My Review - Deluxe Nest of Wallets

I have been enamoured on the plot where you vanish a coin or ring and later the performer retrieves it from a nest of plastic containers or alien saucer (if you know what I mean) and the like. I am so sure such plot would appeal to most magicians including myself.

To be honest, I have constantly looking for such magic props to incorporate into my act but over the years, I am not content to what I am doing because in order to use such props, you have to do some preparation and the like. Recently, I got the Deluxe Nest of Wallets by Nicolas Einhorn and Alan Wong from one of the magic dealers this year.

The quality of the wallets are outstanding and they are highly durable. Upon learning the secrets, I discovered that the method behind these wallets is so easy and very clever. Unlike those conventional props where there is a "knacking" part you need to overcome. In effect, you may borrow a ring or a coin. You magically cause the borrowed item to vanish and appear in the wallets. 

All in all, this is a great set of wallets and I am glad that I perform this all the time in my act. I would recommend highly for those of you who favour such effect. You will not be disappointed with the quality of these wallets.

ALSH

My Review - The Legendary Hierophant

One of the most interesting parts in going through card magic books is its vast array of materials with various plots and routines.

This month, I am going to review my recent encounter with a hierophant. I am just kidding! The subject is Mr Racherbaumer's "The Legendary Hierophant" which is an excellent book that I truly enjoyed recently. There are various interesting plots to be explored and I think an investment in this book is worth it. I am a fan of Joseph K. Schmidt on his black-and-white illustrations in which you will find them in this book.

The plots covered in this book are card sleights, open prediction, collectors, card sandwiches and many more. I found a few items to my liking and technically speaking, this book is suitable to intermediate or advanced cardician. 

I will share some of my favourite items once I going through the whole book. At the same time, I will update my review as I progress further into this book.

ALSH

My Review - Dresscode

As you may aware that in my blog, my passion and interest would always be card magic. What I am about to review is something beyond my comfort zone all this while. I should say that I am quite lucky to get  Dresscode by Calen Morelli out of my curiosity and with a special price that I got from a dealer. This is one of the DVDs that I really enjoyed, if not one of the most practical and unique magic that can be done nothing more than an ordinary shirt. The concept behind of the magic is simply brilliant! 

The reason I enjoyed this DVD is because the flow of the learning process is organised very well. Just click "play" and you will be directed to an A to Z workshop. Calen explains in great details such as the materials needed on how to construct the shirt as well as tips on perfoming the Dresscode. 

Surprisingly, the construction of the shirt is not difficult at all as Calen explains step by step on how to make one for yourself. If you are like me who always like to put on a coat or a blazer while performing close-up magic for walkaround situation, this is a great opportunity not to miss the magic. It is worth to add this into your act as it has many applications. You will be excited to play around with ideas as you move along with the tutorial. 

I also like Calen includes some nice subtleties as well as troubleshooting on the process of making the gimmick. Thus, making this DVD an excellent and complete tutorial. Most of my questions in terms of making and performing Dresscode were all addressed by Calen. 

All in all, this is an excellent effect and it is well worth to add this into your repertoire. I really like to use this as revelation and I can attest that it garners huge reaction from layman. I am glad I did! 

ALSH

My Review - Showcase Magic

Recently I had a great time in going through Paul Lelekis' "Showcase Magic!" that contains 7 excellent routines along with a bonus item. This is my first time to post my review on Paul's latest eBook. For those of you who may not familiar who Paul is, well, he is a regular contributor of The Linking Ring. If you would like to know more about the author, read the pdf at the prologue section and I think you will find something useful. In addition, this section also covers some golden advice as a performer that I find it invaluable as Paul is a professional magician and I am sure his advice would benefit to fellow readers. 

The eBook is divided into three sections; the "Prologue" section as mentioned earlier is worth of your time to go through as it provides you very useful insights and advice, the second part is "Gambling" routines and the final section is "Magic for Children and Adults" that I really enjoyed very much in terms of the routines. It's a 33-page eBook and most of the routines are fantastic and highly practical. 

I really enjoyed reading each of the routine as Paul provides you the patter as well as the psychology behind of the particular routine. In other words, what you purchase is well worth of your money. You will gain lots of insights from Paul as well. Perhaps the word "addicted" would be best described throughout my journey while exploring the effects in the eBook. However, having said that, this eBook is not recommended for beginners.

The material ranges from intermediate to advance card handling skills. If you were to ask me what are my favourites. I would say it's well worth of your time to check out Paul's version on "Out of this World" featuring his "Lelekis Full Deck False Shuffle" that can be found in the bonus section. Perhaps you may think that you have to go through the hard way to learn this particular shuffle by reading and following photos or illustrations. Well, worry not, you will be given a password to access the performance and explanation on the particular false shuffle that can be found at Mike Powers' website.

I also strongly urge you to check out the "Spectator Deals a Royal Flush!" and I really like the construction of the routine. It's just excellent and in fact, I did try to perform it yesterday and my circle of friends just enjoyed it very much! "Stickman" is a novel way of making a hand-drawn stickman to transfer from one card to another. It's very clever and I really like the mechanics involved as it's not very difficult to do. Other routines that attract my attention are "Location, Location, Location", and "1, #2, 3 Coin Routine". I don't have the chance to try out the "Card Under Glass" as when the occasion is right, I will give this a shot.  

All in all, "Showcase Magic" is an outstanding eBook that you would not want to miss. I am not going to disclose the rests of the items as I think it's well worth of your time to check them out. I am sure you will find many usable routines in this eBook if not, will actually attempt some of the routines for your own enjoyment. Most of the eBooks that Paul released are worth of your investment and his passion in card magic really shines throughout in his writings.

Highly recommended!

ALSH

My Review - CCARN

I had a pleasure in going through József Kovács' CCARN (Chosen Card At Random Number) recently and I would like to say it's a very clever and nice little routine. Please do not get confuse with the ACAAN plot as this is a different effect and the title says it all. 

It's a 3-page (includes the front cover) pdf, well laid out and mind you, there is no single illustration that you could find. The steps are explained in a very straightforward manner and I think it would be better if the author could include some simple illustrations on the cutting cards sequence so that the reader could follow the steps easily. There is a simple formula that you need to follow but I believe with practice, you will remember its sequence easily.

The beauty of this routine lies in its simplicity and elegant construction that involves two decks in the performance. However, there is a set-up you need to do beforehand and surprisingly, it's not difficult at all. The only requirement is that you must have more than three decks (includes the set-up) at your disposal. In terms of the routine, what I like is that apparently, the entire sequence looks very fair as the spectators can shuffle and cut the packets. In spite of the fairness of the procedure, this works 100% automatically all the time; that is the spectator is able to locate the chosen card in the pack. 

To sum up, in performance, suppose any card is selected (the King of Spades) and then buried into the deck by the spectator. Using a second deck, a number is very fairly generated, again by the spectator (let's say 25). You won't believe this, but the 25th card dealt to is in the first deck - the King of Spades!

In a nutshell, this is a simple and effective card routine. If you don't mind with the setting up of the pack, I think this routine is very strong and plays very well to any audience.

Get this pdf at the price of $7.50 at lybrary.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

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

My Review - Emoticon

This is the second item that I received from Andrew Galanter. I was one of the lucky readers to receive a review copy. This is Emoticon and it is a routine that you can do with a packet of cards.

The pdf has 12 pages and the file size is 447 KB. The price of this pdf is $3. This effect requires you to use some different backed cards which I think most readers should not have any problem in obtaining these items. In addition, this routine is not very difficult to do.

In terms of the pdf, the author provides a very detailed explanation on each of the phases with great credits at the end of the explanation. In addition, the author also includes Youtube links on each of the phases so that the reader may grasp or have a clearer picture how the particular phase should look like. So, without further ado, let's examine what Emoticon is all about.

Emoticon is a packet trick that talks about emotions. I think the basic patter line serves as a good starting point. Personally speaking, based on the overall effect, the routine seems very strong because at the end of the routine, the performer shows the cards with different backs and a magical card is produced that shows "Therapist". However, I think the reader must familiarise himself with the overall effect before attempting the routine. The reason is because the routine is not merely "do and show" kind of act. Otherwise, the audience may have the difficulty and confuse what the effect is all about.  

However, the author did provide a very basic patter but I guess the reader still needs to think something that is more suitable and interesting to fit the routine. There are many technical sleights involved in each of the phases but as I mentioned earlier, I think it would be great if there is a great patter to support each of the phases. Or in other words, to make sense of it what you actually going to attempt. 

Overall, I like the routine. As mentioned earlier, if you could provide a good patter line to support those phases, I think the end climax may serve as a killer catalyst and the best part is, you may hand out the cards for examination and it instantly resets. I think $3 is a great deal for this little powerful routine. I couldn't ask for more.       

ALSH

My Review - Principles and Deceptions

Card Magic is a fascinating subject. The fascinating subject that I am referring to is not the experience that I gained from watching television or live performances in this context. The subject I am talking about is card principles.

It is because after reading and trying out some of the card principles, I discovered that card principles are very magical and even though if you know the secrets, still, if you follow each steps precisely, they will work! At times, they are very strong especially the cards can be given out for shuffling or cuts and yet, they still work as miracles!

Loyal readers know that I am a huge fan of Peter Duffie, who seems to spend a good deal of time in writing and publishing numerous wonderful eBooks. Previously, I was too occupied with my studies and I considered that as an inactive period in magic. Recently, with a deck of playing cards in my hands, I spent my spare time in going through Peter Duffie's Principles & Deceptions, which is a truly wonderful and mind-stimulating eBook.

It is an 18-page pdf, the size of the file is 925 KB and there are 6 parts detailing each of the principles. Each parts is hyperlinked and it makes the reader very easy in terms of navigating the whole pdf. In addition, there is a bonus section that explains Dave Campbell's Automatic Speller which is a fantastic routine!  

The card principles covered are not brand new and I am sure if you have been in card magic for long, you may come across the following names before such as "Gilbreath Principle", "Rusduck's Stay Stack", "Hummer Principle", "Finnel's Free Cut Principle" and among others. What makes this pdf stands out is after learning each of the principles, the author provides a test to challenge the reader's understanding.

I find that the tests are some sort of "mind-stimulant" foods which to induce the reader to explore more possibilities after learning a particular card principle. Another interesting side is that I learned quite a number of interesting facts and important bits of history on the creators of the card principles. 

Overall, I really, really enjoyed this eBook and hopefully, this ebook would serve as a progress in terms of my thinking and approaching in card magic principles. In addition, I also believe that this eBook would serve as a stepping stone to those who love card principles. I always find that the author's approaches to card principles are brilliant which not only can be found in this pdf, but also in his other eBooks such as Ulterior Motifs, and Cards in Principles which are commendable. Just do yourself a favour by visiting the author's online shop and you will be surprised with the large varieties of eBooks available.

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

ALSH 

My Review - Just Cards Vol.1

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

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

My Review - Four Cast

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

Covert Assembly & Embellished - My Review

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

Business as Usual - My Review

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tri-Wave - My Review

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