Dark Thief & Entanglement - My Review

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

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: http://www.cardicianden.com

ALSH

Manual Impact - My Review

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

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: http://www.cardicianden.com

ALSH

Cardrology - New E-Book

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: http://www.cardicianden.com

ALSH

The Confusing Jokers - New E-Book

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: http://www.cardicianden.com

ALSH

American Dream - My Review

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

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: http://www.cardicianden.com

ALSH

Collins Extreme & Gangsta's Paradise - My Review

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.