondly, I really like his thinking and ideas behind all the tricks. To me, ideas mean a lot to me. I think you will find some interesting stuff in this e-book.

Sandwizard - My Review

2010-06-09T19:30:00.000-07:00

I received a card magic e-book from Kyle MacNeill recently and today I spent my time in going through his stuffs. I find that the front cover of the e-book is interesting and it is no surprise that the entire e-book talks about card sandwich tricks. It contains 5 sandwich effects.

The author starts off by explaining about his interest in card magic and the card sandwich history at the introduction section. At the table of contents, I find them very useful as upon cliking the links, this will bring you to the particular page and I also like the simplicity of the layout in the entire e-book.

So, what about the quality of the materials? I should say the materials are quite decent and if you expect high quality card sandwich effects, perhaps this is not a preferred e-book. But, one thing I should say or impress about this chap is; Kyle is just 13 years old and I can see his enthusiam shines through the entire e-book. The reason I say that because I personally also had gone through that stage. I think Kyle has the potential of coming up good quality card magic in the future. However, there is one interesting idea which I found in this book; that is BLT - Borrowing Looting Stealing. I find that there are too many handlings to tackle this plot and it would be better to streamline the handling.

Even though Kyle offers this e-book for $4 at http://www.lybrary.com, I think it's worth checking out at least sometimes, when you read someone's materials, you may challenge yourself and perhaps even think out a better solution to tackle a particular plot.

Dr Leon's Magic World - My Review

2010-05-02T05:10:00.000-07:00

I just bought a Mandarin-version magic book written by Hiro Sakai which is a Japanese magician.

For those of you who have been in the art of magic for quite some time, I think you may familiar with Hiro Sakai as he has been creating many magic effects in the past which you could find them in Harry Lorayne's "Apocalypse", Steve Beam's magazines and others.

This book is actually catered for beginner or intermediate magician and I bought this book is because Hiro Sakai is my idol. Best of all, this book also comes with a 100-Minute DVD which I thought would certainly add value in your learning. I have studied quite a number of his brilliant items in Steve Beam's magazines which I thought truly awesome. In this book, I found quite a number of interesting items as well. I will list out my favourite items in this book but allow me to walk you through the essential information in this book.

This book has 111 pages and with a foreword by Lu Chen. I am certainly certain that many of you will quite familiar with this Taiwanese magician.

I am not going to relate more in depths about him perhaps in my next review would be on his awesome DVD. The content of this book is divided into 5 sections. These sections are categorised as Card, Money, Handkerchief, Basic object and Parlour Magic.

You may ask, perhaps this book is catered for beginner, are the materials interesting? I believe you will find something of interest and as you know, Hiro Sakai is now a big name in the world of magic. According to this book, his next move is to conquer China with his magic. Without further ado, I will review some of my favourite items in this book.

Card Magic

The Mystery of the A & K

This is a wonderful routine and immediately this goes to my repertoire. This is a hands-off approach where the magician does not touch the deck and the spectator would be able to find the four Aces and Kings by merely cutting and dealing out the cards making four piles on the table. The cutting sequence which I thought very cunning and effective!

Money Magic

Miracle Illusion

I think this item is "worth" the price of this book. Basically, the magician causes two paper notes to penetrate each other visually. When I watched this, I am thinking of Andrew Mayne's "Ghost Bills". In Sakai-san 's version, you need to have a gimmick bill in order to perform this which you can make or prepare in less than 1 minute.

I listed the two items above are my personal favourites. I am sure perhaps you will find even more favourite items in this book. You will find other excellent items such as producing a bottle of champagne out from an empty paper bag, producing a mobile phone from your shoe, causing a signed-coin to appear in a sealed teabag which everything can be examined, and many other nice impromptu magic.

The only comment that I would like to make is, I am actually hoping that each of the effects or routines would be properly cited or credited in terms of providing the sources or the originator. However, Sakai-san did mention (at the "Introduction" section) there were two effects which independently created; the first one "Miracle Illusion" belongs to him and the other "Magazine Trick" which belongs to his friend.

Other items (classical tricks) I could not find the credit sources which I thought something lack of. In my opinion, I think this book could do better in terms of providing all the respective information to the readers whether the particular effect they learn is based on a classical magic and the originator must be made known. This allows the readers know (even they are beginners) and truly understand the world of magic even more in depths.

Overall, I really like this book very much as some of the items are interesting perhaps Sakai-san did enhance some of the effects but he did not make known in the book. If you are a beginner in magic, I urge you to get this book and at the same time, you may watch and learn how Sakai-san performs in a real-life situation.

Highly recommended!

A Cut Above the Rest - My Review

2010-04-03T16:55:00.000-07:00

Aldo Colombini's "A Cut Above the Rest" is a 22-page book which contains 25 impromptu card routines. Yesterday I went through the whole book in the evening and I would like to say some of the materials are good.

If you are looking for a truly wonderful card magic, perhaps you may disappoint as the materials here are simple and some rely on card principles. You may find card principles such as "Stay Stack Principle", "Jim Steinmeyer Principle" and others which perhaps useful to study them and to expand your horizon in card magic. Others I found quite interesting like the application of Kosky Switch by Robin Robertson, another method of doing John Bannon's "Discrepancy City Prediction" by Aldo Colombini's "Discre-Panza" and many others. Of course, you will find some spelling tricks; card tricks that involve "Down Under Deal", "Reverse Faro" and others.

There are two routines that I really like especially that deal with prediction by Reinhard Muller and Werner Miller. The pioneer guy in this field is Werner Miller as I recalled some of his materials that I read in the past. I urge you to check out his materials which I read quite a number of excellent materials in Peter Duffie's popular books previously such as Card Conspiracy - Volume 1 & Volume 2. This guy is really pioneering in mathematical principles that apply to card magic.

In a nutshell, there were quite a few couple of items that I found them interesting as shown below:

1. Strathjack (Roy Walton)
2. Only a Game (Peter Duffie)
3. Bubble Sort (Werner Miller)
4. Guatemala (Aldo Colombini)
5. De-Illusion (Aldo Colombini)
6. Primal Scheme (Ryan Matney)
7. Eight Bites is Enough (Jack Avis)
8. Slow Approach (Aldo Colombini)
9. A Bunch of Blarney (Aldo Colombini)

However, the others I just found them like decent materials. In fact, this whole manuscript caters for simple and easy to do card tricks. Afterall, the manuscript just costs only $10 so if you are looking top quality card materials, you may try to look other books. I found quite a number of items that I will use in my repertoire such as Peter Duffie's "Only a Game", Aldo Colombini's "De-Illusion" and Jack Avis's "Eight Bites is Enough" which I really like them.

Andrew Loh

Card Fusion Concept

2010-04-02T02:18:00.000-07:00

I came up a card magic idea recently. Well, it's not really a new idea but an idea which is a combination of plots. I think most of you will familiar the card fusion concept. I am glad I tried out this routine with my friends and I have to say they received a huge great reaction. Perhaps you may try to test out your friends, family members and see how's the reaction when my new ebook is released.

Perhaps the nature of this concept plays very well to any layperson which I can attest to that. However, in my version, it's totally different and everything can be examined right after the performance. Of course, the cards can be signed. I should not say this is my new idea or improvement but I would rather say it's something that I really enjoy performing. The most important criteria is that, it makes sense and logic. In addition, the handling is not too demanding.

I really have no idea when is my available or free time to put my this idea into script but I really hope perhaps after May 2010 (which after my final examination) I would be able to write this up.

Thanks for your support always.

Andrew Loh

Some Videos Posted

2010-03-16T00:13:00.000-07:00

Some of my short card magic videos were posted at my facebook. However, only my friends are able to view the video clips. I also did upload my two routines in short video clips performed by Mike Powers. I hope you enjoy those short video clips.

It has been a long spell I never take my own card magic videos as again, due to time constraints in my personal homework at my university. I hope after my this semester, I would capture some of the beautiful routines in my act for your viewing pleasure.

Andrew Loh

New Year 2010 - Challenges

2010-02-17T16:28:00.000-08:00

My MBA class will start on the 5th day of Chinese Lunar New Year. Well, actually, in this Chinese New Year, I find that it is not as merry as the last few years. Perhaps I should say since I stayed outside (Subang Jaya), I distance myself far away from my parents.

Normally, my hometown neighbourhood before the Chinese New Year celebration comes, they will quickly hang up the lanterns around their house or some sort like having a competition among themselves but the thing is, there was no reward to be given even you were the fastest. So, what do you think or what motivates those uncle or aunties hang up those lanterns before the 1 month of Chinese New Year?

I used to enjoy celebrating Chinese New Year but as time goes by or perhaps I am getting to become an adult, this is where adults actually don't find themselves really enjoy Chinese New Year. Maybe yes maybe not? You have to clean the house, tidying up the places, preparing food, and have to prepare some red packets which you have to fork out your money. Well, to the certain extend I am still not at this stage yet. This only applies to those who have married.

To be honest, this new year 2010 will be a very busy year to me, but I still hope that I would be able to catch up the workload and also able to write up some of my magic materials.

Andrew Loh

Jacks Union - New E-Book

2010-01-24T23:41:00.000-08:00

Just would like to let you know that my latest "Jacks Union" effect is available at my site. This is quite a rather demanding effect which requires you to use a very visual sleight to cause the disappearance of the Jacks to trap the spectator's selection.

The idea is very simple, you place the two Jacks on the table. A card is freely selected and signed before it's lost in the middle of the deck. One of the Jacks is placed on top and the other on the bottom of the deck.

You wave your hand over the deck and the Jacks instantly vanish. In the middle of the deck, you will find the Jacks trap a face-down card which proves to be spectator's selection.

I have been using this effect in my repertoire for about 3 years and I really enjoy performing it. Please note that you can perform this effect with any borrowed deck, no special or gimmick cards.

Andrew Loh

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 2010

2009-12-23T16:26:00.001-08:00

Time really flies and we've reached the end of the year. I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2010!

I believe everyone has their new resolution in 2010. I hope in the year of 2010, I would be able to bring more quality card magic products for those who support me over the years. For that, I really would like to say thank you and appreciate so much for supporting me otherwise, I lack the momentum of publishing my materials.

I have a few projects still in the process and hopefully next year would be a fruitful success.

Andrew Loh

David Gemmell's "Pasteboards Paradise"

2009-10-29T23:17:00.000-07:00

Today I managed to secure a new copy of "Pasteboards Paradise" e-book from one of the greatest mind in card magic, his name is David Gemmell. Well, you may think what's so special about this new e-book with this title "Pasteboards Paradise?"

I really like the front cover of showing the waterfall which is serene in view. As I have been reading most of his works and I am so used to his front cover e-book. What I mean is that David will usually put an image which in-sync with his main theme of his e-books. Only when you read further of his works, then you will get to know more about his approach in magic and why did he put the waterfall image as the front cover of his e-book? It's a riddle. Of course, there's a reason for that and I will let you to find out yourself.

When I opened the e-book, I was intrigued by the number of effects contained in this document. There are more than 25 effects in this e-book. Don't you think is a great deal? I haven't started my reading yet but I believe David's works are truly remarkable. You will realise that his thinking and approach in card magic are truly unique. At times, you will surprise how David tackles some complicated card effects and tranforms them into simple versions or even spice up the whole effects.

I will post up my next mystery e-book review on next week so keep coming to my blog for more interesting tidbits.

Andrew Loh

51 for Two - My Review

2009-09-21T03:59:00.000-07:00

This is my first review on David Gemmell's "51 for Two" ebook. To be honest, I really have no idea about his work as this is my first time to come across his work. But, I would like to say I'm impress of his work. This effect is a solution for the classic Open Prediction (Paul Curry) / 51 Faces North (Steward James) effect.

This is a 6-page ebook, the document is well-laid out as well as credits and sources are provided very detail I would say. For those of you who think that this routine is achieved by using palming or awkward sleights, well, I have a good news for you as this is not a knuckle-busting effect. However, it does involve some clever use of forces to achieve this effect.

I was really surprised of the simplicity of this effect which two spectators do all the work. Another strength for this effect is that, it works 100% on an incomplete deck. You can even perform this effect using a borrowed deck. Best of all, you never even touch the cards throughout the process. Or did I mention that you don't even need to pre-set the deck? Without doubt, this is a very strong effect and only will work when an effective presentation is incoprated in this routine.

Well, his work doesn't end here which I believe he has other excellent card magic ebooks on sales and I have read many rave reviews about his work particularly his "Lecture Book 2009" and others. I really look forward to reading his other ebooks.

All in all, I would say this is an excellent version of the above mentioned plot. If you are like me, sometime I like my hands to rest for a while during my act, I would recommend you this effect as I said, all the work is done by the spectators. So, just concentrate your presentation and let the miracle happens in their hands.

Highly recommended!

Andrew Loh

Turbulence - My Review

2009-09-18T18:12:00.000-07:00

Let me start off by reviewing this excellent "Turbulence" routine by Peter Duffie and Cameron Francis. 2 brilliant minds are actually working here as they had come up a truly marvellous piece of card magic. Don't believe me? Just visit Peter's site at www.peterduffie.com and view the performance clip.

One particular thing that I like about this routine is each of the phases involved. For instance, the first phase where the Kings trap the 3 selections and just in a few seconds, the selections seem to have vanished. I really like the disappearance of the 3 selections here.

The next phase is using the "coincidence of luck spelling" in locating those 3 selections. I am really impress this phase I mean from a layman's perspective, it seems very magical the performer produces the 3 selections by just merely spelling out the value of the cards. Again, this phase really caught my attention. Then for the ending phase, transposition takes place between the Kings packet and 3 selections which is very magical. All in all, this is an excellent routine.

Since the format is a video clip, it's very easy to learn and you can see how's the effect looked like during in the performance section.

However, this is not an impromptu routine which you are required to use special cards which I believe most of you will have at home. As you know, being as an ardent lover of impromptu card magic, I really don't hesitate to perform this effect in my act because I think this is a truly wonderful routine which plays very well to laymen. I just cannot wait to try out this effect to my circle of friends.

Highly recommended!

Andrew Loh

New Columns for my Upcoming Homepage...

2009-09-10T18:32:00.000-07:00

Just recently, I redesigned my whole personal site and I realised I should at least try to add value by including some useful information such as history of cards moves, credits, and the like. However, I do know that having a personal site is not an easy task which you have to maintain them from time to time.

I hope my this idea at least can help some magicians out there in terms of expanding their horizons of knowledge such as history of card moves, plots, presentation, ideas and many other interesting things.

I look forward to hearing some feedback regarding my this idea and hope it would be a fruitful effort.

Thanks!

Andrew Loh

Work, work, work...

2009-08-31T08:56:00.001-07:00

For the past few weeks I was extremely busy with my personal matters in school and at home. Anyway, I am still on with my card magic stuffs and the ebooks are still in the process of making.

For those of you who have been trying to access my website, I hope this week the site will be up as I am still doing some editing works at my site. I am really sorry for the inconvenience caused.

Andrew Loh

Personal Card Magic - Coming Soon!

2009-07-27T03:40:00.000-07:00

It has been a long time I never post my thoughts here as I am working on my new card magic ebook. This time I will include 5 routines which are directly from my working repertoire.

3 routines can be done in an impromptu situation and the remaining 2 will require you to set-up in advance or special card. None of them is difficult to do and as always, I promise you the routines end with a surprise ending.

Regarding my "Majestic Jesters" ebook, this ebook would be on hold as I need some time to research and I think it's worth the wait. I promise you this routine is totally devastating which I have performed many times in my act. In addition, it serves as my great closer in every act that I do.

Personal Card Magic ebook is still in the process of making and once it's done, I will update you guys.

As always, thanks for all the support.

Andrew Loh

Majestic Jesters - Coming Soon!

2009-05-28T19:55:00.000-07:00

My next ebook "Majestic Jesters" would be out soon. Basically, this effect is involved with the essential elements such as transposition, vanishes, colour changes, production, royal flush production and two big surprises as a killer climax which the spectators would never be realised until the end of the routine. Sounds complicated?

At the end, the Jester (in this case Jokers) have a different colour backs and can be given out as a sourvenir. I am not going to reveal much of this routine but when the time I feel is right, I will tip out some information.

I incorporated some other elements into my this routine to make it more interesting and to me, killer climax is utmost important because if you want to end a routine, it should end with a "big" climax that your spectator will remember your magic.

It is not difficult to do and the best part is, it's instantly reset and you may go through your next favourite stuffs.

I think I will release this ebook perhaps 2 months time and I still have some research to go through in this routine and when the time is right, I will release to the magic fraternity.

Andrew Loh

Divide & Conjure - New E-Book

2009-05-28T18:01:00.000-07:00

Just would like to let you guys know that my new ebook "Divide & Conjure" is now on sales. You can get this ebook exclusively at: www.elmwoodmagic.com

I have been reserving my this pet routine for many years ago. It is easy to perform and there is 100% no setup. You can perform this effect with a borrowed deck and strictly there is no crimp involved. You can perform this effect anytime and anywhere.

Some magicians think that when there is a cutting sequence involved, crimp may come into play. There is no need for crimp in this effect. In addition, the spectators' selections can be signed and there is no "forcing" technique used in this routine.

I offered a few methods for the revelations but I believe reader will be able to add their own personal favourite methods for the final revelation.

Here's what a few of them say:

This is an excellent trick! One of your best yet! -- Peter Duffie

The effect of "Divide & Conjure" is attractive. Congratulations. -- Didier Dupre

Thanks very much and congrats for your very nice effect, I like it! -- Hari Dominique

Andrew has another clever e-trick that is very, very good and easy to do. -- Cameron Francis

It's great as it's simple, impromptu, involves more than one person and packs a punch! -- Matthew Lingard

I like "Divide & Conjure" very much because it is easy and direct to the point; these are the effects that I favor. Keep up the good work! -- Aldo Colombini

Thanks folks for all the supports and most imnportantly, my objective is I sincerely hope you enjoy my card magic and have fun in performing.

Andrew Loh

Globalisation

2009-05-09T17:35:00.000-07:00

Recently was truly busy with my assignments and thesis. After completing those coursework, now I have to prepare for my upcoming final exams which are just around the corner. I hope my this final exams, I would be doing well. I would say "Contested Globalisation and Governance" module is the most difficult because you must have a vast knowledge in order to answer in that paper which according to my Professor.

Anyway, starting from today, I will do more revision and books by Joseph Stiglitz, Paul Krugman, Anita Roddick, Anthony Giddens, Naomi Klein and Thomas Friedman, I have to read all of them to give me a complete picture about globalisation. I find that this globalisation module is very interesting as it covers the whole spectrum what has been happening around the globe. For this module, you will be exposed to how the labour or people are actually suffering in their daily working life in terms of the products that you buy in the market, the clothes you are wearing, foods, and other stuffs especially in the third world countries. One thing for certain is that Sweatshops are still prevail in every corner of the world. Ones cannot deny its non-existence even we live in a highly civilised world. This module has opened up my mind that so much happenings around the world which I don't even aware of in the first place. In addition, with my Professor's wit and being as a very knowledeable lecturer, he gave numerous articles and examples in this module to further support our learning.

The main objective for this module is that, ones have to argue and give a thorough understanding of globalisation. Thomas Friedman's bestseller book "The World is Flat" and his statement is he believes that the world is flat. But based on the course and my understanding, I cannot fully agree with his statement. They are other authors like Pankaj Ghemawat, Nancy Birdsall and the like, they don't agree fully with the statement that the world is flat. In my opinion, I believe certain thing is yes but there are certain facts that the world is flat theme cannot be related at all. I will post my further thoughts more about globalisation after I read all the books as I mentioned above. Thomas Friedman's "The World is Flat" book is worth a read if you want to know more how globalisation affects our daily life drastically.

Andrew Loh

Michael E. Porter's Books

2009-05-07T17:44:00.000-07:00

I bought Professor Michael E. Porter's two books recently; "On Competition" and "Competitive Advantage of Nations."

I bought these two books were because based on my interests and I think ones have to admit that, Professor Porter's books are widely used in academic schools. Competitive Advantage of Nations triggered my interests after I read from the internet and the reviewers' comments.

Of course, the 5 Forces Model of Competition is widely recognised and it is stated in both of these books. My main interest is that, in "Competitive Advantage of Nations", this book will cover about a nation's competitiveness in competitions. I haven't read this book yet but these two books are as big as a tome.

I hope this time I invested these books will bring some benefits when I pursue my studies at a higher level. Personally, I find that a book that talks about strategy is very interesting. Not to mention other books like "Sun Tzu" Chinese military warfare book, Japanese military warfare "The Book of Five Rings" and etc are very interesting to read as by reading these books, somehow will make your mind think more in depth when you read case studies about companies in the market. For "Competitive Advantage of Nations", I think this book is related to a nation like for example, why Japanese are pioneering in robotics and advance electronic appliances; think about modern and advance car engine you will relate to country like Germany, and the like.

I hope after my exam, I will be able to read this book and this book has been receiving very well. You can read the reviews at the Amazon.com and other online leading bookstores.

Andrew Loh

A Busy and Hectic Week

2009-04-10T06:18:00.001-07:00

This week is a terrific week for me. On last Monday, my girlfriend and I, we both woke up at 4am and started our journey from Subang Jaya all the way travelled to Malacca. It was a very hectic day for us. On Wednesday, we did the same thing which we travelled to Malacca at 12pm which after our globalisation class. After distributing the questionnaires, we were heading home from Malacca to Subang Jaya on the same day.

You may asked why? As I know you are curious, actually we were very busy to distribute the questionnaires to among the lecturers in Malacca as well as the lecturers in Petaling Jaya. Well, I thought the effort was well worth it because we felt rejoice after collecting back the questionnaires which were filled by the lecturers to seek their views in the area of knowledge-sharing and money-motivator (my girlfriend's chosen title).

Well, to tell you the truth, it was not an easy task though because some of the questionnaires had errors. As we went through the whole process of distributing and collecting the questionnaires, some of the lecturers (approximately 5%) they didn't want to co-operate with us. Of course, we won't blame them due to their busy schedules and etc. But, the thing is, if they feel they have no time or limited time, why not they just tell us they can't do it so that we don't waste our questionnaires to them. Some of the lecturers in spite of telling them some of the areas they missed, they tried to be funny with us. I just don't understand why some lecturers were behaving that way. Aren't they feel ashamed by behaving that way? How they can regard themselves as "lecturers?" The purpose of being a lecturer is to educate and help students; but not trying to threaten us or to show their "egoistic" attitude.

I can attest that the Professors were very helpful to us as they pointed out some of the improvements that can be made in our questionnaires as well as valuable pointers. My supervisor, Dr. Chan Kok Eng was a very helpful lecturer as his kind pointers really helped me in my questionnaires. There was one female lecturer personally told me she would like to read my thesis after I complete my work. I really excited and can't wait to share my work with those lecturers that I respect highly even though they were not my lecturers. Well, let's forget this issue and allow me to share something else that are nice.

Overall, I would say this week I had invested too many books especially in the area of business. However, I did purchase a set of magic books by Karl Fulves in a box-set which has been in my wish-list for so long. Finally, I did manage to secure that box-set and I was so delighted to own this collection.

Last week I discoverd it was my first time to cook Macaroni with cheese as you can see the photo on your left. This was my first attempt though so nothing to brag about. ^_^ I really like the aroma of the cheese which blends perfectly with some of the herbs in the Macaroni. I hope to cook this dish after I complete all my assignments and thesis. After completing my assignments and thesis, I hope I would be able to write more card magic ebooks and spend my time in reading magic books. I have been stopped reading magic books for the past 8 months.

For your information, I came up a "Triumph" routine which involves two selections. This version is inspired by Jay Sankey's "Back in Time" which is one of my favourites. I have performed my version to my girlfriend and she was astounded. She couldn't believe what she had just seen the magic happened in her hands. If you want to know my version, check it out my ebook perhaps I will release my ebook or hardcopy book in August 2009. I strongly believe that you will like this version and will actually use in real-life performance.

Andrew Loh

Next Journey of Life...

2009-03-25T07:36:00.001-07:00

Recently, I saw many of my fellow classmates were distributing their questionnaires to their friends to fill up. One good thing I did notice about UK education is that, undergraduate and postgraduate students are required to write a thesis or dissertation to meet the standard as a business degree student.

Not only my fellow classmates were required to write a thesis, even I myself were required to submit my thesis on this coming May 2009. The scope of my thesis is involved about knowledge-sharing. I really hope this week I would be able to start distributing my questionnaires to my fellow friends, lecturers and other corporate workers to fill up as at the later stage, I have to gather all these information to make a thorough analysis by using a particular software.

I had interviewed a few colleges and universities for the past few weeks and I was surprised to find out that Australia and US Masters, they didn't offered the students to write thesis but instead, just merely assignments. Well, it is too early for me to say or make my own final judgement. Furthermore, the information that I got were just merely covered on a general surface. I did consult my lecturer whose is now taking a PhD and she told me even an Australian Masters programme will require their students to undertake thesis in their course. Perhaps different universities will provide different means of studying the courses or the systems? One thing for sure, after completing my business degree, I really hope I can further my study by taking up Masters degree as I think nowadays, degree is a rather common requirement that most of the graduates had in the industry.

I really hope that this coming April to June 2009 as there are proliferation of education systems that will be held at KLCC and other places, hope I can gain more information or enlightenment from the various universities.

Andrew Loh

What the Magicians Say About my E-books

2009-03-19T06:40:00.000-07:00

I love your magic!
-- Didier Dupre (France)

Very nice routine (Meltdown Cardbox)!
-- Todd Ziegler (USA)

I particularly liked your version (Meltdown Cardbox) of the Doug Edwards trick.
-- Iain Moran (UK)

Buy it (Meltdown Cardbox), you won't be disappointed. (Extracted from the Magic Cafe)
-- Raphaël Czaja (France)

I have bought and currently enjoying a few of your card e-books. Keep them coming!
-- Matthew Lingard (UK)

Very nice trick (Divide & Conjure). I like this one a lot. I will definitely work on this effect.
-- Cameron Francis (USA)

I performed your trick (Meltdown Cardbox) for a few friends last night and it went really well. Excellent one!
-- Peter Duffie (UK)

I like (Divide & Conjure) very much because it is easy and direct to the point; these are the effects that I favor. Keep up the good work!
-- Aldo Colombini (USA)

Nice work, man! Good trick! The structure is very clean. And the card popping through the case is very visual (Meltdown Cardbox). Excellent crediting of sources. You are extremely thorough! Judging by this, I'm sure you have other well structured and creative effects to offer. I look forward to seeing them.
-- Cameron Francis (USA)

Andrew Loh

My Ebook Sales at Other Shops

2009-03-08T18:29:00.000-07:00

Good day! My products can be purchased at the following site for your convenience:

Ebooks
http://www.lybrary.com/
http://www.elmwoodmagic.com/
http://www.hiddenbookshelf.com/

However, you still can purchase the ebooks directly from me. Thanks!

Andrew Loh

My Girlfriend's Birthday & Other Activities

2009-03-07T18:44:00.000-08:00

Last Friday was my girlfriend's birthday. I bought a blueberry cake and both of us enjoyed at home as we had a wonderful meal on Tuesday at the Kim Gary Restaurant. Actually, I really have no idea about this Kim Gary Restaurant and it was my girlfriend that brought me last time then I came to know this restaurant. Kim Gary Restaurant is a Hong Kong-based restaurant and the food is terrific. They offered both Western and Eastern food. They have a few branches in Malaysia and in other countries as well.

Both of us ordered the chicken with cheese rice, potatoes baked with cheesy hams, fried chicken with mushroom cheesy gravy and I would say it's very nice. After we had our meal, we went to Garden and Mid-Valley for shopping. We went to MPH bookshop to search some good business books and I managed to find Jeffrey Sachs' Common Wealth - Economics for a Crowded Planet; the author of The End of Poverty. I haven't read this book yet because my time is preoccupied with other things such as assignments, thesis and the like.

I am absolutely certain that Jeffrey Sachs' book is a wonderful book which it has been raised out several times in my class by my professor. I still have many books to go through yet as following are the lists of books that I bought earlier on.

Business books that I bought:
1. The Shock Doctrine (Naomi Klein)
2. Take it Personally (Anita Roddick)
3. The Roaring Nineties (Joseph E. Stiglitz)
4. Hot, Flat and Crowded (Thomas L. Friedman)
5. Making Globalization Work (Joseph E. Stiglitz)
6. Globalization and its discontents (Joseph E. Stiglitz)
7. 50 facts that should change the world (Jessica Williams)

As you can see, these books really will make me very busy which I have to read all of them in order to add value in my thesis or assignments. I really hope I can complete my this final semester so that I can back to my magic stuffs again.

On top of that, my girlfriend and I, we went to Toys 'R' Us and guess what, I bought a Rubik's Cube as I am curious nowadays many people are playing this cube. This cube consists of many colours and the idea is you mix all the colours by means of twisting the cube and you have to use your skills to put back those colours in the same orientation or order perfectly. I know this is kind of interesting and I disappointed is that, this Toys 'R' Us even though I know they offered many wonderful toys to children but when I asked them for the Rubik's Cube handbook, they told me it was out of stock but the thing is, I saw there were many Rubik's Cubes on sales (approximately 60+) the other day at Mid-Valley. Anyway, I downloaded the strategy guide from the internet and it was my big eye-opener experience. To solve the puzzle is not an easy task and you have to use strategy to solve the puzzle. Trust me, it's very interesting and best of all, it tests your brain in solving puzzle which I consider beneficial to our brain. Some sort like you train your brain to exercise.

In addition, I also bought a fairly easy card magic book which I explored in this book has many card principles that attracted me to buy this book. I also bought a Happy Birthday greeting card for my girlfriend which she didn't aware at the Borders bookshop. On Friday morning, I placed the card on top of her clothes and she was surprised to see the greeting card after her bath.

All in all, I really enjoyed the food with my girlfriend the other day and the cake as well. I am looking forward for the next event with my girlfriend in this coming few months.

Andrew Loh

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-15T05:46:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was my happy day as it was my first time to celebrate Valentine Day with my darling (Jessie). I was truly delighted that we had our wonderful dinner at home. We had champagne, corn cooked with butter, curry chicken, coleslaw, and decorated with two wonderful candles. A wonderful dinner I would say.

My girlfriend gave me a surprise in the morning while before we were going out; my girlfriend put a Happy Valentine Day card below my handphone and while I was going to pick up my handphone; I surprisingly saw that card and without pause, I immediately opened the envelope and read out loud with my girlfriend. Thanks so much darling for giving me such a nice card.

The day before we celebrating the Valentine Day, my college; they were a bunch of students selling roses and they entered our classroom to promote their sales. At first, I thought of buying the roses and to present to my girlfriend but at the end, I made up my mind to purchase later as I had a better plan to give a big surprise to my girlfriend.

Before the second class was going to start, she went to washroom and I took the opportunity to quickly run down to the canteen which I approached those students who were selling those roses and I bought three bouquet of roses. I ran up to my classroom and hid them under the table. My girlfriend returned in the classroom and she curiously asked whose roses were that? I pretended that I had no idea but after numerous the whos and whys; I told her I was the one that bought those roses for her and she was very happy to receive those roses.

Thanks darling for giving me a special moment into my life.

Andrew Loh

The Loh of Attraction - New E-Book

2009-01-10T01:14:00.000-08:00

My ebook "The Loh of Attraction" is available at http://www.lybrary.com/the-loh-of-attraction-p-5370.html?manufacturers_id=297

I have been reserving these three effects for years and have been in my repertoire for many years. All the effects are extracted directly from my act and I am happy to share my pet routine with the magic fraternity. I really hope you enjoy these card magic miracles and hope you have fun performing them whether to your family, relatives, friends or your loved-ones.

The "Shift the Signature" routine has been my all-time favourite item in this ebook as moving spectator's signature from one card to another seems very magical and best of all, you can hand out the signed card as a souvenir. Everything can be examined before and after the routine.

The other two routines "The Sandwich Keepers" and "Metamorphosis" are very visual in apperance. I have enjoyed performing these routines for years.

Here's what a few of them say:

I enjoyed your three-trick ebook. The signature trick is simple and excellent. -- Peter Duffie

I read over "The Loh of Attraction" and I think it's really good! Nice stuff, man. -- Cameron Francis

Thank you for your support and my next ebook "Divide and Conjure" will be out soon.

Andrew Loh

Vernon Meets Bro. Hamman

2008-12-31T07:51:00.000-08:00

A few years ago, I had an incomplete effect that utilised the idea from the late Professor, Dai Vernon. I am using his famous plot "Twisting the Aces" to work on with other effects but it seemed didn't work well and the dissatisfaction part was the handling. Due to that, I considered that was my incomplete project and today, I managed to combine this initial plot with Bro. John Hamman's famous effect which is a nice seamless effect.

I truly believe that the traditional "Twisting the Aces" effect has been a widely acceptance tool for every magicians in their impromptu card magic performances. Due to that, I refreshed some of the handling and adding some other plot to make this effect more interesting and powerful. Sometimes, we as a magician if we don't changed any current effect or to create something fresh that we usually do in our performance, there is a high probability that the spectators will feedback to you that they have seen this magic performed by other magicians. They will less impress by watching the same magic again and again. It all depends, you may vary the presentation too and sometimes a good presentation that you incorporate in an effect will create the impact as well.

Andrew Loh

An Ace-assembly Effect

2008-12-29T04:57:00.000-08:00

This morning, I managed to come up an ace-assembly effect using non-gimmick cards. I am proud to be able to come up this effect as all these years, I always strive to come up at least one ace-assembly effect which base on my own version and ideas. I have read many versions but the disappointment part is, I lose interests quickly especially using gimmick cards to achieve this plot or there's ditching of cards at the end of the act.

I also dislike to bluff the spectators (I know as we always do), meaning that when you say you are using twelve cards, you really mean twelve cards you will use and not fourteen cards. If you do so, at the end, it seems this act will restrict you to perform other effects and you have to "ditch" the cards. Some versions using sticky-tape to achieve this plot which I think too much of hassle to take up this plot. In this version which I came up, I have to do extensive research whether my version is original or published elsewhere. If it's my own originality, perhaps I will reserve and include in my hardcopy for next year.

I believe my handling is very clean and each of the ace is travelled one at a time to join the leader ace (spades). At the end, your spectators can examine everything. Absolutely no ditching of cards and what I say is what you will get in my this effect.

Andrew Loh

"Forest Fruit Cake" as our Christmas Celebration

2008-12-25T22:29:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a wonderful evening. At first, we thought of going "Sunway Pyramid" which is located at Subang Jaya but we knew that there would be a lot of people to celebrate Christmas. So, what we do?

My girlfriend and I, we decided to buy a Forest Fruit cake to celebrate Christmas at home. So, without thinking much, at the end we bought the cake. It's my first time to buy a cake and celebrate together. The cake was so delicious until both of us couldn't resist the temptation of quickly enjoying the cake. The cake was finely made and best of all, I really like the cake which is not so sweet. I dislike to eat cake that is sweet and with too many icing sugar on top and the like. The only thing I found is, this cake only had two "baby" strawberries on top of the cake with chocolate.

On top of that, I wish I will have the chance to enjoy trying another cake with my girlfriend. I hope in the near future or before Chinese New Year, I will buy a cake for my parents to try and I believe they will like it.

Andrew Loh

My New Ebooks - Coming Soon!

2008-12-23T00:37:00.001-08:00

Recently, I toyed around with a deck of playing cards and somehow I did come up a few card magic effects.

I just have no time to put up everything in scripts but I do hope after my final Business Financial and International Human Resource exams, I would be able to back on track and move things up. I just would like to update my readers that, soonly my new ebook will be on sales.

Again, my materials are mainly cards and I focus in delivering impromptu card magic. As a cardician for all over the years, one thing I notice is that, impromptu card magic is still the best. I am not condeming other card magic that uses gimmicks or special set-up, what I am trying to say is, it is better to perform any magic that can be performed anytime and anywhere. My principle in card magic always aim that vision to create a powerful magic without the use of heavy card sleights. In my "The Loh of Attraction" ebook, I include three of my favourite card effects. There are "A Quick Sandwich", "Metamorphosis" and "Shift the Signature" which are my all-time favourites.

Perhaps I will sell another effect of mine which I called "Collectors Card Case" which is inspired by Roy Walton. In this effect, this involves two selections. The idea is you place the three Kings inside the card case. Any two cards are freely selected and lost in the deck.

Instantly when the card case is opened, the performer tips out the contents and the Kings are seemed to interlace two face-down cards between them. When the face-down cards are removed, these cards proved to be spectators' selections. Spectators may sign their cards if you wish. There are no gimmicks involve in this effect and you can performed with a borrowed deck. There is no set-up, this effect is ideal for walkaround and table-hopping magic.

My next ebook the highlight effect is "Divide & Conjure" and this is my variation to "Spectator Cuts to the Aces" theme with a different climax at the end. I incorporated this effect with some transposition concept and the magic happens right in front of the spectator's face. The spectator cuts the deck and magically the four court cards will do wonders.

If your spectators have seen many versions of the usual "Spectator Cuts to the Aces" plot, in this effect, it will entirely different. On top of that, the "Divide & Conjure" meets the following criteria:

4100% no set-up or gimmicks
4Can be performed with any deck
4The spectators' selections can be signed
4Ideal for close-up or table-hopping magic
4Spectators can freely select any card in the deck
4Everything can be examined before and after the routine

Andrew Loh

Magical Tips

2008-12-22T06:31:00.000-08:00

I will share with you the following tips when you perform magic to the public or friends. The tips below are just merely a basic or essential rules to obey in magic. I hope you find it useful and any feedback is much appreciated.

4 Do not overdo it! -- It is not a wise idea to do too many tricks in one session. Four or five knockout tricks should be quite enough for one session. Leave them wanting more.

4 Never divulge your secrets! -- If an audience asks you "how do you do it?" Just answer: "Very well!" or "It's magic!"

4 Never repeat a trick! -- You can repeat the trick unless you can create the same effect by using a totally different method or handling. Forewarned is forearmed - if an audience knows what is about to happen, there is high percentage that they will discover how it happens or you do the trick.

4 People will be watching your hands! -- It's wise to make sure that your hands are clean and well manicured if you are going to do a performance especially in close-up magic.

4 Know what you are going to say before you say it! -- Your patter has to be practised as much as your technique. There is nothing worse than a waffling magician. You could write yourself a script or record it on tape to help you develop a smooth flow.

4 Practise! -- It is essential that you practise until you know the trick backwards - until you can perform it in your sleep. The more you practise, the slicker you will become. Practise in front of a mirror so you can see how it looks from the spectator's point of view.

4 Do not try to make your audience looks foolish! -- Some people get annoyed if they cannot work out a trick. Explain beforehand that your objective is to entertain them. If they knew how you did your tricks, it would be worth doing them in the first place, would it?

4 Tricks sometimes go wrong! -- It happens to the best of us. Sometimes you will be able to disguise your embarrassment because you very seldom tell an audience what you are going to do until you have done it! If it is not possible, the best policy is to laugh off and go on to your next trick. Try not to be thrown off your stride by the problems. Find out what went wrong and at your first opportunity, get in some more practice so that you do not make the same mistake again.

4 Smile! -- Do not take your newly found skill as a wonderworker too seriously. You will not be entertaining if you do. Nobody likes a smart Alec.

Andrew Loh

Egyptian Magic

2008-12-22T04:04:00.000-08:00

Egyptians were the masters magicians in the ancient world. It was said that "ten measures of magic" were given to the world. Egypt took nine, the rest took one. A few thousands years ago, the studies of religion, magic and science were intimately interwoven. The paintings on the wall and tombs, for instance, there were actually signify magical spells.

Sometimes, it also regarded as the "Book of the Dead", a source where it details spells, rituals, and incantations to ward off danger and evil in the soul's long journey into the afterlife. The first recorded magicians were in Egypt at the time of the Pharaohs. Magic was an enormous force in Egypt at the time of Exodus. It is known that in the past centuries, those people have the abilities to predict the future recognised as two different gifts. It is said that magicians were also skilled in phophecy at that time.

To Egyptians, words were magical and in order to preserve them, hieroglyphics were created. One of them is the "Eye of Horus", which is often used in magic. Horus was the son of the two chief deities, Osiris and Isis. Osiris's brother Seth killed Osiris out of jealousy. Horus avenged his father by attacking Seth, but during the battle, Seth gouged out Horu's eye. The eye was considered a symbol of the soul in ancient Egypt, so without it, Horus would be denied entry to the afterlife.

Thoth, the bird-headed god of reckoning, returned the eye to Horus in the form of amulet. To guarantee entry into the underworld, ancient Egypts used to place precious amulets featuring the eye on their dead. Haitian, Wiccan, Voodoo, Obeah and Indian mystical traditions inherit the symbolism of the eye as the "all-seeing eye" or the "third eye".

Andrew Loh

Buatier de Kolta

2008-12-22T03:50:00.000-08:00

Buatier de Kolta (real name Joseph Buatier) is perhaps the greatest inventor of stage tricks and illusions in the history of Magic. From his brain came, among others: The Vanishing Bird Cage, The Handkerchief Pull, The Multiplying Billiard Balls, Spring Flowers, and The Human Cage. He had a patent for Black Art and, according to some authors, introduced the use of silk handkerchiefs in Magic.

He was a Frenchman, having been born in Lyon the 18 of November, 1847. He gave his first magic performance as an amateur in 1868 and became a professional magician in 1870 when he partnered with an excentric Hungarian showman named Julius Vido de Kolta, from whom he took his stage name. Bautier de Kolta is a world famous illusionist. He developed a very famous trick known as "Expanding Die".

The magician walks on the stage which carrying a satchel, de Kolta states that the satchel contained his wife. He opens the satchel and remove a die which the size approximately 6 inches on a side and it is placed on the table. However, the die grew in size until it was a cube measuring two and a half feet on a side visibly. Then the cube is lifted to reveal his wife.

Another illusion known as "Vanishing Girl" which considered very astounding. A plain metal bridge chair is placed in the center of the stage. Then, a few sheets of newspapers are spread and placed under the chair to eliminate the idea of trap doors.

Next, the magician's assistant is sat on the chair and covered with a cloth. The magician make a conversation with the assistant, whose voice still can be heard and in a sudden, the sheet was whisked aways to show that the girl has vanished. Since this illusion performed at the center of the stage and free from fancy props and in a strong light, this appears that there are no answer as how the girl vanished.

Andrew Loh

Ching Ling Foo

2008-12-22T03:39:00.000-08:00

Ching Ling Foo was born Chee Ling Qua in 1854, Beijing, China. He studied traditional Chinese magic and he moved to United States which he became a headliner in vaudeville following a successful career in his native China.

In his performance, he breathed smoke and fire, produced ribbons and a fifteen foot long pole from his mouth. He caused a sensation when he took an empty piece of cloth, produced a huge bowl, which the bowl full of water, and then pulled out a small child!

In New York, he was offered a reward of $1,000 which a great deal of money in those days to anyone who could produce a bowl full of water like he did. He did it for publicity and he never actually meant to hold a contest, but American magician William Robinson didn't know that.

On the other hand, Chung Ling Soo was the stage name of American magician William Robinson. He was inspired to take the name by the work of magician Ching Ling Foo. William Robinson was a New Yorker which he came from a Scottish family who sometimes worked by himself as a magician, but also worked on-stage and built props for other magicians such as Harry Kellar, Adelaide Herrmann and Alexander Herrmann.

Not long after that, Ching Ling Foo refused to let William Robinson try for the $1,000 reward, Robinson went to Europe with a new Chinese-style show of his own and recreated himself as Chung Ling Soo, a Chinese magician. Robinson called himself as "The Original Chinese Conjurer." Even offstage, he was also known as Chung Ling Soo. When the press wanted to interview him, he brought an "interpreter" because he claimed not to speak English.

From the newspaper stories, many European believed that he was a Chinese. However, after a few years later, Robinson's make-up was removed at the hospital due to a fatal performance of the bullet-catching performance. Since then, the public found out that he was not a Chinese.

Andrew Loh

Dai Vernon

2008-12-22T03:30:00.000-08:00

Dai Vernon was born on June 11, 1894 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. His real name is David Frederick Wingfield Verner. He got the nickname of "Dai" when a typo in a newspaper gave him Dai instead of David. His last name "Vernon" came from the dancer, Vernon Castle, who with his wife was a dancer in the 1920's. While in New York, his name Vernon was carried over since most New Yorkers could not pronounce it correctly. Vernon is the most influential conjuror of the 20th century.

Magicians know him affectionately as ‘The Professor’ because of his apparently endless fountain of magical knowledge and also regarded as 'The Man Who Fooled Houdini.' Harry Houdini boasted that no one could fool him if he saw a trick performed three times in a row. In 1919, in Chicago, Vernon took up his challenge. He performed an old version of 'The Ambitious Card' eight times in a row, and Houdini had no idea how it was done. He also known as the man who "fooled" Houdini.

At the age of 12, Vernon learned and mastered all the sleights of hand tricks in the classic book on card handling - The Expert at the Card Table. Vernon fell in love in magic and he spent his rest of his life baffling everyone with his great ability. He spent the last 30 years of his life in Hollywood, as a mentor for many great close-up magicians.

Conjurors, amateur or professional will immediately have their undivided attention if you mention his name. Vernon improved known tricks and created new ones such as Twisting the Aces. He knew old magicians like Max Malini and Harry Houdini. He had friendship with magicians such as T. Nelson Downs, Allan Shaw, Manuel, and Welch Miller just to name a few.

In 1963, Dai Vernon visited the Magic Castle for the first time to see Jay Ose. Vernon is probably the most notable resident magician of the Magic Castle. Magicians from all over the world came to the Magic Castle to learn from the him. His clinical mind was responsible for many modern classic routines adopted by numerous magicians today. He set new standards, and elevated the art of conjuring more than almost any predecessor.

He is probably the greatest contributor to the art of close-up magic. However, he was a modest person blessed with indescribable charm. He was a true gentleman and everyone loved him. It was very rare to hear Vernon say anything unkind about anybody. Even if the person deserved it, he would always find something positive to say about them. He had the rare ability to fill anyone in his company with renewed enthusiasm for their art, magic. There was only one conjuror that he spoke of negatively, and that was Harry Houdini.

Many of today's great magicians such as Michael Ammar, Bruce Cervon, John Carney, Larry Jennings, Ricky Jay, just to name a few came to learn from Dai Vernon and many of their ideas are came from Dai Vernon. In October 1965, journalist, and amateur conjuror Richard Buffum recorded a series of interviews with Vernon.

This amounted to seven miles of tape. An edited transcript of these interviews appeared in the book, The Vernon Chronicles - Dai Vernon a Magical Life, published in 1992, and edited by Bruce Cervon and Keith Burns, both very close friends of Vernon. It is sad that ‘The Professor’ passed over shortly after the publication of the book. He died at the age of 98, in Hollywood, California in 1992.

Andrew Loh

Card Magic - Terminology

2008-12-21T06:23:00.000-08:00

In this section, I will list the important card magic terminology that a cardician uses in their language. I will update this section often if I have the time and feel free to drop by if you are a magician. I hope this section will somewhat help you in your exploration of the magic art and any feedback is much appreciated.

Act -- The collected tricks and routines that you present at a single seating or performance.

Break -- A break is a small space between two cards, or two sections of cards in a deck. The function of the break is to control or locate card.

Clean -- As used by magicians, a method or technique is clean if it's straightforward without complicated distractions or free of gimmicks. A trick finishes clean if everything (including your hands) can be examined at the end.

Close-Up Trick -- Any trick that can be performed at close quarters to an audience. Coin and card tricks are generally regarded as Close-Up tricks.

Court Card -- Also called as a royal card, picture card or face card in a deck of playing cards: a Jack, a Queen, a King of any suit.

Cut, Complete the Cut -- To magicians, a cut consists of removing the upper portion of cards from the deck and setting them beside the lower portion of the deck. The cut is completed by placing the lower portion of the deck on top of the cut-off portion.

Double Lift -- This is very well-known to most magicians. The idea is you show the top card as one but in reality, you are actually flip the top two cards as one. Normally, a fingerbreak is held between the two top cards before the sleight is executed.

Double Undercut -- To control a selected card to the top or bottom of the deck.

Effect -- What you intend your addience to perceive when they watch a magic trick performed.

Face Card -- The face card is the bottom or lowermost card of a face-down deck or packet of cards, so called because its face can be seen. Court cards (Jacks, Queens, Kings) are also referred to as face cards.

False Cut -- A deck is cut several time and the deck still retained in the same order.

False Shuffle -- A shuffle that leaves the deck in the same order.

Free Choice -- Legimately free selection of a playing card from a deck.

Gimmick -- Gimmick or "gaff", is a secret device that's been specially prepared to allow you to accomplish a magic trick.

Glide -- This sleight has been used in many card tricks. The idea is to show the bottom card to the spectator and unknowingly to the spectator, you actually deal the second card from the bottom of the deck to the table.

Glimpse -- It is a technique to note a card secretly during the deck is held or shuffling the pack.

Handling -- The moves, methods, and techniques (not limited to hand movements) used to achieve magic effect.

Jog -- A playing card is said to be jogged when one of its edges is deliberately extended out of the deck, usually a quarter or an inch. An out-jog protrudes from the outer or front side of the deck; an in-jog sticks out of the inner or back side; a side-jog protrudes from either side of the pack.

Key Card -- A card that is used as a "locator."

Legerdemain -- A French term for magic of the hands or sleight of hand.

Misdirection -- Distracting the audience's attention from one place to another during crucial portions of the magic presentation.

Palming -- A method of concealing a card(s).

Patter -- It is a presentation or talk that a magician uses in presenting their magic or trick.

Ribbon Spread -- A long, ribbon-like display of playing cards on a table, or the move to produce such a spread.

Self-Working Tricks -- Tricks that don't require sleight of hand.

Switch -- It is a move in which an object is secretly substitued for another.

Andrew Loh

Fred Robinson Book - The Wait is Finally Over

2008-12-15T05:31:00.000-08:00

I have just visited Martin Breese's website and I was very excited that finally, the Fred Robinson book is going to release. I have been waiting this book for so many years and I am going to secure a copy.

If this book is available, I think I would like to say a big "thanks" to Peter Duffie which he had done a wonderful job in writing and compiling Fred's materials. There is no doubt about that.

Just like Peter's previous book on Dave Campbell, I think this book is truly excellent and Peter explained all the effects or routines in great detail. In most Peter's publications, the thing I like to read his manuscripts or books are he is very organised in his writing and plus, the credits are covered in vivid detail. To be honest, throughout the years, I learned many things in terms of broadening my magic crediting or knowledge by reading Peter's eBooks and books especially his writing style to be included too.

Well that's all I can say and I am now waiting for the arrival of my order.

Andrew Loh

My New Gadget

2008-12-15T04:58:00.001-08:00

I just started to use a broadband connection today. I am using the Celcom's service and I am quite satisfied in terms of the service provided. The speed is 7.2 Mbps and the surfing time is fast.

Previously, My girlfriend and I we share the internet connection with someone. To tell you the truth, I am not so fond of sharing things with other people (except my loved ones) even though we pay or share the costs. I just hate some people (without using their brain even though they are genius or whatever) just because of a small matter, we end up being scolded in a rough manner. The thing is, there was no sincere apology and still would like to show their ego. I think they behaved that way due to childish attitude is still imbued in them. I really have no respect to this kind of people and my reputation would be tarnished if I continue to befriend with this person.

I have no regret to opt for this new option. My girlfriend and I, now both of us can surf the internet anytime and anywhere. Well, I guess now I have more time in using the internet and spend my time in web portal to access more useful information in my study.

Andrew Loh

Scotland Up Close - My Review

2008-12-02T04:38:00.000-08:00

I am very excited the new ebook as I am a big fan of Scottish card magic.

As soon as I read the descriptions and the number of contributors involved in this ebook such as: Peter Duffie, Roy Walton, George McBride, Euan Bingham, and other contributors, this ebook really made me eager and excited to read all the effects. Just read the names of the contributors and the contents, my instinct tells me that this ebook is a "gem". Without elaborating much, please allow me to give my review on each of the effects as follows:

Autograph Hunter (Roy Walton)

Effect:
Roy causes a spectator's signature to jump from one card to another. You'll love this!

- This particular effect has added in my list as the effect itself is practical. It's just visual and has a great element of surprise. I like this effect very much!

The Hands of a Surgeon (Gordon Bruce)

Effect:
Gordon compels an unwitting spectator to cut to the four Aces. It's not often Gordon publishes material, so this is a real treat.

- This is a very nice version of spectator cuts to the Aces using "suspense" patter in the presentation.

The ESP Shuffle (Gavin Ross)

Effect:
In this first routine, Gavin creates an incredible coincidence with an ESP deck despite the cards being mixed by a spectator.

- This effect is easy and self-working. Just follow the steps, and you will amaze this works every time although the spectator has the free choice of cutting, mixing and turning the cards.

Hot Flush (Gavin Ross)

Effect:
In this 2nd routine, a randomly cut deck results in a Royal Flush in Spades!

- This effect is very easy and the ending, it's totally a surprise. At first, it seems like you screw up the effect, but in the end, you produce Royal Flush in Spades! I like this kind of effect especially it has the element of surprise.

Justice is Mine (Jim Boyd)

Effect:
Jim explains how he deals from the Bottom - then he fools you!

- Exactly the effect sounds as above, you may want to read and try this out. Very clever!

Hofzinser 2001 (Peter McLanachan)

Effect:
Peter revisits the Hofzinser Ace Problem and dispenses with the deck, using only four Queens and a freely selected card.

- Another easy yet nice transposition effect. It's practical and I will perform this whenever I have the chance.

A Hobbit's Tale (Euan Bingham)

Effect:
In this 1st routine, Euan vanishes the black Aces. When he tries to produce them again he finds the black Queens instead! This is no problem because the Queens suddenly change into the missing Aces. The black Queens are now found reversed in the middle of the deck.

- This is a nice transposition effect. There are 2 handlings for this effect. I like the way the Aces vanish from top and at the bottom of the pack one at a time. In the end, the Aces and Queens changed places.

Phantom Aces (Euan Bingham)

Effect:
In this one, Euan causes Four signed aces to magically pass from inside a wallet to a deck of cards; he then makes the Aces travel from the deck back into the wallet. All without the use of duplicates or palming!!

- This effect requires you to use a very well-known wallet in order to perform this effect. It's very nice especially the transposition of the cards.

Diamond Snatch (Gary Middleton)

Effect:
Gary makes the four Kings magically rise to the top of the pack, one by one, in search of a Diamond haul - the last King finds it!

- This is a very nice effect, completes with nice patter and presentation. I think Gary's patter goes very well with the routines and spectators would definitely enjoy the routines as well.

King for a Day (Gary Middleton)

Effect:
Gary loves the Hofzinser Ace problem; especially when the rest of the cards change to the mates of the selection. And this is precisely what happens here!

- Nice effect and visual. I like Gary's idea of incorporating the Hofzinser Ace problem with element of surprise.

Captives of the Cranium (George McBride)

Effect:
The is an impossible card discovery where one spectator helps find another spectator's card.

- This effect is very effective. There are some setup required and the effect is just brilliant. There are no difficult sleights involved. I just like it! Awesome!

Stebbins Prediction (George McBride)

Effect:
A terrific prediction effect where you will also admire the ingenius methodology!

- Well, I think this effect from George McBride is a true "gem." I thought that was a KILLER and worth the price of this ebook. I am sure you will DEFINITELY love this - it KILLS people when you perform this effect. Just awesome!

Veeser Meets Steranko (George McBride)

Effect:
A spectator cuts the deck and finds the four Aces. Just like that!

- Just as the effect stated above, this is another nice and neat version of spectator cuts to the Aces, the handling is different with other version of this which can be found in this ebook too.

Thanks to Collins (Steve Hamilton)

Effect:
A professional mind-bender from the late Steve Hamilton. Clever stuff.

- Another powerful routine. It's just excellent and brilliant thinking. I just love this as soon as I read and tried out this routine. For those who loves restored card in lemon or sealed envelope, you will definitely love this one.

Big bank Hunt (Scotty Johnston)

Effect:
A sandwich trick that fooled the a**e off me!

- This is a neat and nice version card sandwich. At first, I thought the method is difficult to do but after I tried out, it's very clever and not so difficult to do. I would say the sandwich process is very visual and fast. This is one of my favourites.

Stranger (Richard James)

Effect:
Richard uses two Kings to cause the back of a freely selected card to change colour, then it changes back to normal again. You'll love the simple direct method here.

- Very nice! I am very surprise that the method here as the effect is easy and practical. I would say if you like colour changing effect, I think you may like this one.

Total Recall (Iain Girdwood)

Effect:
Iain memorises the colour order of a deck of cards after it has been shuffled by a spectator. 100% every time. Combining a system with a principle, you really do memorise the cards!

- I have spent huge amount of time and tried to understand the principle which applicable in this unique effect. At first, it was very difficult to understand the principle but as you keep on trying, you will soon understand the principle. I am extremely surprise that Iain came up this amazing principle.

- After you understand the princple, I would say it's a KILLER. I think the principle is very useful and maybe can be applied to other effects. Excellent!

New Wave Oil & Water (Val Le-Val)

Effect:
Val's lovely Oil & Water routine using cards with O & W printed on them. So easy, yet so effective.

- As soon as I read the effect, I just would like to say, it's excellent! The effect is very easy to do and does not depend on heavy sleights.

- This effect also added in my list as it's a packet trick. I showed this to my friends even though I did it in a very slow manner, but still managed to fool them. I carry these cards in my card wallet and if anyone requests me to perform a trick, I definitely will perform this one. Brilliant!

Walkaround (David Walsh)

Effect:
David tips his full walk-around card routine - a lot happens! Ambitious Card / Repeat Card to Pocket / Deck to Pocket / Card in Wallet. A 4 minute entertainment.

- As the effect above said it all, the routine is well-constructed and with a nice flow on each of the effects. Excellent!

Eight of Two Kings (David Forrest)

Effect:
David presents a showy production of Four Kings and the Four Aces appear as a stunning kicker!

- I always love four of a kind productions. For this one, I just like the way Dave's approach and I am sure you will like this one.

Skinned (David Forrest)

Effect:
A selected card appears folded inside a packet of cigarette papers....in a flash!

- Based on what I read, I think David came up a neat idea. I think the effect is very cool.

Finishing Touch (Peter Duffie)

Effect:
Peter allows a spectator to choose any four cards at random - then he changes them visibly into four-of-a-kind as they are dealt to the table - or onto a spectator's hand!

- This is my favourite as the effect at first, the spectator randomly chooses four cards and you instantly cause the random cards to change into the Aces as you deal them on spectator's hand. Very nice and clean. I really like this!

52 Minus 1 (Peter Duffie)

Effect:
A demonstration of psychic powers where only the audience touch the deck.

- I think you will like this one. I regard this effect as one of my favourites.

Thinking Cap (R. Paul Wilson)

Effect:
Paul lets a spectator just think of a card, then he finds it - no set-ups, and no difficult sleights!

- Just as the effect exactly stated above. For those of you favour to reveal thought of card genre, I believe you will like this one.

ConCam Cards (R. Paul Wilson)

Effect:
Paul's rendition of the classic Cards Across. Three cards travel from one packet to another, despite both packets being enclosed inside envelopes. No Palming! But if you like Palming, Paul offers a method with that, too.

- This is a nice version of cards across effect. I really like the approach and you will surprise its simplicity in this effect.

L.K.D. Monte (Dave Robertson)

Effect:
Dave places a Queen between the two red Aces. So, the Queen is in the middle? No it's not. An easy and deceptive move that will enhance any 3-Card Monte routine.

- Yes, I truly agree with the above description; it's fooling and effective. The move is valuable to add into your card Monte effect. I think this move alone can be applied into many areas. Excellent!

In a nutshell, I am really enjoyed this ebook very much as there are quite a number of effects that I will actually use in my act. There are many wonderful effects in this ebook to explore. In addition, the contents and the presentation of this ebook is awesome and fully illustrated. Highly recommended!

Andrew Loh

Effortless Card Magic - My Review

2008-12-01T03:30:00.000-08:00

Effortless Card Magic was first released in a hardback format and now it's available in electronic version. You can purchase this electronic version at Peter's website.

This book is one of my "gold" list and is my favourite card magic book. The reason is simple; sleights free and crammed with excellent card magic.

To perform the card effects in this book, all you need is a few basic moves or subtlety. This book has opened the path way to many readers whether their levels are beginners, intermediate or advance card workers. This book is worth of your investment and most of the materials you will use in your repertoire.

The materials are simply using a deck of cards which associate with the use of small diary, dice, coins and you are ready to do wonders with a deck of cards. Peter has created a vast amount of great card tricks that will astound your audience anytime, anywhere.

Best of all, the materials most of them can be done in impromptu situation. A spectator hands you a deck of cards, you can immediately show a couple of card effects without worrying the use of heavy sleights or moves. Some of the card effects require a stack or little setup. There are more than 60 card effects to explore which most of them are explained in vivid details and fully illustrated. Peter also covered some useful and convinving card moves, controls, false cuts as well.

This book covered quite a number of spelling card effects, some are very interesting number principle, predictions, card sandwich, Ace-Productions and etc.

If there is a favourite trick, it would be "We Can Work It Out" trick. The effect is a real miracle and this miracle seems like quite similar to Dean Dill's "Blizzard Deck".

I think effects such as "Short Deck Baffler", "Dream Machine", "Torn, Folded, and Sealed" and "Clear to the Point" are very strong card magic. You will like to check out "Vanished or Gone" effect which many claimed that this effect alone worth the price of this book.

In a nutshell, if you are a magician that does not have ample time in practising and would like to show off a few great card effects in no time, then get this book.

I highly recommended this book.

Andrew Loh

Card Secrets Unlocked - My Review

2008-12-01T03:04:00.000-08:00

Card Secrets Unlocked is an excellent ebook. There are more than 20 card effects and fully illustrated. Majority of the card effects can be done without the need to special set-up the deck and some required set-up in advance.

There are a few card effects require to use the Faro Shuffle, Himber Wallet, business cards, glass tumbler, etc. All in all, there are many great card effects in this collection.

The ebook also has a section that specifically devoted to stack deck, Orbital Stack & Magnum Stack. For those of you that favourite stack deck routine, perhaps this might interest you.

Below are some of my favourites:

Crystal Clear Transpo
A wonderful little effect and one of my favourites. For those of you card transposition lovers, I am sure you will like this. It's very simple and very eye appealing. There is no duplicate card used in this effect.

Here Lies the Truth
I find that almost every magicians love Lie Detector plot and I am one of them. In this version, believe it or not, there is no heavy card sleights used and it's just self-working. This is one of my favourites.

It's in the Stars
This effect is quite strong and I love this effect. There is no setup and you are able to find two spectators' thought of cards in an amazing manner.

The Problem with Hofzinser
I like Hofzinser's Ace Problem and in this version, it's very easy to perform and this effect is just sounds great.

There is a bonus section and Peter providea his great effect "Miracle Thot" for free which marketed in the 1990's. It's a great effect I would say.

Highly recommended!

Andrew Loh

Flooded Zone

2008-11-20T18:17:00.000-08:00

Yesterday after my class, while I was driving home, the weather changed suddenly. It was a dark and gloomy evening. And that time, I faced with a heavy downpour and my exodus was kind of difficult. It was my second time to face with this kind of shock.

I think the reason of having a heavy downpour recently was due to quite a number of days I saw the clouds were very dark and didn't rain for days. I would say a horrible experience to us.

At that time, when I was trying to brake my car, the brake function couldn't function properly due to the slippery of the road and I really hope in the future, this event won't occur again.

Andrew Loh

My Contributions

2008-11-15T22:37:00.000-08:00

Some people are asking me, what are my favourite card effects that I normally perform? It's kind of difficult to say because sometimes, while reading and watching some other awesome magicians' stuffs, I may somehow use them in my act which depend whether the effects or routines suit my style or not.

I contributed a total of three card magic effects to "The Linking Ring" magazines, which you can find under the "Card Corner" column.

Due to the secrecy of magic, I can't tip out or scan the pages for you but I have somewhat scanned and combined them as a sample which is shown in the photo. If you have the chance, check them out as the effects had served me well over the years and I regard them as "workers". Both the card effects are impromptu which means that you can perform the card magic anytime and anywhere without the need to prepare anything in advance. There are no special setup of the deck or special gimmicks too. All you need is a borrowed deck and you do wonders. My card magic is specially catered to that kind of category, direct and effective to laypeople without the need to do any preparation.

Andrew Loh

Fried Rice

2008-11-15T21:29:00.000-08:00

This morning, I fried rice with long beans, chicken balls, carrots, and eggs. It was a simple breakfast though. As the food in Subang Jaya is quite expensive, so we think it would be a great idea to prepare our home food.

I find that prepare own food is more economical and hygienic. My girlfriend helped me to prepare all the essential ingredients and I was the cook. It's very easy to fry rice and does not consume a lot of your time. We will treat today's fried rice as our breakfast and lunch.

I thought of cooking other dishes but due to time constraints, we decide to cook other food next week. I look forward to cooking stew chicken with carrots, potatoes, bean curd, mushrooms and baby corn. It may take quite some time to cook this dish but hopefully next week, I would be able to prepare this special dish.

Andrew Loh

Japanese Ice Dessert

2008-11-15T18:47:00.000-08:00

Let me share with you a truly nice dessert which my girlfriend and I we tried that day. The shop is simply known as 100 Yen (red signboard) which is located at UEP USJ 9, Selangor. For those of you who loves ABCs or Ice-Kacang lovers, you may perhaps consider to try 100 Yen dessert. Their dessert I believed is made from Japan.

When we first arrived, that shop is somewhat looked like a 7-Eleven shop. Upon entering the shop, we saw many products that being sold but majority of them were Japanese products which range from scissors, plastic pencil holder, bags, chopsticks, soups, candies, snacks and many more. I guess for those of you who love Japanese products, it may be worth to drop by and see a few things that being offered there.

So, back to our dessert topic again, my girlfriend chose mango and I (as always) chose green tea. The dessert is made from purely fine ice and I find that, it's not so sweet and the taste is fantastic. Normally, when we eat ice-kacang or ABCs, you will find that the ice is not smooth. 100 Yen's dessert is truly different and the ice is not easily melt albeit the ice is fine. It is ideal to eat ice dessert especially hot days and so it happened that day was a raining day. I really couldn't resist the temptation so I suggested to have a try that day. It's worth a try and the price is quite reasonable too.

Andrew Loh

My First Experience in Japanese Food

2008-11-15T17:32:00.000-08:00

Let me share with you a rather silly experience that I ate Japanese Sushi (first time) in my life on 11 October 2008 and also bought Dunkin Donuts too at Sunway Pyramid. We bought some chocolate-coated, green tea, blueberry and green-lime flavoured donuts as shown in the photo. My girlfriend and I, both of us are "Donuts-Freak" and if you haven't try before, maybe you should get a try. I heard in Melaka, there is a nice donut shop which is located at Dahtaran Pahlawan. I can't remember the name of that shop but I heard some people say that the donuts are very nice too. I think one fine day I will drop by that donut shop.

Alright, back to my sushi true story again. What makes me wanted to try sushi? Now I tell you the story. I have been watching many celebrity shows on the television such as from Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan and the like. The thing is, in that show, most of the games they follow the rule of thumb, whoever losses in the game, they have to choose or pick a sushi (based on their luck) from a plate which of course, there are a number of them. And, among that sushi, 50% of them have the Wasabi. It's a form of punishment in that game to pick a sushi. If you are lucky, you will choose the sushi that has no wasabi of course. If you haven't try to eat sushi with wasabi before, well read on and you will get something nice.

When you see the celebrities eating the sushi filled with wasabi, you will almost laugh them but to tell you the truth, I am now laughing but rather built my curiosity to try what wasabi is all about. Well, if you never try wasabi before, I urge you at least to try it then when people discuss wasabi, you will know what are they talking about. Do you feel hungry by looking the photo that I took? One thing for sure Japanese sushi is made in a very attractive and graceful manner. I really like the outlook of the arrangement of the sushi.

Let me share with you, wasabi is a green-paste kind of sauce which the Japanese favours in dipping the sushi with wasabi before consumption. The fact is, when the wasabi enters your mouth, you will feel your nose somewhat like burning sensation. It's not like chilly and is very difficult to describe or I would say you imagine by eating pepper in your mouth that kind of idea. Only a bit of wasabi can make you feel almost crying.

My girlfriend was shocked to see me, well, when my girlfriend was opening the wasabi which sealed in a package, I dipped the wasabi on my finger and immediately ate it. Wow, I almost with tears due to the wasabi. I guess, next time I won't do it again. Sometimes, I think curiosity pays off when you try something at least is worth trying and not just listening to what other people say. You be the judge.

Andrew Loh

Andrew Loh's Bibliography

2008-11-15T01:01:00.000-08:00

4 Magic Performances

Stamford College Malacca - Jalan Panjang, Malacca (May 2008)
Second Year Business Degree Class performance (July 2007)
Nouvo Club - Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur (June 2006)
The Magic Swan - Kuala Lumpur (April 2006)

4 Contributions

The Summoner - Magicians Do Red Nose Day (March 2011)
Divide & Conjure (Linking Ring Magazine) (August 2010)
Flight Off! - Wild at Heart E-Book (June 2010)
Cold Calling - Linking Ring Magazine (August 2008)
Transboxition - Linking Ring Magazine (March 2008)
Meltdown Cardbox - The Second Deal (May 2007)
Collectors Card Case - The Second Deal (March 2007)
Chameleon Card - The Magic Den (December 2004)
Astral Projection - The Magic Den (November 2004)

4 Books

Pasteboard Unleashed (July 2007)
- Kings Apparition
- Astral Projection
- The Devious Heist
- Visitor in my Pocket
- Collectors Card Case

Pasteboard Obsessions (January 2007)
- Flight Off
- The Keepers
- Transboxition
- Divide & Conjure
- Meltdown Cardbox

4 E-Books

The Mystery Sigil (November 2011)
The Conjuror Card (October 2011)
TransWave (September 2011)
Miracle Hands on Deck V (August 2011)
Miracle Hands on Deck IV (July 2011)
Miracle Hands on Deck III (June 2011)
Miracle Hands on Deck II (May 2011)
Miracle Hands on Deck (April 2011)
Collectraction (March 2011)
The Charred Cards (February 2011)
Trans-Case (January 2011)
Clairvoyant (January 2011)
Royal Productions (January 2011)
A Royal Party (December 2010)
The Essence of Colours (October 2010)
Cardrology (October 2010)
Majestic Triumph (October 2010)
The Confusing Jokers (October 2010)
The Manifold Effect Revisited (September 2010)
Triu2ph (August 2010)
Instant Transposition (August 2010)
Kollectors Revisited (July 2010)
Hallucination (June 2010)
Jacks Union (January 2010)
Come Together (November 2009)
Divide & Conjure (May 2009)
The Loh of Attraction (January 2009)
Healing Portal (November 2007)
Meltdown Cardbox (November 2007)
Lord of the Rings (October 2006)
Royal Highness (March 2006)
Ambitious Finders (February 2006)

4 Packet Tricks

Lucky Charms (March 2011)
The Eiffel Connection (October 2010)
Friction Burnt (January 2006)

ALSH

My "Friction Burnt" Card Effect

2008-11-14T05:36:00.000-08:00

My "Friction Burnt" card effect has been in my repertoire for years and each time when I do my act at a party, corporate events or for strangers, I usually will perform "Friction Burnt" as my all-time favourite opener.

The effect is very direct and easy to do. It's not a requirement for you to break your precious fingers in order to perform this visual and highly entertaining piece of card magic. The plot is very simple, you tell a story during your schooling life, your science teacher taught you an interesting topic that is related to friction in which when an object (say a ruler) is rubbed, it creates a static electric on the surface of that ruler. When you put this ruler near to a strip of paper, it will stick onto the ruler and that's my kind of effect.

You ask the spectator to initial a freely selected card in a red deck, you tell the story as mentioned above in which you rub your hand onto a colour material (say blue) and you cause sensation by applying that static energy onto their freely signed card, they can see their red-backed card visually changes to a blue-backed card. The best part of this effect is at the end, they will remember your magic and the spectator can keep that card as a souvenir.

I am still selling this effect which only available exclusively at my online magic shop which you can't get elsewhere. Drop me an email if you are interested to make an order.

Thanks!

Andrew Loh

The Art of Illustrations

2008-11-14T04:59:00.000-08:00

It has been my great pleasure to be in the art of magic for the past 16 years. I learned many things throughout the years and the best thing I learned in my life are to be able to create some of my own unique ways or ideas in card magic and drawing illustrations in my own work.

Until now, instead of taking colour photographs to show my handling or explanation in my materials, I prefer to do black & white illustrations to show my handlings. I think it's somewhat to retain the classic "feelings" and the professional look. Most of the magic book that we come across during the 1800's majority were all black & white illustrations, right? I am not saying that colour photographs are not good, it's just my personal preference though I like to read magic books or ebooks that have the colour photographs too. Sometimes, colour works better than just black & white. I would like to say, well, it has its own pro and cons. When you take colour photographs, it is easy to recognise an object with its colour but for black & white illustrations, you have to state what is the object that being used in the context. Some of the great illustrations that I have seen in my life are the works from Tom Stone, Richard Kaufman, Jason Alford, Kelly Llyes and others.

However, in order to do excellent black & white illustrations, the works are very tedious. You need to purchase essential devices that support your work and the proper software. You have to take photos or someone helps you to take photo on you (your hands & cards or whatever) and after completing that process, you have to be patience and willing to sit long hours (depend on the number of photos) to do the drawings. But, the final output is, you will feel rejoice after you complete everything. It's just like you feel you have done something that is worth doing in the first place. And do you believe me? You won't say tired or exhausted if magic is your blood or soul in you. I will keep the momentum going and magic has been part of my inferno for all over the years.

Andrew Loh

Did I see Flying Cars - Hollywood Show?

2008-11-13T06:52:00.000-08:00

Well, I would like to share an amazing true story today... Or... How about I put this way, a Hollywood's flying car effects? No, I maybe exaggerate quite a bit but actually today, this afternoon while I was driving to school, I saw there were two cars they seemed to be racing on the road. Both drivers I should say, they drove in a reckless manner and could harm other drivers. I should put at as people's life would be at stake. I just couldn't believe with my own eyes witnessing somewhat like a Hollywood's video camera tricks.

I saw the lady, open her window shield and finger-pointing the other driver perhaps to call him stop the car. I believe they seemed to be involved in a fighting or quarrelling and perhaps they are husband and wife? Well, I really have no idea but they really performed a truly outstanding show today. They overtook with each other and truly dangerous in the middle of the highway. I think other drivers were facing the same trauma like me today. I just don't know how to explain that kind of fear while you are facing that kind of scene. They overtook me from left to right and then sped I think 140km/h. Are they crazy? Is it a stunt? You be the judge, ok?

I just wish that I won't meet this kind of scene in the future. It was a heart-throbbing experience for me today. I also hope that you won't meet this kind of incident while you are driving on the road.

Andrew Loh

Time Constraints

2008-11-09T06:53:00.001-08:00

Things are pretty hectic recently with my personal study and business. Yet, I am still able to juggle between my time to pursue my magic. Recently I am not so much in reading magic books but I just hope that after completing my thesis and assignments, I would be backed on track again. If I have the chance, I guess I will go through or explore the card principles which I have been enamoured the idea quite long ago.

From time to time, I will contribute or review some of the magic stuffs or books that I did in the past for the benefit to the magic fraternity.

Andrew Loh

Cardboard Capers - My Review

2008-11-08T18:15:00.000-08:00

I remember I got this book a few years ago and I really like some of the interesting ideas from Euan.

The materials are not difficult to do and this book also includes "Utility Sleights" which I find interesting. This booklet is comb-bound and the size is a small thin booklet.

Effects such as "Return to Sender", "Twisted Assembly", "Thanks to Walton" and a few others, are very nice effects and you may combine the mentioned above effects into a solid routine. I think the materials would play very well to laymen too.

If you have the opportunity, hope you are able to secure a copy of this book which I highly recommended.

Table of Contents:

Introduction -- 2

Utility Sleights
On the Kelly Placement -- 3
A Palming Idea -- 7
Pressure Palm -- 9
Seconds Out -- 11

Card Effects
Return to Sender -- 12
The Artist -- 15
Instant Switch -- 17
Homage to Hummer -- 19
Twisted Assembly -- 21
The Jacks Came Back -- 23
Thanks to Walton -- 25
Dark Side of the Moon -- 29
Ultra Violet -- 31
Snapping the Aces -- 34
Au Revoir -- 36

Andrew Loh

The Artists - My Magic Tidbits

2008-11-06T16:46:00.000-08:00

This morning while I was toying my deck, I came up an effect which is a card sandwich effect. Sounds boring? Well, I am not really sure how it goes to magician but I think it will go very well to layman. This effect is not just a basic card sandwich effect but it applies to many wonderful ideas which depends on your creativity as well. Believe me or not, you can perform this effect with the card fusion concept.

The plot is spectator's selection is placed in the centre of the deck and somehow the two mates which previously are placed one on top and the other on the bottom of the deck; they seem vanish one at a time and at the end, they sandwich the spectator's selection. When the spectator's selection is turned over, on its back, it bears a message or to have its back change colour.

Or if you prefer, you can present the selection as your business card to the spectator which anything is possible. It is a wonderful souvenir which at the same time to promote yourself. If I have the time, I will write this effect and publish as an ebook or otherwise, I will keep this effect for myself.

Andrew Loh

Nick Trost's Subtle Card Miracles - My Review

2008-11-06T16:07:00.001-08:00

Nick Trost's Subtle Card Miracles book is an excellent book. This book covers lots of wonderful stuffs. Some readers might claim that the materials are awfully boring but really contradict to my own beliefs.

Although this book is not as good as the previous "The Card Magic of Nick Trost", but there are quite a number of wonderful items. The only similar attributes you can find in this book and "The Card Magic of Nick Trost" are the sleights section where the author provides detail explanations on the sleights which I find very informative and the credits are very detail as well.

I would say reading this book will somehow make you creative or should I say "mind-stimulating". Each time when I try to read the new effects, my mind will come up something why shouldn't be done that way or how about applying this principle to another card effects and so fourth.

In a nutshell, I highly recommended this book!

Table of Contents:

Foreword -- xiii
Introduction to Volume 1 -- xv

1. Unique Card Effects
Everywhere and Nowhere -- 1
Jacks are Wild with an Elevator Finish -- 3
Trost on Hamman's "Multiplying Kings" -- 6
Trost on Hamman's "Magic Cards" -- 8
Another "Oil and Queens" -- 10
Following Suit -- 11
Ultimate "Even Money" - Improved -- 14
A Compatibility Tests -- 16
Two Compatibility Tests -- 18
Four Grand Slams -- 21
Do As I Do Suit Separation -- 25
Omega Suits -- 28

2. Coincidences
A Simple Coincidence -- 33
The "One-Two-Three" Trick -- 35
Ned Rutledge's "Cards Concordant" -- 38
ESP Card Version -- 41
The Mystic Threes -- 42
Psychic Coincidence -- 43
The Telephone Number Trick -- 45
The Couple's Lucky Number -- 46
Paradoxical Pairs -- 47
ESP Card Version -- 49
Sympathetic Suits -- 50
Trost on Hudson's "Sorcerer's Sevens" -- 52
Four Times Nine -- 55
Cards of Coincidence -- 58
Another Version -- 60

3. Court Card Capers
The Royal Pair Puzzler -- 63
The Burglar Trick -- 64
Trost on Hamman's "Twins" -- 66
The Restless Court Cards -- 69
Court Card Conclave -- 70
The Court Card Swindle -- 73
The Reunited Families -- 74
A Puzzling Assembly -- 75
The Married Hearts and Four Cupids -- 77
The Queen of Hearts and Her Suitors -- 79

4. Gambling Tricks
Optical Three-Card Monte -- 85
Pinocle, Blackjack and Poker Puzzler -- 88
Duck or Deal Blackjack -- 89
Classic Euchre Deal -- 91
Gilbreath Plays Euchre -- 92
The Contrary Euchre Deal I -- 93
The Contrary Euchre Deal II -- 95
Exchange Euchre -- 96
Six-Handed Exchange Rummy -- 98
Five-Handed Version -- 100

5. Poker Tricks
Wild Bill Revisited -- 101
Wild Bill's Poker Hand I -- 102
Wild Bill's Poker Hand II -- 104
Spectator's Royal Flush -- 105
The Lucky Royal Flush -- 106
The Insurance Card I -- 108
The Insurance Card II -- 109
Another Version -- 110
The Spectator's Straight Flush I -- 111
Another Handling -- 112
The Spectator's Straight Flush II -- 113
The Gambler's Luck -- 114
Lucky at Poker -- 116
Strictly Straight Poker -- 117

6. Predictions
Bob Longe on "A Premonition" -- 121
The Prophetic Phone Number -- 123
Prophecy in Color -- 124
Numerology in Color -- 126
Trost on Al Koran's "Prediction Supreme" -- 127
The 20/20 Prediction -- 128
Color Prediction with Three Spectators -- 131
Three-Way Miracle Prediction -- 133
Prediction Red, Black and Courts -- 134
Climax Prediction -- 137

7. Transpositions
Five in a Row -- 139
Ace to Five - The Easy Method -- 140
Ambitious Ace to Five -- 143
Jazz 1-2-3-4 Revisited -- 145
Ambitious Deuce Sandwich -- 146
Fifteen-Card Mystery -- 150

8. Fake-Card Foolers
Trost's Open Prediction -- 153
Revolving Aces - A Clean Version -- 154
Double-Back Effect -- 156
The Hotel Mystery - Updated -- 158
Trost on "The Muleshoe Gambler" -- 160
Super Showdown -- 164
The Card Puzzle - Gaffed Version -- 170

9. Special Decks - Part 1
Destiny Deck -- 173
Matrix Miracle -- 176
Incredible! -- 179
Half Wild -- 181
Rich Bloch's Presentation -- 184

10. Packet Tricks - Part 1
Hokey-Poker -- 187
Mexican Monte -- 190
A Packet of Backs -- 194
Twisto Blank -- 195
Wacky Packet -- 198
Un-Cards -- 200
Bill Miesel's "Red Card Prediction" -- 202
Ausralian Aces -- 204
Sixth-Thot -- 208
Bigfoot -- 202
Al Thatcher's Version -- 216
Tom Hubbard's Version -- 218

11. ESP Cards - Part 1
Una-Minds -- 222
The Power of Three -- 223
Design by Accident -- 225
ESP Do As I Do -- 226
Dr. Jaks' Symbol Mystery -- 227
Extrasensory Deception -- 228
ESP 7-Card Draw -- 230
Double Deck Version -- 231
Dual ESP Test Location -- 231
Triple ESP Miracle -- 233
Pair-a-normal Perception -- 235
The Almost Perfect ESP Test -- 239
Four-told -- 240
The Symbol Separation Test -- 242

Appendix: Sleights and Subtleties
Aronson Mark-a-Place Move -- 245
Ascanio Spread -- 247
Biddle Move -- 249
Bottom Stock Control -- 250
Braue Addition -- 251
Braue Reversal -- 252
Breather Crimp -- 253
Buckle Count -- 254
Carlyle False Turnover -- 255
Charlier Shuffle -- 257
Criss-Cross Force -- 259
Curry Swindle Switch -- 260
Cut-Deeper Force -- 261
Diminishing Count -- 262
Double Undercut -- 264
Elmsley Count -- 265
False Charlier Shuffle -- 266
False Riffle Shuffle -- 268
Flushtration Count -- 269
G. W. Hunter Shuffle -- 271
Gilbreath Principle -- 272
Hamman Count -- 273
Hamman Flip-Flop Force and Control -- 274
Hamman Small-Packet False Shuffle -- 275
Jordan Count -- 276
LaGerould Countdown Force -- 276
Olram Subtlety -- 277
Ose Cut -- 279
Reverse Double Undercut -- 280
Riffle Force -- 280
Rumba Count -- 281
Si Stebbins System -- 283
Simon Prophecy Force -- 285
Slop Shuffle -- 286
"So Simple" Force -- 287
Svengali Shuffle -- 288
Swing Cut -- 289
Takagi Turnover Count -- 290
Ten-Twenty Force -- 292
Tenkai Move -- 292
Through-the-Fist Flourish -- 294
Up-the-Ladder Cut -- 295

Andrew Loh

Applications - My Review

2008-11-06T08:06:00.001-08:00

Applications is a wonderful card magic book written by Peter Duffie. The materials are excellent and some of the effects are truly a beauty.

This is a wonderful book and don't miss this book. It covers not only card effects but also a few utility sleights which perhaps you may find them interesting. Some of the effects are quite technical demanding whereas there are some which I find not very difficult to do.

All in all, most of the materials are excellent and very strong as well. My personal favourites are "The Odin Sequel", "Audience Participation", "The Scottish Assembly" and a few others.

Table of Contents:

Introduction -- 7

Centre Forward -- 9
Jointly Does It -- 11
The Auld Curse -- 14
I Give Up! -- 15
Boxed-In -- 17
Mind Games -- 20
An Odin Sequel -- 24
Women -- 27
Palmed Addition Utility Sleight -- 30
A Turn-Up for the Book -- 33
A Curious Incident -- 36
Collusion -- 38
Rising Crime -- 40
Audience Participation -- 43
Fireside Aces -- 45
The Scottish Assembly -- 47
Once Again -- 50
Duffie on Keyboards -- 53
A Change in Mood -- 54
Glasnost -- 56
Guardian Angels -- 58

Andrew Loh

Visiting a New Place...

2008-11-05T06:13:00.000-08:00

It was a rather gloomy day and this morning I encountered a heavy rain while I was driving to school. The traffic was extremely busy and I took almost 1 and a half-hour to reach my college. It was a normal lecture and learned a few new things today.

After my class, my girlfriend and I, we went to Mid-Valley Megamall. I was overjoyed as this is my first time I drove car to reach there. At first, I was worried because I really didn't have the idea or the roadmap how to reach there. So, I would say today my driving was just merely using my instinct to reach that place.

When I reached there, my girlfriend and I, firstly we dropped by MPH bookstore and it was a huge bookstore I ever seen in my life. I think is much bigger than the Time Square Borders bookstore. After that, we went to have our lunch at the foodcourt. We ate chicken rice and after our lunch, we went back MPH bookstore again. I haven't visit The Gardens yet which I have been told that there is another Borders bookstore there. Well, I hope one fine day will pay a visit.

Andrew Loh

Mental Deflect & Downfall - My Review

2008-11-05T05:45:00.000-08:00

This is my review that I posted at the "Magic Cafe" on 11 August 2006.

This is Peter's excellent packet card trick ebook. This effect is inspired by John Bannon's Twisted Sisters. There are 5 pages and fully illustrated with colour photos.

I always love packet card trick simply because it can be carried in wallet, flexible etc. And this effect immediately added to my repetoire simply because the nature of this effect is very powerful which I believe in the ending part and it's very easy to perform. There is only one move involved in this effect. What you need is just to create a suitable patter (if you wish) and concentrate the presentation on this effect. Peter provided the patter as well. If you like a card trick in conjunction with mentalism, I believe you will simply love this packet trick.

This ebook is on sales now and I understood that purchasing this ebook would get another free ebook, "Downfall" which I think the price is a "steal". The reason is simply because "Downfall" is yet another excellent packet trick which based on Roy Walton's Cascade effect. For those of you who are familiar with Walton's packet trick "Cascade", I believe you will have the urge to find out Peter's handling in this effect.

Peter's handling of "Downfall" is just awesome and the cards can be examined at the end of the trick. For Downfall, in this effect, Peter explained everything in great detail with the aid of colour photos showing the handlings.

All in all, I highly recommended Peter's "Mental Deflect" and at the same time, you will get Downfall for free. If you are looking great piece of card magic without using any complicated card sleights, "Mental Deflect" is for you. For those of you who favour great card magic, I am sure you will like "Downfall" as well.

Andrew Loh

What a Day!

2008-11-04T06:53:00.000-08:00

I am glad today I managed to deliver my module's presentation this morning. The requirement is to do a presentation approximately 5 minutes and if I exceed the time, I would be penalised. But to my surprise, I took about 2 minutes to complete my presentation and that was fast!

I told my girlfriend to observe the time if I do the presentation exceed 4 minutes, then she has to give me a sign. To me, I thought I exceed the time limit but unfortunately, I couldn't see her clearly due to the reflection of the extreme lightings from the projector.

I am really happy today as the day has over which there were a huge croud at the auditorium this morning. I guess if there is another presentation which sets no time limit, I think I would do better and I can deliver my presentation in a relaxing manner. It couldn't be helped and the professor has to set the time limit was due to there were about 72 students in my batch. So I guess you can do the rest calculations if no time limit, I don't think the professor can meet the dateline of covering all of our course modules.

Well, I guess I can sleep well tonight.

Andrew Loh

Peter Duffie's Kolor Killer - My Review

2008-11-04T05:43:00.000-08:00

This is my review that I posted at the "Magic Cafe" on 17 January 2008.

I went through Peter's "Kolor Killers" and tried out the routine. I would like to say that this is an excellent routine and another excellent approach to Roy Walton's Oil and Queens plot. I really love the ending climax and each of the phases. The reason is because the nature of this routine itself I can see will fry the spectators many times in the process with the great impact. A well-constructed routine. To be honest, the first time I watched Peter's performance at his site, firstly I thought and I told myself "I think Peter is going to separate the colours of the cards and I am sure at the end, he will produce the Queens." - But I am wrong, he produced the Kings, Queens and the big excitement for me is, the Queens have the cross at the back of the cards!

And another bonus is that, the "cross" patter fits in nicely with the climax. I think this routine is flexible too, you can change your patter to suit you preference. Perhaps instead you use red-backed cards, you may use blue backed as a substitution and at the end, perhaps you change your patter to the "Queens turn angry" and at the end, you produce the red-backed Queens. Anything is possible. Another question I asked myself "Hey, so, what happened to those spot cards then?" This is where my curiosity comes in, and I am surprised that the method is simple.

Perhaps you would like to check out Peter's "Laughing Queens" in his 7 ebook, another great version too. Perhaps I am a little bias as I favour Walton's Oil and Queens plot. As you can see, when I watch a magic show or clip, I always put my position as a layman perspective and based on my thoughts, I am sure this routine would play very well to laymen.

Highly recommended!

Andrew Loh

Mark Wilson's Magic Book - My Review

2008-11-03T04:59:00.000-08:00

While I was looking for a book on my bookshelf today, I saw Mark Wilson's "Complete Course in Magic" and I would like to say this book is very meaningful to me. I bought this book few months ago and this book is very thick. But I think is worth of your money. Perhaps allow me to tell you a true story of mine which related to this book during my childhood time.

Why did I say this book is very meaningful to me? The reason is because during my childhood time which was my birthday, my father presented me a very special present. What was it? Well, to my surprise, Mark Wilson's magic book (Close-up magic - thin pages) was my first special gift that I ever received. I was extremely delighted that time which I can almost feel the feeling of overjoy now.

I still can recall my birthday that night, I didn't sleep and the reason is simple; I was really happy to receive the magic book and I explored the tricks within the book. It meant so much to me and very enjoyable to read.

For this book (as shown in the photo), the tricks contained within the book are fantastic and excellent as well. If you are interested in magic, don't miss this book! I guarantee that you can put a smile on someone's face if you perform some of the tricks in this book.

This book not only touches on close-up magic parlour magic, but it covers some nice magic illusion as well which can be performed on stage. I really like there are numerous and very detail black & white illustrations to support your learning throughout the tricks in this book.

The materials you need to perform those magic are very easy to find or to construct one by yourself. Some require you to do some preparation and others are impromptu which means you can perform the magic using daily ordinary object anytime upon request by your friends or anyone. You can purchase some of the apparatus at your local favourite magic dealer or order through online magic shop.

All in all, I would say this book is a "all-rounder" book which means it covers a wide range or varieties of magic which I believe you will be delighted to read. If you are an amateur magician, don't pass it by this book and if you are a season perfessional magician, perhaps you would like to invest or collect this book in your collection.

Andrew Loh

Introduction

2008-11-01T19:30:00.001-07:00

Before I embark my exodus in writing my blog, perhaps it is better for me to introduce more about myself. My name is Andrew Loh Shang Hai and I have been in the art of magic about 16 years. During that time when I was a child, one day, I watched David Copperfield performed magic in the television. Ever since then, my interest in magic gradually increasing and my father used to purchase a few small simple magic stuffs for me.

Until now, my interest in card magic has never been drained and I am still continue striving my best to come up some of my own unique card magic. Yes, I should admit that most of the time, the ideas that I came up with are actually variations or as an improvement on the original effects.

If you are interested to purchase some of my stuffs, you can do so by clicking the ads below which will bring you to the respective pages.

Thanks!

Andrew Loh

Out of Curiosity?

2008-11-01T09:50:00.000-07:00

Today I managed to purchase a card magic book which is specially written for amateur. You may ask at my level, why am I still purchased a beginner's card magic book? It sounds foolish isn't it? To tell you the truth, I bought this book was due to this book somewhat attracted me to buy it.

How many times you find yourself attract to a particular book at a bookstore? This book at first attracted me to pick up and I gone through briefly the pages. My finding was this book is written in a very organised and vivid detail manner.

I really like the layout of the book which I believe I can learn from it and I hope I can derive the benefit from it. Another bonus for this book is, it is a hardback version. All in all, I really like the design of this book and I hope this book gives me some ideas of producing a beautiful card magic book in the near future.

Andrew Loh