My Reflections

"My Reflections" eBook is available now featuring 10 of my personal repertoire card magic. 

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.

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 have read the book and liked it. My personal favourites are Royal Mates, Divide & Concure, The Hackers, Cannibals Journey and Clandestine Twister. As I like simple and powerful magic, I think the two tricks in the Simple Effects chapter are especially great. The layout of the book is beautiful as always. 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 at: http://www.cardicianden.com

ALSH

My Review - Cheque This!

Recently, I had my wonderful time in going through Cameron Francis' latest "Cheque This!" pdf. Judging its title, you may think that perhaps the author has come up a magic routine that has something to do with cheques or money magic. Believe it or not, this is a wonderful card routine that I look forward performing for my next gathering with the use of a single cheque. 

Of course, the above is not just merely a card magic routine with a cheque but I should say it's a complete wonderful routine. At first, when I watched the complete performance, this reminds me of the "Bill in Lemon" routine. Obviously, this routine has a difference in terms of incorporating card magic to enhance the overall effect with the use of the single cheque. 

In addition to the above props, of course you need an "extra" something that most magicians have in their arsenal. The author also explains how to use that certain something to do a very magical transformation on the bill. Let's start off by reviewing what's the contents in the pdf.

The pdf contains 7 pages and I really like the author covers every nuances in terms of the handling in the video clips that can be accessed at Vimeo. Of course, there is a password you need in order to access those instructional clips. The pdf is well laid out and there is a template section where you can print out the cheque to incorporate into the routine. Lastly, there is a bonus section where the author explains a bonus revelation that is the very well known "1089 Force". This is actually an extension to the above routine and it's optional to include this in the performance. 

In a nutshell, I really enjoyed everything as laid out and explained by the author in the pdf. If you are like me, who always do not like to do set up or having a mess with the lemon juice (Bill in Lemon) during your act, you may like to give this routine a try as I can see there is a lot of magical happenings and I think your audience will enjoy such magic routine. In addition, you may carry this mini miracle in your pocket which takes a very little of space and perform wonders in no time. 

ALSH

Delicious Card Magic is on the way...

My next card magic eBook is coming soon...

Colour Flight

This is a mini card effect that I usually carry around in my card wallet and I regard this effect as my pet routine. This effect can be done using normal cards and can be handed out for examination after the performance. 

If you like a packet card effect that has a connection with a lesson in gambling, this is the card effect that you are looking for. Basically, in performance, you show two packets of cards, you place one of the packets onto the table and magically, one at a time, the cards transpose with the other. While the spectators are busy looking onto the cards, you nail them with an unexpected revelation; that is the Jokers have different contrasting backs! 

Best of all, as I mentioned earlier, everything can be handed out for examination. Also included a bonus handling for those who like the "phantom" theme.

Here's what a few of them say:

"Great routine, Andrew! The two additional effects are equally good. I particularly like The Messengers. Words and letters on cards always play well. This one is excellent."

-- 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.cardicianden.com

ALSH

Magic References

If you have been visiting my card magic blog from time to time, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for being a loyal visitor or reader.

I would be glad if my blog serves as a portal where to help you in decision making such as whether or not to purchase certain magic products, reviews and among other reasons.

Having said that, I am going to implement a list of useful references in the context of card effects as well as other plots in magic. I hope this blog would serve as a useful portal for magicians to find something they are looking for.

ALSH

Liquid Cards

This is my personal favourite Oil & Water routine that uses 7 cards!

Oil & Water routine has been around for few decades simply because it is easy to understand and entertaining. In addition, the separation of the cards looks very magical. 

Today, there are numerous versions available in the market. What I would like to offer is something that I have been performing in my act for about three years that based on my own handling in tackling this wonderful plot.   

In my version, the cards are regular and can be examined both before and after the performances. 

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

Here's what a few of them say:

"I really like this routine. I also like the idea of using 7 cards - 3 water and 4 oil."
-- Peter Duffie

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

ALSH

New Card Magic Ebook... Coming Soon!

New Ebook coming soon!

I am going to release an exciting eBook that contains 10 delicious card effects with an emphasis on easy and entertaining card magic. The material ranges from easy to intermediate level card handler.

The 10 card effects featuring in this eBook are culled directly from my working repertoire. All the routine described in this work are all audience tested.

In this exciting upcoming new eBook, you will learn:

- a super-easy and effortless four-Ace production.

- a cyber intrusion card routine based on a clever card principle.

- an impressive and unexpected two-phase revelation card routine.

- and plus many more exciting card effects await you.

Would't you want this e-book in your collection?

Watch this space!

ALSH

Mix Up & Match

In the year of 2006, while I was shopping, I discovered unique rubber bands that have various shapes in them such as fruits, vegetables, animals and others. 

I bought a few of them and started to create some of my favourite routines. I realised that these special rubber bands have been in the market for quite some time and there are many versions available in the market. 

In this version, this routine has two phases and involves two spectators. Basically, it involves a prediction and your spectators will not realise until they come to the final revelation. Best of all, everything can be given out for examination. In addition, it instantly resets. You may carry this little effect in your pocket which it does not take up a lot of space. You can perform this effect at anytime and anywhere.  

I have been performing this little gem ever since I came up with it. I regard this item as one of my pet routines. This routine is very flexible and the prediction can be changed from time to time. 

Comes complete with 20 Bicycle cards, 5 high quality silicone rubber bands and an instruction sheet. 

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

ALSH

My Review - Wave Epic

Here is my review of Wave Epic by John Gelasi. In the pdf, it contains a collection of 8 brainwave (B'Wave) card effects. Ever since Phil Goldstein released B'Wave, the plot appeals to me a lot and many magicians came up with their own versions that you can find in many sources. Some indeed very powerful and highly entertaining. If you have no idea what I am talking about, perhaps John Gelasi's "Wave Epic" may kickstart your new journey to the B'Wave world.

I really like the front page of the pdf is nicely designed, sleek and very professional. The pdf contains 22 pages and as mentioned earlier, it contains 8 card effects all related to B'Wave. Well, not exactly all the effects 100% that relate to B'Wave but you will appreciate the author's thinking and approaches to the plot.

You will find the B'Wave plot fuses with card sandwich, blank facers developed themselves with the image of the spectator's named card, and many other interesting revelations. Each of the effects is provided a video link and you have a chance to watch how the effects look like in real performance. So, allow me to review each of the following effects.

The Royal Wave

This is a very simple and yet a powerful revelation at the end of the routine. One of my favourites and I really like the simplicity of this effect. Excellent!

Another Wave Pun

The only difference in this multi-phase effect with the usual B'Wave plot is instead of revealing the unique selection in a packet of cards, the performer shows "Pick Me!" or "Don't Pick Me!" on the back of the cards. I still prefer the original because the back of the cards provides a striking revelation. Perhaps other readers may find this to their fancy. 

Joker' Wave

This is another interesting effect which emphasises on presentation and patter. The routine is not very difficult to do. However, I personally think that it would be great to reveal the written AH first and after that comes with the revelation of AH. That way, the climax may be great. Just my humble two cents. 

Making Waves

This is a multi-phase effect involves that two packets of cards; the Aces and the Queens. This is a great and powerful routine. In addition, I really like the author's approach in the efficient use of both packets to end the routine with a great climax that stresses on gambling theme. Nice!

iWave

Another interesting item. I like the effect but I will end the routine in a slightly different way with the use of George Sand's Prime Number Principle. Instead of using the AC, AS and AH, I will end them with the 3S, 3H and 3C to match the spectator's selection. The reaction would be much better as you claimed from the beginning you were not sure what cards (perhaps the four Queens) and at the end, you nail the selection along with locating the mates of the selection. 

B'rainteaser

This is one my favourite items. This effect requires careful patter and presentation. The blank cards seem to develop into the named Jack of Diamonds. The whole effect looks very magical. However, in this kind of effect, as usual, at the end of the routine, the cards cannot be given out for examination. But, I like the effect!

Scatterbrain

This is a nice effect with an emphasis on the production of the Aces in a visual manner. Another one of my favourite items. 

Prism Wave

This effect has multiple phases but to be honest, I think it can be improved in terms of the "what if" phase. Please don't get me wrong; this is not a complaint as I like the effect. This routine just reminds me of John Bannon's "Spin Doctors" and I know it's not related to Gelasi's effect. If you are familiar with John Bannon's "Spin Doctors", you know what I am talking about. There is a discrepancy involved I just feel the phase where the production of the AH needs a solid patter to support the revelation. Again, this is just my humble two cents!    

My mind is now full of "Brainwave" juices because of toying around too much with the plot. I am sure John Gelasi's "Wave Epic" may kickstart your journey in exploring the wonderful possibilities of "Brainwave" effects. I quite enjoyed the effects in this collection and you may find some of his approaches in the above effects refreshing and usable. There are few effects that require magician's choice or equivoque. Worry not as the author provides the patter in great detail along with great credits at the end of each effects. I look forward to performing some of the effects above for my next gathering events.  

ALSH