Title: Fixed Fate
Creator: Cameron Francis
Publisher: Big Blind Media
MSRP: $ 30
Skill Level: all
DVD Run time:

Type of effect: Any card to any number

Manufacturer's Write Up:

Predicted Card at PREDICTED NUMBER - a self working miracle! Comes with Bicycle Deck! 

The magician hands a blue-backed deck to a spectator, who is then asked to name a random number - let's say they say, 15. 

The spectator is asked to turn the deck face up and slowly deal down 15 cards. Every card is clearly different and the spectator stops at the 15th card. Let's say it is the Ten Of Clubs. 

The magician reiterates just how fair this was. The spectator chose a random number. The spectator dealt down to THAT number themselves and ended on a card. Both the chosen number and the chosen card were freely arrived at. 

The magician shows that, had a different number been named, a different card would have been selected. So that makes it all the more impossible when the Ten Of Clubs is flipped over to reveal that it has a RED BACK! It's the only card from a different deck. However that isn't the biggest shock... that would be the huge number 15 written across the back of the card!
 
How accurate is the ad copy? Can be a different card and number every time
"within reason."

What's in the box? Yes, it comes with a USPCC Bicycle Deck and full DVD instructions. Fixed Fate - you'll be blowing away your audiences in no time! 

Key points: although the deck can be made on your own with the ideas Cameron supplies - you get everything you need!
 
Self-working
No sleight of hand
Can be a different card and number every time
No gaffs, sticky stuff, rough & smooth, mathematics or memory work
Resets in seconds
 
How are the production values: Big Blind Media knows how to make a good DVD. Multiple angles, well shot and well lit. Cameron is sitting on a couch in a living room type setting.
 
Is it well made: Yes

Is it well taught: Cameron really knows his audience and caters to it. No long drawn out explanations where he wastes your time, he gets right to the explanation and very quickly you are grasping the mechanics of each effect.
 
My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked): I love how assessable this trick is. BBM has proven once again that you can combine both POWRFUL and EASY into one routine.
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?" All you need is the deck of cards
 
Does it "play big?" Yes the kicker ending surprised even me, and I had already looked at the gaff!
 
Difficulty / Skill level required: This is a great effect for all skill levels
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? if you do the effect the way Cameron does it, you will need to "number" your cards with a sharpie and print our the prediction note.
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) Yes this deck is a real worker

Overall score: let's toss out the traditional score of 1-10 and make this something that we all can appreciate and understand.
 
   X     Very Satisfied
_____ Somewhat Satisfied
_____ Neither Satisfied or Dissatisfied
_____ Somewhat Dissatisfied
_____ Very Dissatisfied
_____ No Opinion
 
BBM has a strong player here, a self working card to any number that doubles as a fooler? Wow! Color me impressed. My favorite trick this month.
 
+ Hey do you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas? Visit this link for my video review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIw0KzCE7AI
 

Title: Cipher Deck
Creator: James Anthony & Aaron Calvert
Publisher: Mark Elsdon
MSRP: $ 35
Skill Level: all
DVD Run time: 1 hour 41 minutes (youtube video) & a 36 page pdf

Type of effect: number deck for counting and math tricks

Manufacturer's Write Up:
 
The Cipher Deck is a utility device like no other... It's simplicity is astonishing and yet delivers such powerful reactions that everyone whether magicians or mentalists should own one and master the routines.

There is truly something for everyone with this deck.

How accurate is the ad copy? It doesn't flat out lie, but it does feel a little 'over hyped.'

What's in the box? cards and card box
 
PDF with 8 ROUTINES BY MARK ELSDON
3 OR MORE BONUS ROUTINES
100 MINUTES OF VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS
GREAT ROUTINES
QUALITY MARKED NUMBER DECK
SECRET AREA TO SHARE EVERYTHING CIPHER

Key points: The marking system is SUPER EASY and you will be picking it up in a FEW MINUTES!
 
How are the production values: There are live performances on this video (which is always a plus and becoming more and more rare with magic videos IMO) the explanations are back at a table with a single stationary camera.
 
Is it well made: The deck and tuck are incredibly well made, it looks and feels just like a child's numbers deck

Is it well taught: It is well taught, both James and Aaron are generous and patient teachers, here is what you will learn.
 
Phoenix Page - book test / number force, doesn't use the markings
Calculator  Sensation - number force, doesn't use markings (plus needs an iphone)
Perfect Number Prediction - cold reading trick using the marking system
Out of this Integer - Out of this world style effect - that doesn't use markings
Bonus Memory Routine - deck stack and markings
Unamed trick - that doesn't even use the cards
 
There are three additional tricks on the pdf, that are not taught on the DVD
 
More than a total number prediction - which involves a deck stack
book page word  - which is a number force
call me - which is a straight forward card force
 
As noted above the calculator sensation effect works better for iphone users. I could not make it work with my andoird. And the phoenix page requires a book for a book test  - this is the primary trick taught on the video, over half the video focuses on this one effect.
 
My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked): To be flat out honest, I thought I was getting a reader back deck so I could perform mentalism effects, but the majority of the suggested effects are "number" and "calculation" effects that either involve a stack or a force.  I was majorly disappointed that the reader element didn't play MORE into the effects that were taught.
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?"  As you can read above, depending on what you are performing will determine how "flat" you pack.
 
Does it "play big?" The live performers on the video certainly seemed to indicate that these are stunner effects,  but as a jaded, jilted, skeptical magician (aren't we all?) I wasn't overly blown away.
 
Difficulty / Skill level required: These tricks are fairly simple, only a few standard card sleights are needed.
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? zero
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) Absolutely this deck is a real word worker

Overall score: let's toss out the traditional score of 1-10 and make this something that we all can appreciate and understand.
 
_____Very Satisfied
_____Somewhat Satisfied
_____ Neither Satisfied or Dissatisfied
   X     Somewhat Dissatisfied
_____ Very Dissatisfied
_____ No Opinion
 
I love the deck and I want to find my own way of using it (and I will) I just was not impressed with the effects that were presented
 
+ Hey do you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas? Visit this link for my video review: https://youtu.be/oVrSN4M_l5w
​

​Title: The Foundation
Creator: Herman & Jansen teachers (Jason does the performances)
Publisher: Sans Minds
MSRP: $ 35
Skill Level: beginner
DVD Run time: 2 hour 32 min

Type of effect: card skill instructions

Manufacturer's Write Up:
 
This isn't an encyclopedia, or a bunch of fancy moves. FOUNDATION, We go through the essentials that you can use in the real world and impress at a moment's notice. We break down all the moves in high detail so that everything is covered; making it extremely easy to follow along. We'll help build your card arsenal so that you can always create a moment of wonder for people, and leave an everlasting impression. Learn to amaze anytime with a deck of card. The ultimate guide to learn amazing card tricks.

Welcome, to The Foundation.

How accurate is the ad copy? It could be a little more descriptive about what you get instead of 'everything is covered' but it's not deceptive.

What's in the box? DVD

Key points: two and a half hours of card magic skills taught. If you've ever wanted (or needed) an all encompassing volume of card skills, you can't go wrong with this.
 
How are the production values: Sans Minds always makes a good DVD, nice empty backgrounds, crystal clear picture, great sound and waist high performances. A lot of over the shoulder shots and lots of time devoted to each move.

Is it well taught: What is on this volume you ask? Here ya go
 
Grips / mechanics / biddle
Cuts  straight / swing
Shuffles / overhand / hindu / riffle
Spreads / table / in the hand
 
Technique / pinky break / thumb break / double lift / how to practice
top palm / bottom palm / one hand top palm
classic color change / bottom palm change / twirl change
Double Undercut / riffle control / tilt move
False cut ' 2 packet' / false cut '3 packet'/
duplicate cards / two card transpo
the ambitious card
 
BONUS MOVE: the spring
 
My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked): true, it seems like every magic house has their own version of this idea and true, this one doesn't stand out as being that much more different or special than all the rest, but that doesn't detract from the fact that this is a good resource. Sure wish there had been something like this when I was starting out.
 
Difficulty / Skill level required: this is a great resource for beginners.

Overall score: let's toss out the traditional score of 1-10 and make this something that we all can appreciate and understand.
 
   X     Very Satisfied
_____ Somewhat Satisfied
_____ Neither Satisfied or Dissatisfied
_____ Somewhat Dissatisfied
_____ Very Dissatisfied
_____ No Opinion
 
I have other resources pretty much identical to this and I don't know that the world needs "another one" of these especially when there is so much good instruction out there now, but if you're a big fan of the SansMinds brand and you like their people - this is a great card magic resource for beginners.
 
+ Hey do you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas? Visit this link for my video review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UsEIqviizJo
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Title: Luck of the Draw
Creator: Liam Montier
Publisher: Big Blind Media
MSRP: $ 25
Skill Level: beginner
DVD Run time: 1 trick explained 8 min 20 sec

Type of effect: prediction effect

Manufacturer's Write Up:
 
Luck of the Draw is a killer new utility for mentalists and magicians alike! You get...
An incredibly deceptive & natural looking 3 way force bag (Don't throw your 'Luck Of The Draw' packaging away... it's the force bag! HA!). This thing is so squeaky clean that you can happily let your spectator's handle and use it. It's a fast route to 100% hands off, self working mentalism!!!
 
For ultimate deceptiveness, each stack of raffle tickets contain a total mixture of colors! This makes all the tickets look random, very different, and colorful to use! 

We are SURE that you will have your own ideas and routines for this awesome utility prop, but check out the instructions for 'packs small, plays big' mentalism that will work on tables, or on stage. Book Tests, Add a Number, Card At Any Number, and MORE

How accurate is the ad copy? Very straightforward

What's in the box?

100 Random Raffle Tickets
100 Force Raffle Tickets (in various colors)
A SECOND 100 Force Raffle Tickets (with a different number)
 
A Booklet of KILLER tricks and ideas - includes Liam's lecture highlight 'Pyrite' (a self working 'Card At Any Number'!!!)
 
A free video download which teaches you everything you need to know to perform 'Pyrite!

Key points: You can even use the packaging the effect comes in AS the force bag - everything is included!
 
How are the production values: Much like any other Big Blind Media video, it's Liam in that famous library backdrop. HD camera, well mic'd with multiple angles. BBM knows how to make good videos!
 
Is it well made: It's paper raffle tickets and a plastic bag - what more do you want? Sure, it's well made - couldn't be made any better, just so long as you are not expecting ear pieces, or nano technology.

Is it well taught: Here's where you have to read the fine print. The trick ideas are all on the pdf, so there is only 1 effect taught on the video. Granted once you understand the concept you don't need video instruction for every effect and more than likely you'll come up with your own hybrid version that suits your style.
 
My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked): I liked how professional this looks and how well made this effect is. I think it has multiple uses for both parlor and party style magic. I could even see how you could combine this with another effect where the number prediction was part of "something else" much bigger. Great utility with lots of room for exploration.
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?" this only uses the bag and tickets in the bag, can be "wadded up" pretty compact.
 
Does it "play big?" mentalism / prediction effects can always play big, of course with the right presentation this has great potential.
 
Difficulty / Skill level required: the bag and the spectator does all the work for you - this requires very little skill.
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? Liam has done it all for you. Put the tickets in the bag and you are good to go.
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) I think you need to think through your handling and presentation, but yes - this is a real world worker.

Overall score: let's toss out the traditional score of 1-10 and make this something that we all can appreciate and understand.
 
   X     Very Satisfied
_____ Somewhat Satisfied
_____ Neither Satisfied or Dissatisfied
_____ Somewhat Dissatisfied
_____ Very Dissatisfied
_____ No Opinion
 
Strong DVD and strong effect. Another winner from BBM
 
+ Hey do you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas? Visit this link for my video review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLP4Oyx-zOU
​

Title: AWE struck
Creator: Adam Elbaum
Publisher: Vanishing Inc
MSRP: $ 50
Skill Level: intermediate
DVD Run time: 54 minutes

Type of effect: Thought of card to wallet effect

Manufacturer's Write Up:
 
AWE Struck is pure and staggeringly strong. This is EXACTLY what happens, with no exaggeration: someone thinks of ANY card (no equivoke or forces). You remove your wallet and inside, clearly displayed, is a hand-written note predicting the thought-of card. The wallet contains just one prediction and you can fairly show that it is a normal wallet.

Adam Elbaum has created a sensational and offbeat approach to this simple yet strong mentalism plot. They name any card and you clearly show that you predicted it in advance, written on a piece of paper isolated in your wallet. 

Even includes Asi Wind's smart addition that allows you to predict two named cards. 

The beautiful gimmicked leather wallet included with "AWE Struck" is custom-made for this effect, but also designed to be your every-day wallet. 

How accurate is the ad copy? this is exactly what happens

What's in the box? Everything you need, DVD, post its, a well made leather wallet and a very special deck of cards

Key points:
 
- Includes everything you need
- Beautifully packaged with 1.5 hour DVD 
- Multiple versions and handlings taught, including Asi Wind's version
 
How are the production values: Nothing really to write home about. Most of it is just one stationary camera shot in a living room style backdrop. There is one other camera used for close ups, but it's not as needed.
 
Is it well made: Everything you get is top of the line. This is not a cheap wallet, in fact it's very similar to another very popular magic wallet on the market.  I even loved the fact that the small post-its were included. Big props to Vanishing Inc for including all of the things I need to go out and do this trick right now. More magic houses could take some tips from this packaging and give their users "more" for their money.

Is it well taught: You get almost an hour of instruction for this one single effect. So that's always a bonus to get as much content as possible. There are multiple ideas offered, additional handlings and variations - lots of content and it was well appreciated. I would even add that some of the "loading" tips could be used for any card to wallet effect.
 
My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked): Like I mentioned above, I loved the advice for palming and even the advice give for the wallet prep (I would use it on my "real man's wallet").
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?"  You need the wallet (which you can use as your own personal wallet) and a deck of cards (pre-prepared).  That's it. The post-its or a pen for writing, that should all be a part of your advanced preparation (see below).
 
Does it "play big?" This trick combines the best of both worlds, a card to wallet with a prediction effect.  And the beauty of this trick is that the spectator can name ANY card is a deck of 52. There is no force and the spectator will understand that. I think any time you can combine more than one element like this - it makes a very beautiful "magic baby."
 
Difficulty / Skill level required: You have to be able to "do the move" required for 99% of card to wallet tricks. (Yes? You understand? Nudge nudge)
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? with this, there is some, but not too much. Obviously the prediction needs to be in your handwriting, so there is some advanced prep that you need to do with the deck, but once you've finished that - you're done. There is only a one-time prep.
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) Yes this is a worker, just so you long as you understand that this is a traditional card to wallet trick.

Overall score: let's toss out the traditional score of 1-10 and make this something that we all can appreciate and understand.
 
   X     Very Satisfied
_____ Somewhat Satisfied
_____ Neither Satisfied or Dissatisfied
_____ Somewhat Dissatisfied
_____ Very Dissatisfied
_____ No Opinion
 
Yes the DVD is a little lackluster and the effect borrows a classic handling, but the materials are top notch and the magic is strong.
 
+ Hey do you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas? Visit this link for my video review: https://youtu.be/TVontsTC7O8
​