We hope you’ve been enjoying this unseasonably hot weather. But if you want some new magic to learn whilst you are soaking up the rays here are a couple of bargains – for ONE WEEK ONLY.
Our friends at MagicTricks.co.uk are offering a 10% discount on most items with the code ‘CARDSPEC11′
Alternatively, if you are a fan of Wayne Dobson’s magic like we are, get along to eMagicTricks who have got a 50% off sale on his magic. Have a look here for some fantastic reductions. And do give us a mention if you get the chance!
Here are some more recommendations from Bicycle-Cards.co.uk
It is rare to find a card trick that works well in a larger ‘platform’ context, but Fourseen is just such an effect. It is by Wayne Dobson which means it will also be entertaining and easy to do and it now comes with a DVD to help you learn it. What’s not to like? £15.00
PSI Poker is a new and intriguing effect from the creative brain of Ben Harris. A self-working, and ever so fair looking poker prediction effect. A nicely produced booklet explains it all for only £12.50
I’ve been playing this for a little while and hope do you a proper review of this when things become slightly less busy here. But Phantom of the Wallet is a great no palm signed card to wallet with an entertaining plot. Nicely made props and well written instructions – just what you’d expect from a Breeze/Duffie collaboration. Only £23.50
Last month (or last year if you prefer!) we looked at a trio of packet tricks from Mike Danata’s exclusive range. We finish our brief survey with a couple more…
New Three Card Trick £10.00
I believe this is Mike’s handling of a Wayne Dobson idea – so a strong heritage you will agree! The routine is in some ways the classic three card monte – though with an extra phase where a card keeps moving around the packet (as I type this, I realise that sounds a bit like a description of the normal monte effect! I can’t think how to put this better – watch the video!) and with a finish where the ‘odd’ card has completely vanished.
My comments from last time re. DVD only instructions apply here. However, a strong point of this particular DVD is that the explanation section is filmed from the performer’s view – which I find much easier to follow than the opposite. All the necessary cards are supplied on Bicycle stock.
I have slightly mixed feelings on this one. It is dead easy to do – and will appeal to someone looking for a no-sleight version of this classic effect. For me, the first phase of the routine feels a little clunky – and that is largely determined by the method. I’m also unsure of the rationale for the middle ‘moving card’ phase. And without trying this on lots of lay-people, I can’t decide whether an ‘all the same card’ finish strengthens or weakens the effect.
Why don’t you watch Mike’s performance and make up your own mind:
Countersign – Wayne Dobson £10
This, I think, is my favourite effect of both batches we have looked at. It is an amusing routine where a card containing the magician’s signature repeatledly swaps places with a card which says ‘Your Signature’. It is a well constructed routine which builds to a logical conclusion – and the patter about ‘my signature’ and ‘your signature’ appeals to my love of puns.
The instructions say ‘no sleight of hand’ which is almost true – though the only ‘move’ required is very straightforward and well taught. It is supplied with detailed printed instructions (Yay!) and also DVD instructions – like the previous trick with performer’s view explanations.
I like this a lot. It is a novel and entertaining routine and easy to do. The only thing I would change would be to pre-print the ‘Your signature’ cards – rather than having handwritten cards. But that would no doubt increase the price, which is a bargain at £10.
We recently had the privilege of seeing James Brown lecture at our local Magic Club. The man is a genius and you should buy everything he sells! Seriously, here is someone who thinks deeply about his magic with fantastic results. Even if you hate the tricks (which you wont) you will learn loads from this DVD. Unfortunately Vol 1 is out of stock at the moment. Vol 2 is £26.95
I finally got my hands on one of the new USPCC 809 Mandolin decks and first impressions are very good. I will do a more in depth review as time permits, but these handle well and I prefer the back design to the original. £2.50 a deck at Merchant of Magic or £2.60 at MA Pro.
I remember the first time I saw Wayne dem this at a convention. Like most of Wayne’s material it is easy to do and entertaining. The trick looks to have gone wrong, but there is a comedy resolution. £15.00
Second Chance is a great little effect from Wayne Dobson.
Without you even touching the deck a spectator thinks of any card and removes it from the deck and hides it in their pocket. You then take another deck and claim that you are going to try and choose the same card that the
spectator has hidden in their pocket. You remove one card and the spectator removes the card from their pocket, however it is NOT the same card. You ask for a Second Chance to prove that you have chosen the same card. Turning over your card it is seen that the spectators ‘Thought of Card’ is written on the back, proving that it is the Same Card! Sounds impossible? It’s that good! Comes with an eight page booklet containing two other bonus routines – £10.00.
Our friends at Merlins of Wakefield are offering to supply the two Bicycle Decks needed for this effect, fully made up and ready to go for just £12.95. Just mention Bicycle-Cards.co.uk when you order.
For me this is a new all time favourite I think. This is a really practical solution to the card at any number plot which can be done with any (borrowed) deck and no preparation. There are a couple of moves which are within reach of anyone with any basic card skills, and as with all Barrie’s stuff it is routined to perfection! Highly recommended. £14.99
Mark Leveridge always produces commercial magic, and this DVD includes 9 of his routines. I am particularly highlighting it this month because it is on special at the moment at only £12.34.
I’m reading this at the moment and enjoying it very much. Firstly you have Wayne’s autobiographgy which is a really interesting read in itself. Find out how he reached the success he has done and also how he has battled with MS. And as if that was not enough, it includes 40 of his routines (hence WD40) which are always practical and straightforward. If you have any of the Dobson’s Choice booklets there is quite a bit of overlap, but some new ideas too. A great book. £25.99.
