Of the making of packet tricks there will be no end. But Gone is a nice little contribution from Daniel Bryan. In effect one of the cards in a packet of five vanishes in a visual way – and then in an instant all the other four change so that they now spell the word ‘Gone’.
It’s easy to do and easy to follow for the spectator – which is always a good start. There is no real sleight of hand involved – instead, cleverly gimmicked cards (all on Bicycle stock) do all the work for you.
A couple of variations are taught – one with a more ‘mental’ feel and one with more ‘comedy’. I don’t think either of them add much to the effect – though I do like the performance only version where the spectator’s thought of card appears in your wallet (easily achieved with a m**t**l* o*t wallet) and indeed Peter Nardi’s own handling.
On the subject of Peter Nardi’s handling, it is highly confusing to start the explanatory video with the explanation of Peter’s routine. This happens before you’ve had the basic routine explained and could easily leave you mystified. That highlights another small issue of download/online video-only releases like this (see my minor rant as I review the Last Laugh).
Unlike a DVD there is no way to jump to a particular section on the video – so if you want to go back to check something you just have to guess – or watch the whole thing again.
All in all I think this is a nice effect with good audience involvement and a decent amount of magic which will go down well with lay-people. Reset is straightforward, though I’m not convinced that you’d want to do it as you walked to the next table as Daniel seems to suggest. But it should only take a moment or two.
It’s a good price for a good effect. Well worth a look.
Available direct from Merchant of Magic for only £21.50 (at time of writing)
Review copy kindly provided by Murphys Magic to whom dealer enquiries should be directed.
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