Vanish Magic Magazine 59
Vanish Magic Magazine 59
Vanish Magic Magazine 59
JUNE 2019
No. 59
MAY 2019
NO. 58
RUBÉN VILAGRAND
Counting down to another sold-out convention.
T H E M O ST I N N OVAT I VE CU B E PR E D I CT I O N
O N E F R E E LY M I XE D CU B E - O N E PH OTO
MORE
INFORMATION:
INBOX REVEAL
Send a prediction by email
to your : N
spectator
I NEEbefore
S SA
they touched the cube.
stsinoisullI ehT
GNINIART SIS
”tsitonpyH ehT “ sa
M O C .
www.gentlemens-magic.com/rubiked
Y T I S R
a n a i V a ss e n aV : o t o h P
N P Y H E G AT S E T E L P M O C YREV
DETIMIL
V I N U S I S O N P Y H E G AT S
SGNINEPO
CK
WHAT’S
INSIDE...
| 32 | MAGIC-ZINE PAGE
Joe Ledoux
| 36 | PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT
TRU XTREME By Menny Lindenfeld
52
| 52 | HOUSE OF CARDS
42 NIck Lewin
| 62 | PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT
RECUBED by Kev G.
|08 | NEWS
| 64 | YOUNG MAGICIANS CORNER
|16| PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT Joshua Endress
THE WATCH - Joao Miranda
| 68 | 8 RULES OF ZEN
Kris Kon
|20 |INSIDE STORY
THE WATCH
| 72 | IS CARDISTRY MAGIC?
David J. Atwood
|22 | ALL THINGS BEING EQUAL
Gregory Wilson & David Gripenwaldt | 76 | MAGIC IS EDUCATION
Jeff Christensen
|24 |FRANK PRODUCTIONS
Chiam Yu Sheng
| 82 | KIDS MAGIC
Colin Underwood
|28| TRAVELLING TEAR TAB | 92 | REVIEWS
Louie Foxx
6 VANISH Magazine www.VanishMagazine.com
JUNE 2019 - Edition 59
VA N I S H
Internatonal Magic Magazine FROM THE
EDITOR
PUBLISHER
Paul Romhany & Joomag
COVER PHOTO
Sebastian Konopix
SILENT COMEDY
THANK YOU TO
Chipper Lowell One of my original goals for VANISH was to introduce artists who are
slightly under the magic radar, to feature them in an article, or cover story
… something that might not happen if they are not “IN” the right circles. It
ASSOCIATE EDITOR / LAYOUT FEATURE
makes me proud to have helped introduce them to a wider audience and
Hal Meyers
to watch them flourish, grow and evolve into amazing magical entertainers.
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Nick Lewin This months cover story is Rubén Vilagrand from Spain. Rubén brings the
Spanish school of magic principles to his stage show and has produced
an extremely original magical presentation. Having spent the past 30 plus
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
years creating my own silent comedy magic show, I know the amount
Ben Robinson
of hard work required to devise this type of performance. When I watch
Rubén I can see all the passion and thought behind what he does, and it
shows on stage. He has become one of my all time favorite magic acts and
STAFF WRITERS I am excited to be the first magazine to introduce him to the global magic
Jeff Christensen, Louie Fox, Nick Lewin, community.
Paul Romhany, Gregory Wilson, David
Gripenwaldt, Hal Meyers, David J. Atwood,
Colin Underwood, Thomas Swieciak, , Joe Nick Lewin has written a wonderful piece on House of Cards in Nashville,
Ledoux, TN. When contemplating the future of performance venues, I believe they
have done everything with panache. This could very well be the way we see
EDITORIAL SUPPORT EXECUTIVE magic showcased around the world.
Hal Meyers, Ben Robinson
This month we have a few extra Product Highlights. This has become a
ADVERTISING COORDINATOR very popular part of VANISH, offering us the chance to share products we
Paul Romhany & Sydnie Anderson feel go the extra mile and stand-out amongst the many that are released
monthly. One thing we recently noticed is the production quality of the
CREATIVE DESIGNER & LAYOUT tricks is much better than previous years, and we rarely get effects we feel
Paul Romhany aren't worth reviewing. Looking back over reviews of the past seven years
you can see a trend towards single trick releases, seldom do you see a DVD
on sale which offers 8-10 routines. As more and more young magicians
MARKETING EXECUTIVES
move towards performing on YouTube or Instagram the presentational
Steve Hocevar
focus seems to have changed. Magic is visually evolving into effects lasting
a few seconds. One stand out product this month is “Project M” by Mike Liu.
CIRCULATION & SUBSCRIPTION He has released a DVD with about 10 items, and while they are from his live
Harry Morgan act, they also provide the perfect 'quick' trick for Social Media. This is the
first product we've seen actually targeting and marketing a variety of ideas
ADDRESS to this type of performance environment. With technology on the rise it is
1183 Blind Bogey Drive also interesting to see how magicians use the latest knowledge to create
Qualicum Beach, BC. the most impossible routines. It's an exciting time for magic.
V9K1E6
CANADA
Paul Romhany
Editor
COPYRIGHT
All rights reserved. None of this magazine can be VANISH MAGAZINE www.VanishMagazine.com 7
reprinted electronically OR in hard form without the
permission of the editor. Photo courtesy of Nick Lewin
NEWS
Magic in Lapland, the TV series starring awarded Finnish magi- studied in Las Vegas. He was awarded the Performer of the Year
cian and illusionist Henri Kemppainen is completed. The English- 2016 by Evento Awards and the Master Magician Emeritus Reijo
language series offers visual fireworks and reveals the most mystic Salminen trophy in 2015 and 2016. He has performed in several
and beautiful destinations in Finland. international arenas, including Abu Dhabi.
The pyrotechnics are the work of Jani Järvinen, who has worked
for Tiësto, David Guetta, Armin van Buuren and Finnish rap icon
Elastinen, as well as created pyrotechnics for multiple TV series.
He stumped Penn & Teller on their hit Show opens Saturday June 1st and can be
TV show Fool Us. He has amazed and seen Monday thru Saturday at 7pm. In ad-
entertained audiences all over the world dition, matinee performances will be pre- The Wonders Theatre is located at
including years of performances at Caesars sented at 4pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 5911 Celebrity Circle in Broadway at
Palace in Las Vegas and The Magic Castle in This world class show will be a highlight the Beach. Ticket prices are $32.00 plus
Hollywood. Now Charles Bach brings his of the summer at Broadway at the Beach tax for adults and $18.00 plus tax for
latest and most ambitious production to through Labor Day weekend. children ages 3-12. Children under 3 are
the stage with Charles Bach Wonders. free in seat of paid adult. Don’t miss the
Adding to the excitement at Broadway at most unique and original show to come
Charles Bach Wonders is an imaginative, in- the Beach, visitors will be treated to sneak to the Grand Strand.
teractive theatrical experience that blends peaks of this exciting show each afternoon
mind-blowing magic with breath-taking in front of the reimagined Wonders Theatre For more information and reservations,
visuals and Willy Wonka whimsy to take which sits opposite the Dragon’s Lair Fan- call the theater’s info line at 843-286-
audiences into a world where the rules of tasy Golf and the Simpsons in 4D. Each day 5003 or visit www.wonderstickets.com.
reality no longer exist. Charles Bach will perform Live an incred-
ible Houdini-style escape.
During this magical journey, audiences are
treated to a vast array of artistic elements
including original magic & grand illusions,
beautiful dance choreography, playful
comedy, colorful and visual props, special
effects, plus two giant puppets called The
Tourists that add laughs and fun to the
audience experience. Charles will also
perform some pure sleight of hand and
close-up magic in the new show.
From now until June 21st, with your order of RUBICON 2.0 at The Secret Source,
you’ll receive over $100 worth of products for FREE!
Choose from one of two sets:
OPTION A OPTION B
$120 FREE PRODUCTS! $125 FREE PRODUCTS!
CHECK IT OUT!
www.thesecretsource.com
STEVENS MAGIC
EMPORIUM
SCOTT ST CLAIR
Collection
BLOODSUCKER R A T O O N 1 & 2
Five Outcomes - One Book Hard Hitting, Practical Mental Effects
"Highly recommended"
"This is a great book test -stop
Steve Drury &
reading this-and order it
Todd Landman
NOW!"
"Top stuff!"
Harvey Leeds
Ben Cardall
CROSS MY PALM
A Reading System Based On Coins
"My prediction - his rise will
continue for a long time."
Neal Scryer
"I’ll be using this – in fact
"I love this, I’ve already started!”
it's brilliant!" Richard Webster
Neal Scryer
"I wholeheartedly endorse it " "Should become a ‘standard’.”
Paul Voodini Lee Earle
Exclusively
AVAILABLE FROM
PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT
JOÃO MIRANDA
THE WATCH
The Watch is the final answer to the classic watch
prediction effect, where the magician correctly
predicts any named hour and minute, freely
chosen by the spectator.
THE WATCH IS A TECHNICAL MARVEL AND SOMETHING YOU ARE By the simple action of going to the pocket to
DEFINTIELY GOING TO USE. IT WORKS AS A REGULAR WATCH AND grab any object, the time input is accomplished.
WHEN YOU ARE READY TO PERFORM YOU CAN EASILY SWITCH IT
Take a look at the following features:
OVER.
- 10 button key pad that the performer presses
WHAT REALLY MAKES THIS STAND OUT IS THE THOUGHT THAT without even looking
HAS GONE IN TO CREATING A REMOTE THAT CAN BE IN YOUR - Remote feedback vibration
- The watch works as an everyday watch
POCKET AND BE EASILY OPERATED WITHOUT HAVING TO LOOK
- 15 second delay mode included that allows for
AT IT. HAVING SAID THAT, THERE IS A BRILLIANT IDEA ON THE a magical reveal
FACEBOOK PAGE WHICH MAKES IT EVEN EASIER TO OPERATE. - Magnetic watch activation
- The remote has integrated battery level
AS A STAND ALONE ITEM OF IN CONJUNCTION WITH OTHER indication
- The watch battery lasts for over 1000
ROUTINES THE WATCH IS 100% RELIABLE AND OFFERS SOME VERY performances with one single charge
UNIQUE FEATURES THAT MAKE THIS A REAL WORKER! - The watch uses Swedish hybrid motors, which
ROMHANY
Added note here - you could be on stage and have a person hold For the solo worker THE WATCH is something you will definitely
a box with the watch inside. You can send your signal to the watch use if you purchase it. It now allows you to be ‘hands’ free for
but it might not reach the watch, however as soon as they bring this effect, no stooges and peace of mind knowing you own a
the box and watch on stage, and it is within distance the signal will professional and well crafted watch that will deliver 100%
be sent and the remote will vibrate. The ability for the remote to accuracy.
hold the time and send it as soon as the watch is within distance
is a great feature. It puts distance between the time you actually WHERE: Close-up, parlour and stage
punch in the time and the reveal.
WHO: If you can can count to 12 then you can perform this but
The remote is small enough to hide in your palm, although not with the price tag at $450 US I feel it is aimed at somebody who
recommended but you could hide it in a card case and have it will be performing it and possibly somebody who performs magic
coming out of the back, or on a clip-board etc. It another words a lot.
it is small enough to conceal and doesn’t take up much pocket
space.
PIPER MAGIC
MAGIC
MJM MAGIC WAREHOUSE
THE WATCH - inside story
The following shows how much time and effort goes in to
p r o d u c i n g a m ag i c p r o d u c t s u c h a s " T h e Wat c h . " n o t o n ly d o e s
i t i n vo lv e t i m e a n d m o n e y b u t t h e r e i s a n e n t i r e c r e at i v e a n d
ta l e n t e d t e a m b e h i n d p r o d u c i n g h i g h e n d m ag i c p r o d u c t s s u c h
a s t h i s.
By João Miranda
I
have always loved the classic watch prediction effect and there have been
several marketed versions before mine.
The very first time I saw this effect was at FISM in Stockholm by Bazar
de Magia. The trick was called Watch and Wear and consisted of a internal
mechanism that would make the hands move around until they stopped at
the chosen time by tilting the watch.
I then found out that the first effect of this type was called “Perfect Time”
invented by Rich Bloch and manufactured by Collectors Workshop.
I loved all these effects, but in my opinion what was missing was a simpler
and more magical method that would allow the performer to input any time
without looking and without thinking. If I could make this I knew I would
have a miracle on my hands.
Since 2016 my team and I made over six prototypes (secretly) and we had
a working unit but the motor was too slow because we used a Ronda 1032,
which I felt was too slow (would take around 75 seconds to reach the desired
time).
Then we travelled to Sweden and had a meeting with a motor company who
was kind enough to listen our requests, and then the first “fast” version of
The Watch was born. The biggest difference was that the motors we use have
EFFECT: Next, transfer the bag from your right hand to your left. But your
The spectator reaches into a pastry bag with each hand to grab left hand now holds the lower left comer of the bag where the yel-
two sugar substitutes of different colors. You read their "tells" and low packet resides, lightly gripping (pinching) it through the bag.
instantly determine which hand holds which color. Offering to
repeat, instead of guessing yellow and pink, as before, they both Pick up the pink packet with your right hand and drop it noncha-
turn out to be blue! lantly as well into the bag. Tilt the top part of the bag to the right
about ten-degrees and then shake the bag to ostensibly "mix" the
REQUIREMENTS: two packets. But, since you are maintaining your grip of the yellow
You need four packets of sugar substitute-two Equal (BLUE), one packet through the bag, only the pink packet gets shook.
Sweet & Low (PINK), one Splenda (YELLOW) and a light-brown
Starbucks pastry bag; the kind usually used to ''bag" a muffin, Address the spectator and say, "You are going to place your hand
scone, or cookie. You also need a twenty dollar bill. inside this bag and grasp one of these packets. I don't want to see
which one, so hold it in your tightly closed fist ..."
PREPARATION:
Place the two BLUE packets together in your right pants pocket Tilt the bag upright again and ask the spectator to reach in with
and the $20 in your left pants pocket. their right hand and grab one of the packets in his or her clenched
fist. Turn your head away as the initial "grab" is made. Caution the
SET-UP: spectator to make sure that you cannot see the chosen packet.
Place the YELLOW and PINK packets and the bag on the table.
As the spectator reaches in to secure a packet, he or she will either
METHOD: choose the "loose" one or the one your left hand is lightly pinch-
Hold the bag with the opening uppermost by one of its sides with ing at the lower left comer. (Figure 2, transparent view of sugar
your right hand. This allows your free left hand to pick up and inside of the bag)
drop off the packets into the bag.
Pick up the yellow packet with your left hand and drop it into the
lower left comer of the bag. (You want to use the yellow packet
first because when it is pressed against the side of the faintly
opaque bag it will not "bleed" through.) Figure 1
At this point you apparently drop the pink and yellow packets
back into the bag. As your left hand momentarily dips into the
bag, your right hand simultaneously and synchronously dips as
your left fingers loosen their grip on the two blue packets.
(Figure 3)
These two packets will fall and hit the bottom of the bag. If your
timing is right, this audible sound "sells" the fact that you actually
dropped the pink and yellow packets into the bag.
Effect: The magician shuffles the deck and Method: Begin by giving the deck a few
gives it a few cuts. After giving the deck false cuts and shuffles. Your false cuts and
a few cuts, the magician finds an Ace. In shuffles must retain the top four cards of
a blink of an eye, the magician instantly the deck. Be sure not to flash the face-up
produces the other three Aces! Ace while doing the cuts and shuffles.
Background: The reason why this trick is Once you are done, you are going to
called Frank Production because it uses the execute the F.T. Cut: Hold the deck in
F.T. Cut (A.K.A Frank Thompson Cut). The your right hand Biddle grip and execute
F.T. Cut is one of my favourite false cut to a Swing Cut to cut 1/3 of the deck to the Fig. 4
use because it looks really deceptive and left hand (Fig. 2). Next, do another Swing
gives the spectator the impression that Cut and cut another 1/3 of the deck to the
you are genuinely cutting the deck. More left hand while maintaining a pinky break
importantly, you are able to retain the (Fig. 3). After that, place the right-hand
entire order of the deck using the F.T. Cut. pile on the table and lift the cards off the
Hence, this false cut has become one of my break in Biddle grip and place it on top of
all-time favourite and I decided to incor- the tabled pile (Fig. 4). Finally, take the top
porate it into a four of a kind production. card in the left hand in right hand Biddle
Also, huge thanks to my girlfriend, Tricia, grip and place it on top of the tabled pile
for taking the pictures that are published in (Fig. 5).
this magazine.
Fig. 5
Setup: Begin by placing an Ace face up on
top of the deck. Next, place the other three
Aces face down on top of the deck (Fig. 1) Right now, there will be an Ace face down
and your setup is complete. on top of the tabled pile while you have
three aces on top of the pile in your left
hand. Take the top card in your left-hand
pile and turn it face up to reveal it is an Ace.
Place this Ace in front on the tabled pile
Fig. 2 (Fig. 6) and set your left-hand pile beside
that Ace (Fig. 7). You are now in a position
to produce the other three Aces.
Fig. 1
Fig. 3
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 10
Credits:
• F.T. Cut is published in Frank Garcia’s Super Subtle Card
Miracles (1973, Pg. 143).
Fig. 8
3 FREE TRICKS
TO ADD TO YOUR ARSENAL
thesecretsource.com
P
unctured
by Richard Griffin
WORKING:
Display the deck of cards.
“People frequently ask me what the hardest thing I do is. It’s not a
magic trick it’s getting the plastic off of a deck of cards.”
retend to try to peel the tear tab off the deck, but you can’t.
“They might as well have put this on the bottom of the deck…”
Slide the middle strip of cellophane down the deck so the bottom
edge of the middle strip lines up with the bottom of the deck.
Figure 4 shows the position of the middle strip.
Pause to display the strip has moved, then peel back the tear tab
Take a second deck of cards and you will cut cellophane from just and rip off the strip, crumple up the part you just tore off and
above the top of the tear tab and about half an inch below the dispose of it. Slide the deck out of the rest of the cellophane and
tear tab. The black line in figure 2 shows where you will cut. You you are ready to go.
will keep this middle portion and can throw away to top on bot-
tom pieces of cellophane. Notes: I originally intended this to be a trick for social media.
There’s a lot of prep work that goes into it for a quick trick, so it’s
not something you’d do in a roving set. It would work great for
the opening of a card set or a later phase in a card set where you
introduce a second deck of cards. Essentially, it’s a quick sight gag
type trick over a deep mystery.
Carefully slide this middle strip onto the first deck that you put
upside down in the cellophane. When you slide it on, the middle
strip should be on the outside of the cellophane that’s on the
pack of cards. The solid lines in figure 3 show where the middle
strip sits on the deck. The dotted line shows the end of the cel-
lophane that the middle strip is on top of.
K E
V
G
No, there are no grey elephants in Denmark,
BUT
you’ll find…
MENNY LINDENFELD
TRU XTREME
Menny Lindenfeld's first and original TRU™ was
hailed by the International Magic community
as the MOST VISUALLY-STUNNING rubber-band
penetration effect created! It still remains a huge
BESTSELLER.
THIS TRULY IS THE MOST VISUAL AND STUNNING RUBBER
BAND MAGIC I HAVE EVER SEEN. AFTER SPENDING THE TIME TO TRU™ Xtreme is NOT a 2.0 release. In TRU™
LEARN THIS MATERIAL I FEEL I NOW HAVE SOMETHING I CAN Xtreme, Menny Lindenfeld not only further
CONFIDENTLY PERFORM ANYTIME AND ANYWHERE. UP UNTIL explores, but also elevates rubber-band
penetration effects to NEW VISUAL EXTREMES
THIS POINT I ALWAYS FELT RUBBER BAND MAGIC WAS MERELY A THAT DEFIES BELIEF!
PUZZLE, BUT MENNY HAS COMPLETELY CHANGED MY VIEW.
In this 3-volume release, you'll learn NEW
IN AN AGE OF ELECTRONICS AND GIMMICKS THIS IS A WELCOME TRU™ METHODS, a ton of new VISUALLY-
INSANE EFFECTS, and NUMEROUS multi-phase
CHANGE TO THOSE WHO LIKE TO TAKE PRIDE IN KNOWING THEY ROUTINES.
HAVE MASTERED SOMETHING THAT HAS REQUIRED A TIME AND
EFFORT. The effects in TRU™ Xtreme are BEYOND
AMAZING and way too SURREAL to be described.
What you get is TRU™ ON STEROIDS!
MENNY HAS DONE A FANTASTIC JOB TEACHING THE HANDLING Powerful & visually-stunning.
AND MAKING IT EASY TO LEARN EACH STEP. YOU WILL LEARN NEW TRU™ methods, effects & routines.
THE BASIC TWO HANDLINGS AND FROM THERE MOVE ON TO No cover - fingers are open and fully exposed.
VARIATIONS SUCH AS PENETRATING A RUBBER BAND THROUGH A Rubber-band visibly penetrates the fingers.
Can also be performed with a SPECTATOR's finger
SPECTATOR'S FINGER AND MORE. (new method).
Let a SPECTATOR himself pull RB through YOUR
WITH OVER THREE HOURS OF TRAINING YOU CAN MASTER THE finger.
HANDLING AND PUT TOGETHER A VERY SOLID PIECE THAT WILL Menny's all-time favourite! Cause a RB slowly
LAST WITH YOU FOREVER.
36 VANISH Magazine www.VanishMagazine.com
pass through the flesh of your finger in SUPER SLOW
MOTION. This looks LIKE A CAMERA TRICK!
Perform with a Sharpie® marker, borrowed eye glasses,
beer bottle & many other objects - limited only by your
personal Creativity.
Spectator can actually hold the Sharpie® or other
objects.
Routine variation with borrowed earphones (new
method & routine).
Learn the CLEANEST and MOST VISUALLY-INSANE
Finger-to-Finger-Jump effect ever created.
Most of the effects are 360° angle-proof and can be
performed fully surrounded.
No gimmicks/100% impromptu.
FREE BONUS EFFECTS included with each volume.
HIGH QUALITY & LONG LASTING rubber-bands included
(Bands produced by Joe Rindfleish).
Video tutorial VOLUME #01 (Download/Full HD
1080p/68 minutes).
Video tutorial VOLUME #02 (Download/Full HD
VOLUME #3
This is the volume you’ll learn the method of the one I personally
love the most. It really looks as though it is using CGI. If you saw
it on TV you’d swear it was trick photography. Take you time and
work towards this volume by studying and mastering the other
two, especially the first. This will teach you variations on the
two hooks ups in the first volume as well as putting everything
together to learn a multi-phase routine.
There is also a great version of melting a band through some
earphones which is well worth adding to your rubber band
arsenal.
HOCUS-POCUS
RP MAGIC PEGANI
WWW.MJMMAGIC.COM
Your One Stop Magic Shop
42 VANISH Magazine www.VanishMagazine.com
VANISH MAGAZINE www.VanishMagazine.com 43
El Mago
RUBÉN VILAGRAND
UNIQUE ILLUSIONIST, INVENTOR, PHYSICAL COMEDIAN & CONSULTANT.
Rubén Vilagrand has the ability to capture any kind of audience with one
of the finest silent magic acts in the world. With his briefcase full of dreams
and his great interpretations he presents a unique and modern approach
combining mime, magic and comedy. Coupled with a consistent atmosphere
of fantasy and amazement.
BY PAUL ROMHANY
T
he magicians of Spain are well from books, but well worth it. After two
known for their ground breaking years of hard work Rubén discovered the
close-up magic, the main Tamariz school of magic in Madrid. For
influences being Ascanio and three years he traveled four hours a day by
Tamariz. One of those students, Rubén train, often sleeping in train stations and
Vilagrand, was able to break out of the working as a bartender on weekends while
close-up mold taking the theory he attending the school.
learned from the Spanish school of magic
(la Esquela de Magia) … and applying
the principles to his stage act. Rubén has Once Rubén finished at the Tamariz School
created one of the most original routines in he was offered a job performing at resorts
magic, a full silent 45 minute show which where he was able to hone his skills. Every
he performers regularly on cruise ships and night there were eight magicians, working
theaters around the world. in teams of four, presenting a one hour
show. Back then his act was 15 minutes, a
parlor style routine. The resort opportunity
Rubén discovered magic at seventeen allowed him to work every day, add and
after seeing some performed by his older make changes while developing his skills.
brother Guillermo's boss Gerardo. Gerado When Rubén began entertaining at these
offered to teach Rubén magic. He gave venues he presented his show in three
him a deck of cards telling him to first learn languages because of the audiences
how to shuffle and handle them before he demographics. From this experience Rubén
would show him any tricks. Rubén had no realized he needed to change gear and
internet in the small town he came from, start doing more routines to music.
however, he was able to acquire books and
study them … as many of us know, its a
difficult process to master card handling
www.rubenvilagrand.com
Now available at your favorite MM dealer:
PART ONE
I
t is the 2019 Winter Carnival of Magic in Pigeon Forge. I
was taking a short cut through the hotel parking lot to do
my pre-show soundcheck at the theatre. I heard a cheery
"Hi Nick" from a parking car, the gentleman parking the
vehicle was Joey Martinez, who I remembered fondly from
his days as Front Man De-Luxe at the Magic Castle. We caught
up the next morning over breakfast, and Joey updated me,
telling me that he was now the Director of Operations and
Entertainment for the new House Of Cards magic restaurant in
Nashville. The House Of Cards opened in April 2018, and about
six months later Martinez joined the team. I mentioned to Joey
that I would love to visit the club, we exchanged emails, and
last week, I found myself performing at the club. Not all book-
ings go so smoothly and quickly, but this one did! I thought
it would be fun to write my story this month about how the
Nashville gig went from a road warrior's viewpoint.
MONDAY MORNING.
My flight into Nashville arrived at 9:20 AM on the morning of the
13th of May, and Joey Martinez was there to meet me at the airport.
We drove into Downtown Nashville and dropped off my cases at
the 20th-floor penthouse condo that houses the week's "celebrity"
act. The House Of Cards is about a three-minute walk from the
condominium and housed in the basement of the Johnny Cash and
Patsy Cline Museums. Both these establishments are tourist (and
personal) favorites and are owned by Bill Miller, who is the creator
and mastermind behind the House Of Cards. It was Mr. Miller who
had the vision to transform a basement space into a 9500 square
foot five-star restaurant and magic venue. Miller has an impressive
collection of magic memorabilia and the decor inside the restaurant
is part museum, part nightclub, and totally elegant. The most obvi-
ous inspiration behind the project is the Magic Castle in Hollywood;
however, the HOC has streamlined the private magic club format
into an incredibly successful up-scale magic bar/restaurant business.
Before I continue with the details of my specific week at the House
of Cards, let me take the time to discuss the physical venue that I
discovered when I made that first early morning tour.
The House of Cards is not a private club, and there is no need for it
to be one. Anyone who finds the club, and is wearing a dressy outfit
that conforms to the dress code, can stop in and have a drink at
the impressive handcrafted antique central bar. The management
doesn't make finding the club too easy though, there are almost
NO signs or notices that the HOC even exists. This hint of secrecy is
just one of the very nice touches that make the club seem especially
unique to guests when they have "found" it. Casual guests can order Nick Lewin at the famous GooGoo Candy Shop in Nashvielle.
some excellent house specialty drinks or enjoy tasty appetizers
at the bar. They can also see some fine magic. There are three nicely
appointed close-up magic zones, and on any given night three or four
talented magicians are performing sleight of hand for the viewing
pleasure of the clientele. Other guests are enjoying a first-class dining
experience seated comfortably in tables skillfully scattered around
the property. The entire set up is very sophisticated and feels in many
ways more like a 1930s speakeasy club than a contemporary restau-
rant. In writing this story, I will frequently describe the restaurant as
a club (which strictly speaking it isn't) because that is very much the
prevalent vibe.
Photo by Nick Lewin
The entire club looks GREAT with original posters, antiques and props
and other magic memorabilia tastefully displayed throughout the
establishment. There is also a very fascinating framed collection of
antique playing cards from around the world. My favorite was a card
dating back to Germany in 1490. The overall inner decor is Magic
Castle red/gold Victorian but in a rather understated and elegant way.
The visitors who are formally dining in the House of Cards get a time
coded ticket to the show in the Carter The Great Theatre. The Carter
Theatre is a nicely equipped parlor magic venue that seats up to 75
but manages to still be a perfect stage for significantly smaller crowds.
It has comfortable seating, great sight lines, and a good sound system.
The venue has been very skillfully engineered to pack as much into
that prime real estate basement as it will hold, including a humidor,
and an outdoor patio with a twenty-foot waterfall. There is no point
in buying a nice cigar and having nowhere to smoke it! However, a
basement is still a basement, and there are one or two constrictions
involved in the reconstruction of the space, but make no mistake the
design is first rate. In many ways, the House of Cards reminded me of a
beautiful and expensive transformation of the iconic Magic Cellar that
existed in San Francisco back during the '70s. I was always a big fan of
the Cellar and performed there frequently. The Magic Cellar occupied
the basement under Earthquake McGoons Jazz Club. The Cellar came
into being after a strange coincidence left the Clute family in posses-
sion of the entire Carter poster and magical archives. Many of these
Photo by Nick Lewin
"discovered" posters are now incorporated into the House of Cards
design. Carter the Great's magnificent center stage table is part of the
available equipment in the Carter Theatre, and I instantly recognized
it from its earlier outing in the Magic Cellar. Surprisingly, and rather
charmingly, the table has been retained as a working prop and not
an exhibit. I thoroughly enjoyed performing during the week with my
twenty dollars worth of magic props resting on a 12,000 dollar table.
PHOTOS: TOP RIGHT - The Johnny Cash Musuem, Nick Lewin with Carter The
Greats table, The Tunnel, The House of Cards hall-way and 'close-up' performance.
PART TWO
By the time Joey had finished my tour of the House Of Cards, and I had returned to the condominium, I was ready for a
rest and a chance to plan what I was going to be performing that week in the club. As my long-term readers may recall,
I have been a proponent for many years of the smaller scale magic venues that have been mushrooming up across
America recently. The tastes of magical consumers have been cultivated and motivated in recent years by shows like
America's Got Talent, and Penn & Teller: Fool Us, that feature stunning parlor magic rather than big or exotic illusions.
The very best way to experience magic is being in smaller groups that allow more intimacy in the staging and presen-
tation. I was pleased to be part of this process, and since the vast majority of my bookings have been in large theaters
and showrooms, I wanted to get my show precisely right.
MONDAY EVENING.
At 6:00 PM, I popped my props into my computer bag
“
and headed down to the House Of Cards to set up my
microphone and organize my sound cues with the
room tech. After accomplishing this, I took the time
to check out some of the other club features. These
include a ghost pianist Thurston who plays musical
requests and a nicely appointed seance room. Both of
these features were excellent adaptations of favorites
back at the Magic Castle in Hollywood. In Nashville,
one rather nifty use of the seance room (or "haunted
magic show") is a feature entitled Dinner With The
Mentalist. This event proves to be a sophisticated
blend of great food, shared with personable mentalist
Chis Rayman, who tells some great stories and quietly
proceeds to blow people's mind with some strong
mind reading effects. This low key event certainly got
some powerful audience reaction during the week.
The best magician is the one After watching them, I discovered that all three of
the close-up performers that night were excellent,
who does the most shows." and they did a great job entertaining and mystifying
the crowd. The close-up magicians all entertain for
40- minutes and then take a 20-minute break. The per-
LANCE BURTON formers that night seemed to have a wealth of strong
material, coupled with smooth performance skills, and
their attention to detail in not duplicating effects, or
routines, was admirable. It was fun getting to know
Kevin King, Gary Flegal, Amory Hemetz, Richard Green,
and all the rest of the team as my booking progressed.
They are a class act and a large part of the success of
the club.
by KEV G
KEV G
RECUBED
IF YOU LOVE RUBICS CUBE MAGIC THEN YOU'LL LOVE THISKAS E
"The Perfect Start to Any Cube Routine”
YOU LIFT A PAPER BAG SHOWING A GLASS WITH INDIVIDUAL It's impossible magic - the bag is clearly empty
RUBIC CUBE PIECES. THESE ARE POURED BACK IN TO THE BAG when the cube falls out!
AND INSTANTLY YOU CAN TURN THE BAG UPSIDE DOWN AND A
Recubed is very easy to do.
RESTORED CUBE COMES OUT. THE BAG CAN BE SHOWN EMPTY.
Kev teaches you how to make your gimmick in
THIS IS A GREAT ROUTINE FOR CLOSE-UP OR STAGE AND THE minutes.
METHOD IS EXTREMELY CLEVER. YOU ARE SUPPLIED WITH A
All the critical Recubed parts and materials are
DOWNLOAD TUTORIAL AND TWO CUBES, PAPER BAGS, GLASS AND included including spare bags, 2 cubes and the
THE NECESSARY SECRET. glass!
AS A BONUS YOU ALSO RECEIVE THE TUTORIAL FOR PIXILATED, If all this is not awesome enough, the cubes used
in Recubed match those used in the best-selling
WHICH I'VE BEEN PERFORMING FOR SOME TIME AND IT IS MY ALL cube effect of 2018 - Isolated by Kieron Johnson
TIME FAVORITE RUBIC'S CUBE MAGIC ROUTINE. BY COMGINING as well as the cube work of Takamitsu Usui.
RECUBED AND PIXILATED YOU WILL HAVE AN EXTREMELY
ENTERTAINING AND POWERFUL RUBIC ROUTINE - AND YOU DON'T ** Bonus **
EVEN NEED TO SOLVE A CUBE.
YOUNG MAGICIANS
CORNER
JOSHUA ENDRESS
THIS IS ARTICLE #5 IN A SERIES. THE FIRST ARTICLE CAN BE
FOUND IN VANISH 49, THE SECOND ARTICLE IN VANISH 51,
THE THIRD ARTICLE IN VANISH 53 AND THE FOURTH ARTICLE
IN VANISH 56.
JOHUA ENDRESS
7. BE GOOD!
Before concentrating on any marketing
strategies, you should have something everything out of a lay persons perspective full-time magician. I’m a full-time student.
on hand to market in the first place! (if possible). So the initial question is If something doesn’t feel right, I just won’t
You yourself are the best judge when it actually: do it! As soon as the act is ready to be seen,
comes to your magic. While putting a act Would I enjoy watching my own act if I focus on marketing it - not the other way
together, always ask yourself the following were not into magic? around!
question: One final word on social media: Just
If you wouldn’t 100% enjoy watching your
own act, it can’t be as good as it should be because many other magicians share the
Would I enjoy watching my own act? for your audiences! same things and comment in the same way
on the various platforms out there, it doesn’t
These days the magic-scene is dominated
mean that it’s the ultimate way to go. Again,
by the business side of it. A lot of Me performing the best mentalism routine imagine yourself as a lay person stumbling
magicians aremarket-orientated. What in the world… won’t be as good as it could across the Instagram profile of magician X:
works? What sells? How to optimize? be in someone else’s hand. My focus is Do you like the content? Do you like the way
“I do mentalism - it pays better!” comedy and improvisation. That’s also this person presents himself? Do you like his
Right… but do you also enjoy watching it? what I have an interest in outside of magic. comments?
I read about the workings of comedy,
Personally, I hate watching a mentalism There is a lot of self-praise and bragging on
I tudy the books by Keith Johnstone on
show… if it’s not performed by John social media to be found. And for me these
improvisation and I watch every single
Archer. Mostly I feel it takes too long… too are the most unlikable qualities a magician
comedy special on Netflix. I have a general
much talking to explain the procedures… can have. Let’s phrase it a bit differently: For
interest and expertise in this metier
too complicated… too serious… me these are the most unlikable qualities
outside of magic.
It’s just too dry for my taste of ANYONE can have!
This does not only apply to your style
entertainment. If the performer further Don’t praise how awesome your last show
of performing and the magic genre you
decides to declare his “abilities” as real or was… You are not the one to judge that
are in but also to the tricks you chose to
drivels something about body language, publicly! If you ask Donald Trump he will tell
perform. There are tricks out there on the
I’m completely out of the game! Ergo you that he is an awesome president, too.
marked, luridly announced in the product
- I won’t do a serious mentalism show! description as “guaranteed applause Please don’t post selfies with you and a
I stick with what I like and still enjoy to getters”. That may be true… but again - if cheering audience in the background. Not
watch: a lightweight interactive comedy you don’t believe that this trick is the most because of the picture or video or loop
show. fooling/mystifying/shocking/amusing trick but because of the weird moment during
Sometimes we get lost in our magic. you can possibly do at that certain point in the show. I have experienced it as an
We know too much about it and we get your act, it’s not as good as it should be! audience member myself during live shows
easily too involved in it to still keep an several times now. It always makes me feel
overall view. From time to time we should uncomfortable! Why would a performer take
That’s the luxury of not being dependent out his phone on stage to do something the
step out of the magic-zone and reflect on the business side of magic. I’m not a
the
8 Rules of Zen
Kris Kon
A
Zen is a Chinese word for the School of I will give you the eight points and how
s performers we use years, even
Mahayana Buddhism. A section of Bud- they compare to my philosophy when I cre-
decades, to find ourself. A phi-
dhism that originated in China during the ate something—even if it is a full routine, a
losophy and way we feel are us.
Tang dynasty. single trick, show or myself as a magician.
Our character and real person.
Zen Buddhism has meditation as one of
We do research through several the most knowing part of itself. Where the
nature of mind is important. Instagram: @kriskonmagic
aspects of inspirations. From all kind of
Facebook: @kriskonmagic
resources and emotions.
In my research for inspiration in my per- Website: www.kriskon.no
I know how it feels. I have been there sonal life I use Pinterest a lot. Pinterest is a
picture platform online, where you can find // Source: E-booklet “My perspective” – Kris
myself. In fact, I think I will always be
a lot of information using images. It has Kon.
in that finding your own voice bubble.
Cause we all develope, doesn`t we? over 250 million users monthly worldwide.
We will always get new experiences.
Through those we learn, develop and Once, when I was looking at Pinterest, I saw
change. a picture with the title
"10 rules of Zen".
For a long time, while I am writing this
section, I am in a mood After studying this ten-point list for a while,
for studying the case of minimalism, I realized one thing:
and how to live more simply. Eight out of ten points could easily be
I like to study the case of Zen and how adapted to my philosophy, both as a magi-
that affects us. cian and in my personal life.
1
DO IT SLOWLY.
Too many times it looks like we as magicians have to rush through our magical moments. We go from
tricks to tricks, routines to routines. But why do we hesitate to use our time? Why are many of us in
such a hurry?
Our audience needs time to reflect on what they have seen. For many of them they have never seen
magic live…maybe not at all. They need time to think, react and feel what they just experienced. Give
them that time.
We live in a time where everything is in a rush. Jobs are digitalized, families are in a time warp. We hurry
to do everything we want to before it is too late. Why do we have to hurry our magic? Everything else
2
in life is too fast anyway. Let us stop for a moment and slow down.
As I used to say to my friends: "Do not stress, you will die sooner or later anyway."
DO IT COMPLETELY.
A mistake I have made many times earlier in my career is to be too impatient.
If I had an idea, or learned something new, I rushed to show it. I wanted everyone to see it so badly.
Now, I look at it a little differently. Now I make sure that I have a full routine or have practiced it
enough so I can do it blindfolded. Yes, it will never be perfect, since we always develop. But try to
make it complete enough before you put something in your repertoire, from where the magical
moments happen, to what your script is.
4
PUT SPACE BETWEEN THINGS.
This point can compare with point 1. By slowing down, you have more time to use what we call "art-breaks". I talk
in these notes about "silence".
That is a perfect way to put space between.
Do so using your second craft. Or a gag. Do not let anything handle about magic or your tricks. Talk with your
audience. Ask them questions. Be a human.
Put your humanity space between your stuff.
5
DESIGNATE TIME FOR CERTAIN THINGS.
I think this sentence speaks for itself.
If you are at a walk-around gig, you do not do the famous comedy bra trick. (You should never do it anyway,
but that is a different discussion.)
Do the material that gives a natural flow to your performance. If you do a coin trick, do not do a card trick, and
then go back to coins—as long as the last coin trick isn’t a "red link" through your performance.
6
SMILE AND SERVE OTHERS.
You are a human, aren’t you? At least, you deliver a service.
As a service person, you should be polite and professional.
At the end, you are a human as well.
Being a magician is not about you. It is about your audience, your client.
They do not care about your skills. They care about you as a human.
Leave the magic ego at home (if you have one).
8
LIVE SIMPLY.
Think like a minimalist. Think like you are in a Zen mood.
Do it simply. Let it be practical. Be simple in the way you carry stuff.
Living simply is more than what you own at your home.
David J. Attwood W
hen we start learning something, without
conscious motivation we emulate our teacher.
We imprint on the first thing we see and take
that as gospel. Dr. Tarbel even touches on this very
attribute monumental volume of work. Once we learn
something we are infected by it and it becomes our
truth
On my 16th birthday, my mom drove me down to
the Motor Vehicle Department and I applied for my
learner’s licence. For the next 30 days, which was the
minimum you had to wait before you went for your
road test to get your full class 6 license, I imagined what
it would feel like to be behind the wheel of a car.
My parents didn’t have the time to take me driving.
They were too embroiled in their fast paced careers. My
step dad worked in the pharmaceutical industry as a
distributor while my mom had the position working for
the government as welfare recipient. It was totally un-
derstandable to 16 year old Dave why he had to stare
at the rusted out Toyota Carolla station down with me and gave me real techni- now it becomes juggling of the cards. My
wagon leaking oil in the driveway instead cal advice on magic was a diehard thought is the spectators would distance
of practicing keeping his hands at 10 and 2. student of the Vernon method. He told themselves from the impossibility of the
I never got the chance to drive the car and me that flourishes told your audience magic. They begin to think that, because
practice but I had watched my step dad that you were clever with cards and that of your dexterity with cards it is possible,
drive and I figured I had it down. One hand the impossible effects were achieved however challenging, the possibility that
holding your drink and the other holding by mortal and explainable means. In you did a “clever move” is there in the
your cigarette and the steering wheel was their minds they will believe that given minds of the audience. The impossible
operated comfortably with your knee. enough time, they would be able to shifts to plausible.
Speed limits were suggestions. Yellow was reverse engineer your moves and discon- When the card is tossed from hand to
just another version of green. Red meant nect with you. The magical moment will hand and boomeranged back to the
slow down to look for police. He taught me be there but it will be diminished. They deck, it changing to the signed card
how long the car really could go without will sit back and be as entertained just seems to be less magic and more ‘clever’.
gas and that oil changes were for wimps. as they would be watching a juggler. It is As it is simply placed face down in the
Changing brake pads? still magic. It is still entertaining. spectators hand and, without intercep-
When the day came, I knew that I had what I spent years learning techniques but tion from the magician, it changes to the
it took to pass my test. My mom did let me never mastering springing the cards. I selected card, it leaves no other explana-
drive the car down to the exam, which was taught myself how to do a ribbon spread tion than magic. The greatest demon-
the only road time I got before the test. on a marble table top, and a coin roll stration of this philosophy is Dia Vernon’s
The instructor hoped into my parent’s car while I’m waiting for the CEO to finish his Triumph in his Revelations Video series.
and we began the exam. I ran two stops annual speech to the troops but that’s During his routine he does as much as he
signs and exceeded the speed limit. When about as flourishy as I ever got. can to leave the deck alone and tells the
we pulled back into the parking lot of the Flash forward twenty five years and flour- audience that all he has to do is cast his
Motor Vehicle Department, with a heavy ishes have turned into an entirely new shadow over the cards to do the impos-
sigh, the examiner shook his head and said, branch of magic called cardistry, a ballet sible.
“I don’t want to do this but I am forced to of the hands, and poetry in motion. It is Penn Jillete said that he practice juggling
pass you. You passed, but barely.” so esthetically stunning that it becomes for hours so that the audience could see
All I heard was, you passed. the magic of animation as the cards are him demonstrate his prowess and tech-
Since, I have been reprimanded over my indeed brought to life. My steadfast view nique. Teller would have the same devo-
driving techniques. Thinking about it, it of now flourishes is turned on its heels tion to his craft in order to make sure the
was simply because my step father drove because of this new facet of magic that audience could not see his. So is it wrong
that way. I emulated his style because he transforms pasteboards into butterflies to say that flourishes are the antithesis of
was the first person that imprinted his floating and fluttering to the will of their magic? Is it wrong to say that cardistry is
driving skills on me. Many of the magicians master….but does that take away from entertaining but shouldn’t be mixed with
that I have picked up from the Victoria the magic that is trying to be created? magic?
airport have scrambled out of my car I pose the question because maybe I
screaming, “Thank you for the ride,” which am set in my ways. Maybe because I
to by-standers may have sounded a lot like, never went down the cardistry road I am
“You’re a maniac.” However I’m rarely ever being stubborn in my thinking that it
late. destroys the magical moment because
One of the first magicians that ever sat
Jeff christensen
MAGIC
IS
EDUCATION
Check out some of the upcoming learning
opportunities at the McBride Magic & Mystery
School by going to:
http://www.magicalwisdom.com/events
In October 2007 I attended my first Magic and Meaning conference in Las Vegas.
It was during that amazing learning event that I had the distinct privilege to
meet Dr. Larry Hass. Since that time I’ve had the opportunity to work and col-
laborate with him on several projects. In this month’s column I’m thrilled to
share a recent interview that I did with my dear friend Dr. Larry Hass, Dean of the
McBride Magic & Mystery School.
KIDSIC
MAGRWOOD
COLIN UNDE
27 COMEDY
“
SITUATIONS OR
S
GAGS A SERIEFIRE
F Q U ICK
(PART TWO) O S FOR
G AG MER ”
R F O R
THE PE
15. INVISABLE BUG. 17. FALSE CRY. (read disclaimer at end) 18.DIRECT FLIRT TO RANDOM
PERSON.
Pretend to find a bug on their shoulder Pretend the children have hurt your
and throw it on the floor then ask: feelings. You proceed to start crying, When a waitress walks into space call
saying you want your mommy. Walk to her and say ‘THANKS FOR LAST
‘ARE YOU ENGLISH, AFRIKAANS
into audience and choose a large happy NIGHT’ then immediately follow up with
OR JAPANESE?’ Pretend you hear
motherly type woman and proceed ‘WE WENT ICE SKATING!’ Call to her and
JAPANESE and then proceed to stand n
to her arms outstretched. Sometimes say ‘PHONE ME!’ This can be said to
one leg ninja style and say ‘KAWASAKI,
they will hug you playing along. See a mother, mother in law or domestic
SUSUKI AND EVEYBODIES SAKI’ (this is
they don’t want to hug you then break worker at the party.
an Afrikaans term for bag but works
off the crying. I will walk away looking
in conjunction with the Japanese drink 19.THE PHOTOGRAPH.
back at the mom and indicate to phone
Saki. Slam foot down on the invisible
me. (yes, it is outrageous flirtation but When you are getting a photo taken
bug. Then look up and pretend child is
in contact to my character and age it with all the children get them to wave
upset (Pick up invisible bug and say) ‘IM
is not offensive. I do not recommend and animate their arms. It makes a
SORRY I DIDN’T REALISE IT WAS YOUR
this for a very young performer. better photo. After the photo has been
PET’, try to resuscitate and finally give
Pretending to cry will take some guts taken say ‘CHILDREN YOU SEE THAT
up and place it back on his shoulder.
and push some inner expression LADY WHO HAS TAKEN THE PHOTO
(You can find a bug in the hair but
buttons in you. (or least it did for me) WELL GO ASK HER FOR $20 EACH. (This
this might be politically incorrect
But it has subsequently become one is a generic street gag)
nowadays.)
of my funniest moments in my show.
20. VIDEOING THE ACTION.
As alternate question to ask the child, It also develops into a continuity gag
ARE YOU ENGLISH, IRISH, SCOTISH, throughout the show. I repeat the When the dad or person is filming
RUBBISH? crying and hug a second time but on the action ask him ‘ARE YOU FILMING
the third time I start to cry and walk THIS? The create a pointing action to
16. RUBBER SCORPION OR INSECT.
toward here and realise the lady is man and repeats the ‘QUESTION A
Produce a wriggly rubber scorpion playing along. Highly recommended FEW TIMES.’ Break off gag and say to
from their shoulder and throw it away but comes with warning. Also, the hug audience. ‘ HE WILL THINK HIS CAMERA
in prop table. You can reach with is more a head resting on shoulder IS BROKEN WHEN HE REPLAYS IT’
empty hand into child’s armpit and with your body away from hers so it is
not awkward. 21. HEAD CLICKER.
bring hand out, perform a shuttle pass
to expose the bug in other hand. Ask the child what is wrong with your
You now repeat to blow up the balloon and tie it in knot (around your
finger) Tie off balloon then damping your fingers and draw hand
“UPDATE OLDER down balloon. It makes a terrible scratchy sound get a fright and ask
if it was the child nearest you. You can now break balloon in half and
GAGS BY USING let go balloon. It flies away in crazy squeaky action. There are many
balloon books with gags to source from.
FACEBOOK OR That’s the summary of the gags and some have developed other
situations, I have kept to the basic format of the jokes and premise.
SOCIAL MEDIA I encourage to go down the literal rabbit holes and explore the
situations and see if you can come up with your own slant on these
REFERENCES.” gags.
27. REEL GAGS
I highly recommend the use of these gags and the small effort to
make them up is well worth the effort.
25.TAPE MEASURE. Basically, you can attach a magician’s reel to the following and use
A good retractable tape measure sits on my accordingly:
belt. Ask ‘how old the child is? Tube of paper glue. Pretend it is a Chapstick and spread the glue on
Answer, 8 Take out tape measure and lips. The children react! You get into a difficult situation as result of
measure him from top to toe, ‘Nope its 108’ the glue getting stuck to your finger, tissues or toilet paper. You can
release the glue stick on off beat and act surprised that the glue stick
26. BALLOON GAGS. has vanished. You can tell the children it’s a Chapstick and have a
I highly recommend adding in gags during genuine one hidden in hand. Place the glue , react, vanish glue stick
your modelling balloon session. The best and reveal Chapstick.
few I recommend are following. Blow up Chopstick
balloon telling them they must tell you
when to stop. You can tell them how in the Use it as a wand then slide it up the nose at same time release
last party the balloon popped and the baby chopstick.
exploded with fright. You blow up balloon Small magic wand
pretending to not hear them, the balloon
will either pop as its at extreme stretch or Use the wand then sneeze confetti all over it ( a small amount of
you manage to take balloon from pump confetti hidden in your hand) at same time vanish wand.
(release a little air so balloon does not Sharpie
explode accidently when handing it to a
child) and let go balloon, big laugh. Obtain Attach reel to cap ( make sure it is sealed where you drilled the hole
the balloon and say ‘STOP THE SHOW, otherwise it will dry out)
WHERE IS THE AIR? SOMEBODY STOLE THE
Use sharpie to draw eyes on balloons or on playing card. Vanish pen.
AIR.’
60 Videos
GoswicksMagic.com
KING OF MAGIC
Japan's LArgest worldwide distributing Magic Shop
http://www.kingofmagic.net
MAGIC REVIEWS
M AG I C
If you would like to have your product reviewed
in Vanish, then post it to the Magic Review team.
REVIEWS
other trade magazine.
IN ASSOCIATION WITH WIZARD PRODUCT REVIEW PRODUCT REVIEW - Victor Voitko Products
BurnOut, FireWallet, i-Galand. -
MY THOUGHTS:
REVIEW BY HARRY MONK - VANISH MAGIC MAGAZINE
PRICE $35.00 Paul Harris has produced a truly AMAZING tool that lets the per-
AVAILABLE All magic dealers former present an extremely deceptive Blizzard style routine. This
WHOLESALE www.murphysmagic.com is Paul Harris thinking at its finest!! The gimmick not ONLY allows
you to do an amazing routine but you can use it for so many other
Paul's JOYOUS new EXAMINABLE Gimmicked Card Case starts off effects, as well as giving you the easiest and cleanest force of any
with... card I’ve ever seen!!
THE AVALANCHE BLIZZARD The work on this is so clever and devious that you’ll want to per-
form it in the mirror so you can see how great it really looks. Since
Instantly transform your cards into an examinable BLANK DECK... I've had this for review I have used it over and over and it now car-
with NO DECK SWITCH! ries my regular cards in it that I take with me on a daily basis.
EVERY pro we've shown this to has replaced their old Blizzard with Without giving too much away, you receive a card box that you
AVALANCHE... as it's the easiest, most convenient, most direct Bliz- can keep your regular deck in. You are also supplied with a deck
zard effect you can do. of blank cards and some extra gaffs that will enable you to easily
change out the gimmick for other routines. The tutorial is very
(We even give you a full deck of blank cards!) well done with more than enough material to keep you going,
and loads of tips and tricks to look after the box and especially the
And there's even MORE SECRETS buried in your AVALANCHE... gimmick so it lasts.
WITH A NORMAL DECK! Let’s first of all look at the main Avalanche style routine. This gim-
mick allows you to do a three phase routine that is really killer. You
THE AVALANCHE PERFECT FORCE: can show them the cards and have them freely select any card.
There are some added nuances that really sell this to your audi-
Do an absolutely perfect worry-free force... with the deck held by ence and these are taught in the tips section. You have a predic-
the spectator! She just hands you ANY card from the normal deck... tion on the table prior to the start, and it will always be 100%
and the deed is done. correct showing the freely chosen card. Then the spectator’s card,
which can be in their hand, becomes blank, follwoed by the entire
THE AVALANCHE REAL-DEAL VANISH: deck becoming blank. There are NO switches, which makes this
such a wonderful routine to perform. I’ve been doing this in my
Drop the spectator's card onto the deck... and the card is instantly walk-around sets and it gets screams. When the card they chose
gone! It's really genuinely completely freaking no longer in the becomes blank in THEIR hand you get the first audible OMG, but
deck... which can be immediately examined. once the entire deck becomes blank that is when they freak out!!
The really nice thing is that you are lect completely clean. There is
THE AVALANCHE NO-PALM CARD TO ANYWHERE: nothing to dtich or hide. You can leave everything in their hands
and they will never find the gimmick. it is extremely well made
After you've vanished her card... the spectator SCREAMS... when and unless you know the secret you’ll never find it out no matter
she discovers her card in her pocket or under a phone! how closely you look.
2
nuggets that you can only get from years and years of working
hard, honing your craft and just getting out there and doing it. The
ON THE FLY WITH advice Michael shares will help inspire a lot of younger people out
there and be a fascinating insight for those who have been doing
magic a long time. This DVD has something for everybody from
FINNEY BY NICK the person who is just getting started in magic to the seasoned
pro. I really do wish these were around when I was starting out in
LEWIN
magic. If you are fan of Nick and Michael’s work then you’ll defi-
nitely want to add this to your collection. I’ve always said when I’ve
heard two great entertainers are together that I’d like to be a ‘fly
on the wall’ for that meeting, well now you can be a fly on the wall
and listen to the wonderful tips, advice and knowledge Michael
shares with Nick.
This is a truly delightful and I hope Nick continues this series with
other seasoned professionals because it’s a positive and inspiring
Price $30.00 look in to people we respect but perhaps wouldn’t be the chance
AVAILABLE lewinenterprises.com to sit down and find out how they made it.
There is a great little bonus at the end two incredible stories Mi-
Michael Finney & Nick Lewin share a combined 90 years of profes- chael shares from his younger days. One involves kidnapping and
sional experience in performing comedy and magic. Here is a the other his impossible card effect that made Harry Blackstone
chance to enjoy great stories and insights that will entertain you, look twice!! But you’ll need to buy the DVD to hear those.
and inform you about the business of presenting really commer-
cial comedy magic.
Two of magic’s most respected pro’s reveal many tips and strate-
gies to help take your career to the next level. They recorded this
video to share their knowledge and to help make your learning
PRICE: $25.00
AVAILABLE: All magic dealers
WHOLESALE: www.murphysmagic.com
4 PORJECT M
BY MIKE LIU
A fantastic coincidence effect that is great for all ages. Animals,
colors and a puzzle. It's a no-sleight trick with a big surprise reveal.
Check out the video and you'll see how it all comes together.
VOYAGE - Three coins travel from one hand to the other. ML Vanish - a sleight of hand method to vanish a finger ring - again
more of a tool than a trick but for that quick social media shot this
CTE - A coin is thrown towards a closed envelope and ends up looks great.
inside.
RTC - this uses the method taught previously and you can show
MY THOUGHTS: a chain around your neck, vanish the ring and it ends up on the
Reviewed by Harry Monk chain. Great for live performance or that quick Youtube clip.
Mike has created a much needed product here. While all the mate- VOYAGE and THE FOURS - both coin routines. THE FOURS is an
rial on here comes from his current act, what he is aiming at here easy and quick production of four coins that uses a little sleight
are short and visual effects for anybody who wants to perform of hand but certainly nothing knuckle busting. VOYAGE is a very
social media magic. Unlike a lot of tricks out there today which commercial and practical three coins across routine.
only look good on camera, the material Mike shares is good for live
and social media performances. CTE- I loved this concept. You can take a coin and throw it towards
and envelope and it goes inside. Again, a tool for something else
You are supplied with a DVD, which is filmed with different camera but could be a stand-alone item for those who want to shoot quick
angles and good quality sound. You are also supplied with some things on their cameras.
extra bits and pieces such as magnets, a blank card, card holder
and envelopes - this is a nice touch as it saves you time and FINAL THOUGHTS: What I think Mike has done here is bridge the
money to go and buy these should you choose to perform the gap from a single trick, which he could have done with DOT, and
effects. give more items for the money which we used to see with magic
products. With a modern audience performing for themselves on
He shares ten tools and tricks on here which range from a sponge Youtube and using their phones this is a welcome product with
ball production to signed coin in bottle and an easy but visual pro- those people in mind. When it comes to Social Media clips you
duction of four coins. The techniques he teaches are well within want something that is short and makes an impact - this product
the level of most performers with one or two years experience. certainly does that. Very little DYI but they do supply what you
need.
DOT - this is my favourite routine on here and could have been A great product and I look forward to seeing more creations for
sold a single trick. I’ve started using this for my walk-around gigs Mike.
and it gets audible gasps. The effect is you take out a blank card
with a red dot on it, which is inside a clear card holder. You pull
the card out and literally take the dot off the card and it instantly
becomes a red sponge ball. You can then go in to any sponge ball
routine from here. This is super clever and it’s my go to trick when
I’m doing social media work on camera. You are supplied with
everything except the sponge ball - and the dot you can make or
get easily to match the color of ball you are using.
FALLEN 1 & 2 - This is his version of coin in sealed bottle. Again, it’s
very simple to make and you could have this ready to go in min-
ute. The handling is super clean and the cap will fit any Pop bottle
such as Coke, etc or a water bottle. You supply the cap but he does
give you something you add to it. There are certain coins that work
better for this than others, and you’d need to check out your own
currency. Mike is from Canada and their coins work perfectly. The
signed coin in bottle is a great variation on the original version,
and really looks as good as it does in the video. Again, this works
well in live performance as it does for Social Media.
PRICE $30.00
6
AVAILABLE All magic dealers
WHOLESALE www.murphysmagic.com
MY THOUGHTS:
David has created a highly puzzling routine that really seems in-
credibly fair and above board. He has combined some very clever
thinking to produce a piece of magic that is easy to do but looks
impossible. You are supplied with a special gimmick deck, and two
regular dice plus an in-depth tutorial on how to present this. The
deck pretty much does the work for you, with a little handling on
your part but nothing major. The tutorial shares not only the secret
but some great tips by David so it makes reset incredibly easy.
PRICE $30.00
This is a very novel routine because you can can tell your audience
AVAILABLE All magic dealers
your hobby is to collect cards, and show them a deck with all 52
WHOLESALE www.murphysmagic.com
different style of backs. You are supplied with an extra card and
envelope which will end up being your prediction and matching
Level One by Christian Grace is a gimmick that allows you to
the chosen cards. The method makes this an easy trick to perform
progressively vanish ANY deck of cards. This completely sold out at
and because the spectator has choices it really does make it seem
Blackpool 2019 and has not been available since.
that much more impossible.
Holding a deck of cards, you give a gentle shake, and half of the
You don’t actually have to even use the dice, but could have a
deck seems to melt into thin air. With another shake, the rest of
person imagine they roll two dice and add those numbers up.
the deck vanishes, leaving you with just one card: the spectator's
What makes this so good is the fact that as far as the spectator is
selection!
concerned everything is as you say it is. Nothing seems fishy or
odd - they give you a number and you simply count to that num-
The last card can immediately be handed out for examination.
ber showing they could have given any number which would have
There is nothing to find; it's a normal playing card.
given a different result. You can count from the top OR the bottom
of the deck, it is entirely THEIR choice. This is the real clincher in
Consider these points:
this routine because they really do have free choices, and the
You end clean. The last card can be fully examined.
result will always match.
It's easy to do. It will take just a short time to learn how to use the
gimmick.
I love the concept of having a deck with all different backs, be-
There are no angle restrictions. You can perform Level One sur-
cause most magicians do collect cards and so it’s a nice novelty for
rounded.
the spectator. The method is so easy that a beginner could do this
The last card is completely examinable.
with very little practice. Obviously you will want to make sure you
There are no flaps, threads or magnets. You receive a solid-state
fully understand the method, but the handling is very easy from a
gimmick. It will never break.
technical point of view.
Package includes Level One gimmick and online instructions.
WHO: Any level of card player
MY THOUGHTS
WHERE You can do this on a table of in the hands. For strolling you
This is a very clever gimmick that is unlike any other idea for a
could have the spectator hold the envelope and they can use their
vanishing style deck. This is NOT what you think it is. You are sup-
imagination when rolling the dice. If you have a table then you can
plied with the gimmick, which can be added to ANY deck of cards
obviously use the dice supplied.
and a download tutorial. This WILL take practice and you’ll need to
put in some practice to get it looking and working smoothly. Once
you’ve done that you will have something you can easily take with
you and will certainly outlast any deck of cards. It comes in a little
box to protect it, and I suggest you use this when transporting it.
The tutorial will show you how to use the gimmick and they do a
great job teaching this. As mentioned, it will require practice. What
makes this different than other versions of a vanishing deck to
single card, is that you can hand the card out at the end. In most
cases, that use some kind of flap system you can’t let them handle
the card. This allows you to not only hand it out but also to create
a double effect.
You show the cards to the audience, and with a shake half of them
vanish, then another shake and they all go except one. Done on
the offbeat this is a super strong effect, and looks great on camera
8
to be more creative when performing the Jumping X effect which
TITAN BY NICHOLAS is called Double Cross. You can draw an X on a card with a Sharpie
rather than your hand, and have it instantly jump from the card to
the spectator’s hand.
PRICE $20.00
AVAILABLE: All magic dealers
WHOLESALE www.murphysmagic.com
TITAN can be stored set and will fire when you need it to... every
time.
The book is filled with so many great lines that I would be quoting
the entire book because of the great advice Richy shares.
Here’s one I just chose at random as I was reading:
“Erase the stereotypes that plague magicians by proving them
wrong through example.”
No 79 is “Make the distinction between confidence and arrogance.”
This is a mistake you see quite often and once you learn confi-
dence is being in control of your body, your manner, etc then you
will come across much better in the eyes of your audience.
PRICE $25.00 This is the type of book you want to read and let it sink in, then go
AVAILABLE: All magic dealers back to it a year later, and go back to it every now and then. There
WHOLESALE www.murphysmagic.com are a lot of things he talks about that pros take for granted, things
they have discovered themselves a long the way. The successful
DO YOU: magicians must have done something right to make a career from
performing, and you will find a lot of their real secrets inside this
- Dream about becoming a better magician? book!!
- Want to see your name up on the marquee?
- Regret not finishing your own original scripts?
10
- Wish you could work as a full-time entertainer?
- Hope to connect with expert entertainers?
MY THOUGHTS You borrow a spectator's credit card -- any color or style will work
I wish I had this book when I first started out in magic - it would -- and with a wave of your hand, you cause the markings to disap-
have saved me 30 plus years of learning everything that is in pear completely. You are left with a clear credit card that can be
here!!!! Richy has nailed all 116 maxims or things to live by, if immediately inspected by the spectator. Upon command, you
you want to be a successful magician. These are real words of change the credit card back to its initial condition and hand it
wisdom and regardless of whether you are new to magic or an right back. Blankrupt is a unique "omni" style prop that allows you
old guy like me, you’ll get something out of this book. to turn a borrowed credit card clean. Easy, medium, and difficult
methods are taught by creator Josh Janousky, and you are sup-
His style of writing is very precise and to the point, making it plied with two durable, clear credit cards that will last a lifetime of
easy to understand what he is saying. Each maxim comes with performances. Although there are many effects that allow you to
a title and some advice to follow up what Richy is talking about. make an object clear, a vast majority are objects that you, the per-
One of my personal favourites is Conceal Your Projects in the former, must supply: your pen, your cards, your coins. Blankrupt is
Works. I remember when I started out in magic I would share unique because the object you make clear is a borrowed, precious
MY THOUGHTS
This is a clever addition to the “Omni” family of tricks. In this case
it is a credit card that gets the Omni touch. You are supplied with GRANDPA MAGIC
BY ALLAN ZOLA
a clear credit card with only a black stripe on it and a download. A
person’s credit card is very important to them so anytime you can
do magic with it and make it change or disappear you are going to
get some type of reaction. In this case Josh makes it reappear in-
side a wallet (supply your own card to wallet). He has friends share
their ideas and my favourite is by Bro Gilbert. Bro’s version uses no
KRONZEK
sleight of hand and the change is extremely clever, and the credit
card can now end up inside your regular wallet. Bro’s routine is
self-working and I think will become a favourite of many.
The card is made from regular credit card material and certainly
looks and feels like a clear credit card. Josh also teaches a version
where you take a photo of a borrowed card on a cell phone then
appear to make it become clear. I like the principle behind this,
but wonder how many people would want a photo of their card
on somebody else’s phone. Of course it doesn’t have to be a credit
card, any type of card with a black strip on it would work, and
many people carry a variety of cards these days. PRICE $25.95
AVAILABLE All major book stores and online
This is a great idea and great tool that I am sure others will come
up with their own ideas on how best to use it. The tutorial is a
great start to get you thinking, or you could perform any of the ABOUT THE AUTHOR
versions taught on there.
Allan Zola Kronzek is a magician, educator, and the co-author (with
his daughter Elizabeth) of the New York Times bestseller The Sor-
cerer’s Companion—A Guide to the Magical World of Harry Potter
(over 1 million copies sold worldwide in 14 languages). He is also
the author of The Secrets of Alkazar, 52 Ways to Cheat at Poker, and
the forthcoming The Book of Powers.
MY THOUGHTS
This book is aimed at parents or grandparents who want to be
able to do some really cool tricks and fun things with their kids
and grandkids. It is colorful and has lots of great artwork and il-
lustrations by Kyle Hilton. Allan has done a great job putting this
together and choosing material that would appeal to a wide range
of kids from teenager to preschoolers. The concept of the book is
to use magic to interact with children. On that note this would be
a great book for teachers, or leaders who work with kids. I love the
concept of this book as it is aimed at getting kids away from their
mobile devices and interested in something else - or get them
talking, in other words human-to human interaction. Magic is all
about interaction and I’ve always said you can’t really get a good
idea of what magic is by watching it on TV or on a phone, etc. You
need to experience it.
The book is a huge 795 pages, full color and has 116 tricks and
stunts inside. There is something for all ages, with the book di-
vided in to three main parts.
Part 3 includes brain teasers puzzles and other cranial challenges. This is the type of effect you’d want to have on you and when out
This includes Riddles, brain teasers using coins and you'll even with friends ask if the want to see something with your Ninja skills.
learn how to tie a knot with your arms crossed. It’s really an offbeat type of effect that nobody will see coming.
Done in this casual manner I think will have the most impact. You
This book makes it fun to learn and I can see an adult and child could certainly borrow a cap from somebody and perform this,
having a LOT of fun with this book. It would make a great present as long as it matches the color of your gimmick. I like the idea
and certainly a great way to reconnect with your kids or grandkids. of doing this then putting the Karate cap back on the bottle and
using the straw to continue drinking your drink. It’s motivation for
wanting to put a hole in the cap and quite funny.
12
and placing it upside down on top of the bottle, then pushing
your finger through it. There is a little routine using different col-
KARATE CAP BY
ored caps to present a color change routine, almost like a thimble
routine which is nice.
TAIWAN BEN I am sure many will come up with their own handling on this. It’s a
fun item and something you can perform easily and carry with you
at all times.
PRICE: $29.95
AVAILABLE All magic dealers
WHOLESALE: www.murphysmagic.com
13 FAKE BY SANS
MINDS
KARATE CAP would make Bruce Lee envious of your skills! The ef-
fect is extremely easy to learn and perform and will last a lifetime. What separates a hobbyist from a professional magician? It's not
in the tricks, but instead in the ability to make things fun and en-
Comes in three colors (red, black and white caps sold separately). tertaining, with the dirty work done seamlessly in plain sight. Fake
is designed just for that. A bill switch that's simple to death, done
14
finish the effect off so you can pull out a deck of cards.
5
FLAT PACK BY This comes in a strong cardboard box that protects the gimmick
box and I suggest you keep it in there when travelling. This uses
an extremely clever method, my only concern is I wonder why
JASON KNOWLES they used a yellow special something’ instead of white? I guess it
doesn’t really matter but it just seems like white would have been
a better color choice. It is quite possible perhaps that yellow is the
only color this ’special thing’ comes in. Either way it’s not a major
issue because the concept is very clear and it’s so quick your audi-
ence hopefully won’t pick it up.
I did find that the corner of the gimmick got bent, however it did
keep it’s shape due to the ’special something’ used. They do teach
how to repair the gimmick should anything break or become
weak over time. Because of the nature of the gimmick (card case)
You are also supplied with a little something to fix it. I wonder
how long it would hold up to a lot of use. This is fun to play with
PRICE: $34.95 and would be great for the walk-around performer as well as the
AVAILABLE: All magic dealers YouTube magician. It certainly comes as a surprise and would set
WHOLESALE: www.murphysmagic.com you up within seconds as a magician with skill. A really great visual
opener with a nice surprise at the end.
Created by the genius behind "Double Take," Jason Knowles
created Flat Pack to be a surrealistic visual opener and closer that
gets you in and out of your set with flair.
BY ARTUR SANTOS
This is a great product that is current and something very different
in the world of App magic. What you receive is a special code that
will allow you to customize this for your own Instagram. The ver-
sion I own works on my iPhone 6 SE but it also works for Android.
There is actually NO app to download but a very clever system that
will enable you to perform some really cool and modern magic.
The first thing this does is allow you to force ANY picture of your
choosing. You are supplied with two Instagram photos, one is a
photo of a dog, the other blank. The Predict part of the routine lets
you show the spectator your Instagram account and they can then
put the phone upside down and by scrolling with their fingers
choose a ‘random’ photo - actually what happens is very clever and
you will always end up on your force photo. This can be used just
PRICE: $35.00 as a force and you can predict in any way of your choosing. I can
AVAILABLE All magic dealers see this being performed on TV and producing something like a
WHOLESALE: www.murphysmagic.com live animal as the prediction. Imagine if they choose a spider and
they lift their hands and underneath is a spider - makes great TV
Predict n' grab is the most technologically advanced app to force for reactions. The idea of using your Instagram photos for a predic-
any picture or video on your Instagram profile. Our innovative tion is something people now relate to.
hands-free forcing method is 100% reliable, as it was developed
with the professional magician in mind. You can carry on and finish the GRAB part of the routine - which
looks amazing. You take the photo they ‘stopped’ at, and then pull
When you perform Predict n' grab, there are no sneaky moves it out of your phone and can hand it to them. What is left behind
and no hiding stuff - everything is under your full control. Trig- on the screen is your instagram comments etc. but the photo is
gering the force is as clear as it can be and it's all pretty much gone. This is extremely clever and easy to do.
self-working from that point on... so you can focus on your
performance. This is modern magic at its finest and I’m having a lot of fun per-
forming this. You will learn a few other ideas you can do to present
Three routines are included, one using both the magician's and this and variations. The tutorial is well done but you do need to
spectator's phone. take a few moments to set it up. Once it’s set up it is easy to use
and navigate should you want to make any changes. You can use
Photo match routine: what ever photo you want but are supplied with a photo of a cute
dog.
Ask someone in the audience to search for your account on
Instagram. Take their phone and briefly show off your media. Say Since this was released and I noticed that there has been an
that you're going to make a prediction of a picture and don't let update, which is great news as it has a few little bonus things now
anyone see it. Lock the screen and get the audience member to to make it even more convincing. I like the creator is adding things
hold the phone in full view throughout your performance. which shows he is committed to his product.
Open Instagram on your phone and ask another spectator to If you own a phone and have an Instagram account then you’ll
hold it and to do a blind scroll through your media (magician is definitely want to put this on your phone.
now hands free and they can stop anywhere they desire). Turn
over both phones and, magically, their selection is revealed to
match your prediction!
There is nothing to make up, the gimmick card is made up, you
just have to learn the routine and a way you go. A fun routine and
something different to your regular card magic. This would also
make a great effect for any social media performances - you’ll get
great reactions with this for the camera.
PRICE: $29.95
AVAILABLE: all magic dealers
WHOLESALE www.murphysmagic.com
One of the most crucial ways to make card magic strong, is to en-
sure your spectator understands their chosen card is 100% unique.
From our friend Shahrul Nizar in Malaysia, we bring you the per-
fect trick that takes advantage of this premise. Introducing, Stick
To It.
Not only can you make a card unique during your performance,
but no one will ever have to worry about ruining your cards again.
It's visual, practical, and the gimmick is ready whenever you are.
MY THOUGHTS
An extremely visual card routine that is both practical and easy to
do. You receive a DVD with instructions that are about 10 minutes,
plus a gimmick card and two extra stickers. The premise is that you
have a card selected and use the Bicycle sticker from the card box
to mark the back of the card. The card is buried in the deck and
you show another indifferent card. With a flick the sticker instantly
ends up on this card, and you turn it around to show it is indeed
the chosen card.
The trick is very visual and will get an audible gasp. The handling
is easy and the gimmick card is self-working. There is a little skill
required such as forcing a card and switching one at the end,
however everything is well thought out and the structure makes it
easy to do and go unnoticed by your audience. I’ve been having a
lot of fun with this trick and really like the idea of using the sticker
on the box instead of having people sign the card. Something I
was playing around with, and looks extremely visual is do put the
card with the sticker in the deck and have it instantly jump to the
top of the deck. For this I’m using a pass, however your pass needs
to be good to make this work. So it’s almost like an ambitious card
routine but using the back of the card, then follow up with the
gimmick card version.
WWW.MURPHYSMAGIC.COM
1.800.853.7403