Things With Cards focuses on Nate Kranzo's card material. Included in the book are false cuts, card routines, utility moves, and four of a kind productions. According to Nate, "The material is anywhere from dead easy, to very difficult. It’s all visual." Here's what is explained...
In the Hands Freeman- Four Aces are produced in the midst of a riffle shuffle. Not much else can be said. This is a quick, practical method for producing any four-of-a-kind.
Stick 4- This is another visual four-of-a-kind production that is pretty simple to do. I will not describe the exact effect for fear of tipping the method, but I will say that this is one of the only effects in the notes that cannot be done with a completely straight deck. However, the gimmick involved is minimal and allows for a ultra visual appearance of the Aces (or whatever.)
For Instant- One card explodes into four. This is a bit knacky, but I imagine it would look very good. Unfortunately this seems to be one of those things that would be easier to learn from seeing it in action on a video.
Trans AM- This is a visual two card transposition between a selection resting on the back of your hand and a card placed in your pocket. It feels risky to perform but everything is surprisingly secure.
Invisible Elasticity II- This was my favorite effect from the notes. An invisible rubber band is wrapped around the deck. A signed selection is slid beneath it. When the selection is pulled to the right is snaps back. Next, the magician drops the cards into the spectators hands where a rubberband visually appears encircling the deck. Finally, the selection is placed face up into the center of the pack and is visually pulled up through the deck and rubberband. A demo video of this effect can be seen at Nate's site (http://www.hismagic.com/?page_id=15). Scroll down to the Things With Cards section and click to play the embedded YouTube video.
Standing Up to Ray and Bill- Nate's handling of the classic Triumph effect has a few things going for it. First, everything can be performed completely in the hands without the need for a table. Second, it is relatively simple to perform. Finally, Nate has managed to change the effect by altering the revelation. Instead of the cards magically righting themselves after being shuffled face up into face down, Nate causes the cards visually right themselves before the shuffle is completed. Best of all, the change happens with the cards held in only one hand. Believe me, this looks really cool.
Thumb Variation- This is Nate's touch on a color change inspired by John Cornelius's "Winter Change" and Steve Draun's "Starfish Change." As I'm not familiar with the aforementioned changes, I cannot really comment on Nate's additions.
Unnecessary Cut- This cutting sequence that does not alter the order of the cards, but I do not prefer it to most other false cuts (including the other one included in this book). I have a feeling that I might like this better if I could see it in action as it is another piece that would be a little easier to grasp from watching a video.
Small Packet Reversal- In Nate's words, "I do not plan on explaining any routines using this sleight because I feel that it is versatile enough to be used in just about any small-packet routine." Unfortunately, this is once again something that would be easier learned from a video.
Sekel Tuc and The Dancy Revelation- Luke Dancy's false cut is fairly simple to perform compared to most other fancy cutting sequences. It can also be used to produce four of a kind in a quick, visual manner. This was featured on Luke Dancy's Magic For The Eyes DVD. Those who have witnessed it can attest to how visually shocking the production can be.
You will notice I have mentioned that a few of these effects would be easier learned from a video. I make this comment as a warning to readers who have difficulty learning from the written word. This is not a bash at the author for not explaining things clearly. The effects are explained clearly and can be learned in this format; my assertion is just that things would be easier to understand if they could be seen in action.
My only complaint with the explanations of the effects is that there was a little less attention to detail than I would have wished for. For example, the instructions may call for the Aces to be set up on top of the deck. However, later in the explanation, the author may reference the Kings. This is a minor mistake that will not interfere with your understanding of the material.
Overall, the material is good but not for everyone. If you are in to slick card moves and fancy productions your money will be well spent. Others may feel more satisfied from Nate's other tremendous material available for instant download from his website. (Check out my review for his In The Heat of the Desert Lecture Notes.) While you don't have to be a finger-flinger to enjoy this e-book, Nate's other offerings are more suited for the magician looking to quickly add a few things to his repetoire.
-Available from http://www.hismagic.com/?page_id=15
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Steve Mayhew: Angels May Shuffle But The Devil Still Deals
Steve Mayhew's Angels May Shuffle But The Devil Still Deals e-book is not just a cool name for a publication, it is a wonderful resource for a few very powerful gambling routines and one equally powerful principle that many performers will enjoy exploring. Here is what is explained...
The Ultimate Double-Duke- The performer shuffles the deck a few times and invites a spectator to riffle shuffle and cut. The magician then claims he will cull a Flush in Spades to the bottom of the deck. An audience member selects which player in a four-handed game will receive the perfect Flush. The cards are dealt fairly to every player except the designated "partner" who receives cards dealt from the bottom. The partner is left with a perfect Flush, but the magician receives an even better hand.
The effect requires a bit of riffle or overhand stacking. While the author briefly explains simple systems that will do the trick, those not familiar with these techniques will most likely want to perform one of the other routines in the book. Also, while a bottom deal is involved, the structure of the effect allows you to expose the deal as part of the demonstration. In other words, since you tell the audience you are going to deal off the bottom, you don't have to deal a deceptive bottom to perform the routine.
The Ultimate Gardner-Marlo- The cards are riffle shuffled by the spectator and given a cut. A six-handed game of poker is dealt with the dealer dealing a bottom to himself. Amazingly, the dealer has managed to deal himself a perfect Flush from a shuffled deck. The demonstration is repeated. This time, however, the cards appear to be dealt fairly off the top. For the finish, the dealer reveals that he dealt himself an even better hand than before.
This is simply an amazing routine. If the effect appeals to you, I do not doubt that this routine alone would be worth the price of the notes. The best part is, it is completely self-working. The authors even mention that it is possible to have the spectator perform the routine.
Ten Card Finale- After the spectator riffle shuffles the deck, ten cards are dealt to the table. The spectator deals the cards between himself and the performer. The spectator receives a perfect Flush, but the magician still receives the winning hand.
This is not a stand-alone piece; it is designed to be an add-on to any existing Ten Card Poker Deal. Therefore, its success will largely depend on the routine that proceeds it. Also, the authors do not describe the handling of the classic effect; they only offer a solution to the primary problem with many versions of the trick: there is no ending. While this application of Mayhew's principle results in a good finish, it requires the performer to use a somewhat difficult sleight at bad time, since the spectator will be burning the performer's hands. This is the weakest effect in the notes.
Blackjack- The cards are riffle shuffled by a spectator and four Blackjack hands are dealt. The spectator is asked to play a game against the magician. To make things extra fair, the spectator is allowed to choose the three hands he would like to play, leaving the magician with one. The spectator turns his cards face up to reveal each hand adds up to 20. The magician states that he won't even look at his cards. "In fact, you can look at them and decide if I should take a hit... no matter what value my hand is!" The magician's cards are turned over to reveal 21 (Ten and an Ace). The magician turns around and realizes he is in a bit of a pickle. The spectator's tell him to hit. Amazingly he still wins the game by receiving another ten (Ten + Ten + Ace = 10 + 10 + 1 = 21).
Steve has managed to get a lot of mileage out of combining a simple switch with his "Angel Shuffle" principle. The result is an entertaining routine that strays from the beaten path of most gambling routines.
Freedom- The Mayhew Poker Deal- In short, the cards are shuffled face up into face down. The performer then proceeds to deal all the face up cards from the center (the top card remains face down during the dealing.) For the finale, the four Aces are dealt face up from the center. The cards are spread to show that all the face up cards were dealt.
Allan Ackerman calls this routine "one of the most popular dealing demos ever." It is a bonus that has nothing to do with the principle used in the previous effects. While it is definitely not suited for the beginner as a lot of false dealing is involved, an intermediate to advanced card man could gain quite a reputation with the routine. It will surely have a tremendous impact on any lay audience. The author mentions the primary two reasons why this routine is so good:
At any rate, if you are looking for gambling good gambling demonstrations, look no further than Steve Mayhew's Angels May Shuffle But The Devil Still Deals. Recommended.
-Available from www.Lybrary.com
The Ultimate Double-Duke- The performer shuffles the deck a few times and invites a spectator to riffle shuffle and cut. The magician then claims he will cull a Flush in Spades to the bottom of the deck. An audience member selects which player in a four-handed game will receive the perfect Flush. The cards are dealt fairly to every player except the designated "partner" who receives cards dealt from the bottom. The partner is left with a perfect Flush, but the magician receives an even better hand.
The effect requires a bit of riffle or overhand stacking. While the author briefly explains simple systems that will do the trick, those not familiar with these techniques will most likely want to perform one of the other routines in the book. Also, while a bottom deal is involved, the structure of the effect allows you to expose the deal as part of the demonstration. In other words, since you tell the audience you are going to deal off the bottom, you don't have to deal a deceptive bottom to perform the routine.
The Ultimate Gardner-Marlo- The cards are riffle shuffled by the spectator and given a cut. A six-handed game of poker is dealt with the dealer dealing a bottom to himself. Amazingly, the dealer has managed to deal himself a perfect Flush from a shuffled deck. The demonstration is repeated. This time, however, the cards appear to be dealt fairly off the top. For the finish, the dealer reveals that he dealt himself an even better hand than before.
This is simply an amazing routine. If the effect appeals to you, I do not doubt that this routine alone would be worth the price of the notes. The best part is, it is completely self-working. The authors even mention that it is possible to have the spectator perform the routine.
Ten Card Finale- After the spectator riffle shuffles the deck, ten cards are dealt to the table. The spectator deals the cards between himself and the performer. The spectator receives a perfect Flush, but the magician still receives the winning hand.
This is not a stand-alone piece; it is designed to be an add-on to any existing Ten Card Poker Deal. Therefore, its success will largely depend on the routine that proceeds it. Also, the authors do not describe the handling of the classic effect; they only offer a solution to the primary problem with many versions of the trick: there is no ending. While this application of Mayhew's principle results in a good finish, it requires the performer to use a somewhat difficult sleight at bad time, since the spectator will be burning the performer's hands. This is the weakest effect in the notes.
Blackjack- The cards are riffle shuffled by a spectator and four Blackjack hands are dealt. The spectator is asked to play a game against the magician. To make things extra fair, the spectator is allowed to choose the three hands he would like to play, leaving the magician with one. The spectator turns his cards face up to reveal each hand adds up to 20. The magician states that he won't even look at his cards. "In fact, you can look at them and decide if I should take a hit... no matter what value my hand is!" The magician's cards are turned over to reveal 21 (Ten and an Ace). The magician turns around and realizes he is in a bit of a pickle. The spectator's tell him to hit. Amazingly he still wins the game by receiving another ten (Ten + Ten + Ace = 10 + 10 + 1 = 21).
Steve has managed to get a lot of mileage out of combining a simple switch with his "Angel Shuffle" principle. The result is an entertaining routine that strays from the beaten path of most gambling routines.
Freedom- The Mayhew Poker Deal- In short, the cards are shuffled face up into face down. The performer then proceeds to deal all the face up cards from the center (the top card remains face down during the dealing.) For the finale, the four Aces are dealt face up from the center. The cards are spread to show that all the face up cards were dealt.
Allan Ackerman calls this routine "one of the most popular dealing demos ever." It is a bonus that has nothing to do with the principle used in the previous effects. While it is definitely not suited for the beginner as a lot of false dealing is involved, an intermediate to advanced card man could gain quite a reputation with the routine. It will surely have a tremendous impact on any lay audience. The author mentions the primary two reasons why this routine is so good:
1. It's fun to watch.
2. It doesn't require the spectators to know anything about gambling.
If you take the time to master the routine, your audiences will believe you are capable of anything with a deck of cards.
Overall, the routines are well structured and the "Angel Shuffle" principle begs to be played with. Even the casual hobbyist will recognize its power. My only concern with a couple of the effects (The Ultimate Double-Duke and Ten Card Finale) is that many spectators will have no grasp of the rankings of every poker hand. In other words, while most people recognize that a Royal Flush beats all other hands, many do not know that a Full House beats a Flush. This, of course, does not mean that these routines should be tossed aside. It only means that the performer must be careful to only perform these effects for those who have a background in poker. This is not a weakness of all of the effects, but I think it needs to be mentioned.At any rate, if you are looking for gambling good gambling demonstrations, look no further than Steve Mayhew's Angels May Shuffle But The Devil Still Deals. Recommended.
-Available from www.Lybrary.com
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Paul Wilson: Absolute Zero Evolution
Absolute Zero Evolution is a small PDF file available for instant download at rpaulwilson.com The cost is just $5. Here's the advertisement:
"Want to know how Paul Wilson fries magicians with their own deck? This is one of his most baffling ruses. You borrow ANY shuffled deck and have it cut it into three piles. Each pile is shuffled and a card is fairly selected and lost. The deck is then cut. All of this happens while the performer’s back is turned. Taking the deck, you can find the selected card INSTANTLY without looking through the faces! No set-up, the deck is genuinely shuffled. Nothing is added or taken away. Best of all, it’s so easy it hurts! Can even be performed blindfolded. Requirements: Any deck of cards (may be borrowed).
Difficulty: Easy."
Basically you're just paying for a killer card location that will fool you're audience whether it be magicians or laymen. The method is dead easy; it's just SOOOO simple. Don't discount the method because of it's simplicity. It's strong and that's what counts. Here's a list of conditions straight from Paul:
1. ANY shuffled deck may be used.
2. You NEVER look at the face of a single card.
3. You can perform the entire trick blindfolded.
4. The spectator cuts three piles, shuffles them, selects a card, loses it amongst the shuffled packets then cuts so you cannot possibly estimate – all while your back is turned (or you’re blindfolded).
5. You take the deck and find the card INSTANTLY. No fishing, no uncertainty – you have the card as soon as you have the deck.
For only $5, it's worth the investment. My guess is that you'll be put off by it's simplicity at first. Once you get over yourself, you'll start to use it and you will FOOL people. (at least that's what happened to me) Recommended.
-Available from www.RPaulWilson.com
"Want to know how Paul Wilson fries magicians with their own deck? This is one of his most baffling ruses. You borrow ANY shuffled deck and have it cut it into three piles. Each pile is shuffled and a card is fairly selected and lost. The deck is then cut. All of this happens while the performer’s back is turned. Taking the deck, you can find the selected card INSTANTLY without looking through the faces! No set-up, the deck is genuinely shuffled. Nothing is added or taken away. Best of all, it’s so easy it hurts! Can even be performed blindfolded. Requirements: Any deck of cards (may be borrowed).
Difficulty: Easy."
Basically you're just paying for a killer card location that will fool you're audience whether it be magicians or laymen. The method is dead easy; it's just SOOOO simple. Don't discount the method because of it's simplicity. It's strong and that's what counts. Here's a list of conditions straight from Paul:
1. ANY shuffled deck may be used.
2. You NEVER look at the face of a single card.
3. You can perform the entire trick blindfolded.
4. The spectator cuts three piles, shuffles them, selects a card, loses it amongst the shuffled packets then cuts so you cannot possibly estimate – all while your back is turned (or you’re blindfolded).
5. You take the deck and find the card INSTANTLY. No fishing, no uncertainty – you have the card as soon as you have the deck.
For only $5, it's worth the investment. My guess is that you'll be put off by it's simplicity at first. Once you get over yourself, you'll start to use it and you will FOOL people. (at least that's what happened to me) Recommended.
-Available from www.RPaulWilson.com
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