Howard Thurston was a stage magician from Columbus, Ohio, United States. His childhood was unhappy, and he ran away to join the circus, where his future partner Harry Kellar also performed. Thurston was deeply impressed after he attended magician Alexander Herrmann's magic show and was determined to equal his work. He eventually became the most famous magician of his time.
 
Thurston's three rules of magic are STILL the rules that professional and hobby magicians go by as their "code of conduct" and they are:
 
Never reveal the secret to a trick—it ruins the mystery.
 
Do not repeat tricks in front of the same audience—no matter how much they beg! Most magic is based on the spectator not knowing what to expect. The second time around they will know what to look for, and might spot the secret!
 
Practice to Perfection – never show a trick until you can do it properly every time—A poorly done trick inadvertently breaks rule No. 1.
​

​Top 10 Magic Books

10 Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic
http://www.penguinmagic.com/p/S3603

9. Card College Light
http://www.penguinmagic.com/search.php? ... lege+light

8. Encyclopedia of Card Tricks
http://www.penguinmagic.com/p/S4728

7. Scarne on Card Tricks
http://www.penguinmagic.com/p/1005

6 Expert Card Technique
http://www.penguinmagic.com/p/1013

5. Royal Road to Card Magic
http://www.penguinmagic.com/p/573

4. The Expert at the Card Table
http://www.penguinmagic.com/p/1219

3. Art of Astonishment
http://www.penguinmagic.com/p/505

2. Absolute Magic
http://tinyurl.com/jsgur8b

1. Tarbell Course
http://www.penguinmagic.com/search.php?q=tarbell+course

Title: Telekinetic
Creator: Diamond Jim Tyler
Publisher: Vanishing Inc
MSRP: $ 25
Skill Level: all
DVD Run time: 24 minutes

Type of effect: animated (haunted) box effect

Manufacturer's Write Up:
 
A card box comes to life in this sensational new take on a classic plot. After removing the cards from the box, the magician causes the card box to spin, stand up, rise, and open, without moving his fingers.
 
Cause your card box to twist, rise, and animate at will. Cause a selected card to spring from the card box. Animate a matchbox to stand on end. Make a cigarette pack move around on your palm and turn over.
 
What you'll see is the most natural of props--the card box--as it comes to life on the magician's outstretched palm. Without moving the fingers at all, the box slides, turns, stands on end, and then opens. As with everything we release, WE GUARANTEE THAT WHAT YOU SEE IN THE TRAILER IS EXACTLY HOW IT LOOKS IN REAL LIFE. 

There is an epidemic of deceptive trailers in the magic industry. We hope you appreciate that every effect we produce lives up to its representation online. "Telekinetic" is truly wonderful. Here's why: before or after your favorite card trick, you have a card box naturally in your pocket or on the table, and this effect is therefore MOTIVATED in your show. It is the perfect ending or encore piece--just a tiny touch of visual before you end your performance. And as you can see in the trailer, it freaks people out. 

The gimmick is durable, the handling is easy, and you'll be performing it within minutes. 

How accurate is the ad copy? no deception ad unlike other animated box effects like animated matchbook - everything can be examined afterwards

What's in the box? Includes DVD and gimmick items.

Key points: use any card box - use your favorite brand, but just note that the box has to be empty - you cant do this with cards in the box.
 
How are the production values: very well shot and mic'd. Diamond Jim is in his magic library, and you can see his pachinko machine and his autographed picture of Steve Martin
 
Is it well made: the gimmick is strong and is an easy purchase should you need more.

Is it well taught: Diamond Jim has a good speaking voice, very slow and patient and he spoke with an air of authority that allowed me to relax in that I knew he understood what he was talking about.
 
My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked): matchbooks are not something we necessarily keep on our person any more - so moving the haunted matchbook effect to a card box is a natural upgrade!
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?" your "hook up" is very small and lightweight
 
Does it "play big?" being able to move physical objects with seemingly no influence can be one of the strongest effects you do in magic
 
Difficulty / Skill level required: very easy, he will also teach the acrobatic matches that this trick was inspired from. Acrobatic Matchbook, an animated cigarette box, animated business cards and a in your hands Haunted pack effect (where the deck cuts itself)
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? a little, but between what Jim gives you and what you need from home (you wont' get a card box) it's an easy crafts time.
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) this comes from Diamond Jim's working repertoire. If you don't know Jim Tyler - his book Pockets Full of Miracles: Secrets from the Repertoire of a Professional Close-Up Magician is currently out of print and considered a classic. Jim performs, writes, gives private lessons and group lectures, invents routines and markets magic effects all over the world!

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
 
Check out some of Jim Tyler's effects, Spinning Nickel, Diamond Monte, the Zap wallet and his forcing die.
 
+ 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=NPSMCeIvvMQ
​

 Title: Trilogy Extreme
Creator: Brian Caswell
Publisher: Alakazam Magic
MSRP: $ 40
Skill Level: all
DVD Run time: 45 minutes

Type of effect: three card prediction effect

Manufacturer's Write Up:
 
3 Times the Effect 100 Times the Impact! This has got to be one of the finest card and number routines ever created. When Trilogy was released it blew the minds of everyone that witnessed it and because of its success many similar effects hit the market BUT these were just pretenders to the Trilogy throne!

With the way playing card technology has changed the classic effect has been moved to the limit.

Trilogy Extreme has all the impact of the ground-breaking original version BUT now the deck is in play and on the table from the start. This is not Trilogy streamline this is Trilogy proper.

Trilogy is in the act of so many working professionals from stage to close-up, and from mentalists to magicians. Trilogy Extreme will now become the staple in card and number effects.

You name a random card, spectator one names a number. You name a second random card and a second spectator names a different number. Finally, YOU name a number and spectator three names ANY CARD he likes. Get this, you ALWAYS choose first! Bet you can see where this is going and are already thinking how the...!

OK - here goes: You open the card case and remove the deck. You freely show that all 52 cards have different numbers on them. You remove the card spectator number 3 named and place it face up on their hand. You now turn the deck over and remove the cards bearing the numbers spectators one and two named. When you flip over the first two you have an exact match card/numbers! The third card is still face up, remember spectator three had a free choice of ANY card. It couldn't possibly be, could it? The spectator turns it over - it's the exact number you named!!! All three spectators are left holding the exact card/number match that they picked!

How clean is TRILOGY? Well, there are NO sleights There are NO forces, NO one-ahead and NO sticky cards.

How accurate is the ad copy? no deception

What's in the box? Comes complete with the high quality Trilogy Extreme deck and instructional DVD and access to additional bonus effects including Peter Nardi's new 3 coin routine!

Key points: very similar to Thought Wave Extreme I just reviewed also by Alakazam
 
How are the production values: Alakazam makes great products, and this is another wonderful DVD
 
Is it well made: Phoenix brand deck made in Germany

Is it well taught: The first 14 minutes of the DVD is setup, after that Peter and David run through the presentation.  If you've seen Peter and David teach a trick before, you're in for the same great team. Peter also teaches how to do this trick with envelopes as well as how to perform this on stage as a chair test.
 
My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked): although this trick CAN be done for a single spectator, (Peter does teach you 2 handlings for a single spectator) it does work best if it is done for 3 spectators.
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?" You will need the full gimmicked deck for this effect
 
Does it "play big?" I think any time you can do a card trick that includes more people at the table you create a shared experience that certainly plays big.
 
Difficulty / Skill level required: this is very easy to do
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? Yes, you will have to "write" on the backs of all your cards - don't make any mistakes
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) this is great for a venue where you naturally have multiple spectators probably at a table

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
 
Alakazam has another real winner here, but as noted above this effect (and solution) is very similar to Thought Wave Extreme so I would not purchase both
 
+ 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=FhopPOWB83c
​

Title: Vegas Aces
Creator: Cody Fisher
Publisher: The Magic Estate
MSRP: $ 25
Skill Level: Intermediate
DVD Run time: 17  minutes

Type of effect: Cards across routine

Manufacturer's Write Up:
 
Expose the secret techniques of Las Vegas gamblers! Straight from Cody Fisher's personal arsenal of strolling magic effects, get ready for LAS VEGAS ACES!

In an effort to expose the secret techniques of Las Vegas gamblers, you magically cause the four aces to travel invisibly from hand to hand. The last ace is magically rubbed through the volunteer's hand!

This is Cody's KILLER version of "The Open Travelers." What was once a very sleight intensive routine is now almost self-working. There is no difficult sleight of hand or secret palming. Make no mistake about it; this routine is a real fooler!

Online learning with HD video
Easy to perform with instant reset
Perfect for strolling or formal shows
Complete word-for-word script
 
How accurate is the ad copy? It does say "easy" to perform and I guess it's all in how you define "easy" and who you are talking to. Everyone has their own levels of difficulty. This trick does require learning a particular routine that involves several card sleights.

What's in the box? 2 gimmicks for red & blue rider back decks + the code to watch the instructions online (download not available)

Key points: As per the ad copy this is Cody Fisher's version of Open Travelers by Larry Jennings
 
How are the production values: Dynamite! This is a great instructional video, nice tight shot of the table and cards, nothing goes too fast and you learn it easy the first time.
 
Is it well made: Cards made from USPCC

Is it well taught: Cody Fisher has a great teaching voice and he cleanly and clearly teaches you everything you need to know.
 
My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked): Magician's who know this trick and know how to "watch" for moves - will be fooled by this presentation.
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?" All you need is the deck of card and the one additional gaff.
 
Does it "play big?" Great gambling routine, this will play well for an audience who is interested in learning some gambling secrets.
 
Difficulty / Skill level required: Sleights required, double lift, holding two cards as one, the palm, the tent and rub-a-dub vanish.
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? zero, simply add it to your deck and you're set to go
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) Absolutely, however this works best for the strolling magician who has a table.

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
 
This is a terrific magic trick and a wonderful video and gaff - can't say a single negative thing about this.
 
+ 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=EX7Oe18akTI

Title: Locked in Thought
Creator: Paul Brook
Publisher: Murphy's Magic
MSRP: $ 65
Skill Level: unknown
Book length: 46 pages

Type of effect: number reveal, lock pick trick

Manufacturer's Write Up:
 
A simple padlock is removed from your key chain; it is the kind that is so often used for gym lockers or traveling. It can be fully inspected and even a master locksmith would not find any 'foul play'.

Yet, you are able to perform amazing feats with this 'invisible' prop.

A person you are with resets the lock to a three digit number of her choosing, and then she locks the lock. All this is done with your back turned and without peeking.

The dials are thoroughly mixed and the lock is set down upon the table.

You ask the person to think of just one of the numbers and you are able to name the number she is thinking of. This number is placed into the lock and the process is repeated three more times, until all of the numbers have been entered.

Not only does the lock open, but when the lock is turned around it is set to the selected numbers. When the lock is checked it will only open at the participant's selected three digit number.

For a Group:

One person in the group is asked to set the combination lock to a unique three digit number and to keep it secret.

Now the lock is passed amongst the rest of the group who can fully inspect and turn the dials; making sure it doesn't just open on any number.

After the lock has been passed amongst the group, another person is selected to hold the lock.

The performer now asks the first person to think of his selected number. Whilst the second person is holding the padlock on the other side of the room, the performer 'reads' the first person's mind. The performer then calls over to the person holding the lock and tells that person to place three numbers into the lock, done silently by holding up fingers.

Once the numbers are placed within the lock, the person proclaims that the lock has indeed now opened. The lock is shown to the person who set the code, and they confirm that it is the number they were thinking of!

This effect can be performed anywhere, anytime, with any person!

How accurate is the ad copy? no deception

What's in the box?  One padlock that that will enable you to perform these amazing effects and a 46 page eBook containing the secret to the effect, scripted routines, along with tried and tested subtleties

Key points: No stooges, pre-show work, or writing down required!
 
How are the production values: this is a plain pdf with no pictures
 
Is it well made: this is a straight forward ungimmicked brass padlock

Is it well taught: In my personal opinion "no." It was simple enough for Paul Brook to make a video for the commercial, but not to make an explanation? I have zero experience picking locks and so to receive a written instruction with no pictures proved much too difficult for me to figure out. But, that said, I found a host of experienced magicians who absolutely love this effect and had zero problems figuring it out.  So, I am sure my opinion is in the minority.
 
My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked):
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?" Even the packing material was "flat" this is just a tiny brass lock - nothing else is needed
 
Does it "play big?" mentalism effects are some of the strongest effects in magic
 
Difficulty / Skill level required: I don't know the answer as I was NEVER able to figure this out after two days of playing with it, I gave up frustrated.  I also wear reading glasses and the numbers on the dials were too difficult for me to read unless they were in direct sunlight.
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? zero
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) Again, reading OTHER reviews, I discovered many people who love this effect and found to be very useful.

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
_____ Somewhat Dissatisfied
   X      Very Dissatisfied
_____ No Opinion
 
Note that Paul Brook did not have this gimmick created, this is a real padlock that he found through a lot of research and testing. The "trick" is him being able to "teach you" how to crack this lock, also this is a trick he has "honed" over years of performance. That said, $65 seems a bit on the high side, A similar brass padlock on Amazon sells for $13 and then to only receive a pdf with no pictures as an explanation - especially for something that I believe needs pictures - seemed a little "phoned in." Making a video with your camera phone and editing it with software your computer comes with is very easy. I would suggest that Paul Brook film an explanation and have Murphy's upload it to their servers.
 
+ 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=auf3S1elCUw
​

 Title: Deceased
Creator: Jamie Dawes
Publisher: Alakazam
MSRP: $ 27
Skill Level: all
DVD Run time: 20 minutes

Type of effect: "Do As I do" card trick

Manufacturer's Write Up:
 
An exploration of what is humanly possible. A separation of the living and the dead. 

A chance for your spectators to experience something they have not nor will ever experience again. 

At 8PM 10 people sat down to dinner, by 10PM 8 of them were dead. 

Each guest murdered by two sadistic serial killers in one of the most disturbing cases of cannibalism ever reported. 

As you explain this horrific story, an envelope is handed to your spectator to hold. Next, 10 photos are introduced. It is explained that the killers are lost amongst the victims and it is down to your spectator to separate the living from the dead. 5 photos are handed to your spectator and 5 are kept by the performer. The spectator is instructed to hold the photos behind their back and slide one photo from the top to the bottom. They must keep doing this until they get a feeling, whatever feeling that may be. 

Once they are satisfied, they are to remove the top photo and hold it behind their back being sure never to let go of it. The performer does the exact same behind his back. The remaining photos are exchanged between the performer and spectator. She is then instructed to place her photo in so that it is faced the opposite way to the other pictures and to mix them. Again, the performer also does this. Both stacks of photos are brought out and both the performer and spectator have one single photo turned, sight unseen the other way. 

The envelope is brought back into play and the spectator tips out what is inside. Two photos that of a man and a woman. The killers. And although the spectator did not let go of their selection for a single second, and they have an undeniable account of what has happened, they slide their selection from their stack of photos and reveal it to be the same killer found in the envelope. The performer then does the same and is found to have selected the second killer. 

But if all of this is true, then we would need evidence that those in the envelope really were the killers. At this time, the photos from the envelope are turned over to reveal the words KILLER scratched in blood red on the back of them. And every other photo? They have DEAD etched in blood on the back of them. Everything is examinable and the reset is instant. 

This is the deceased.
 
How accurate is the ad copy? The backs are in fact blank, so that you can include whatever you want.

What's in the box? Comes Complete with old looking Photographs (printed on thick card stock) , Plus the Photographs are supplied blank on the back so you can write whatever you desire. You will also get a black Envelope & Full Instructional DVD 

Key points: no gaffs or anything to find, it can all be examined, no stooge work and nothing written down. This is a very easy trick
 
How are the production values: Alakazam makes great videos, everything is well shot and well mic'd. Much like other Alakazam videos in your collection,
 
Is it well made: The photographs are on quality board stiff card stock - these will last you a long time

Is it well taught: Yes, every nuance is explored and all is explained very well.
 
My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked): I liked that this took a classic card trick (What a Turn Up from Kaymar Magic) and gave it a spooky twist.
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?" this is a packet trick of 12 cards and an envelope easily carried in a pocket.
 
Does it "play big?" Haunted effects can play super big with the right story
 
Difficulty / Skill level required: as presented this is a very simple routine.  You will learn Jamie's handling right away. No skill or sleights involved. In fact this will work better - the better story you tell. 
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? zero (although my envelope had come undone in the mail but a little DS tape fixed it right up)
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) Totally, this would be great for Halloween or if your magic character had a more spooky slant.

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 think one of the strengths of this effect is that the cards are NOT gaffed or written on so in truth this trick can become stronger in your hands with your own presentation.
 
+ 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=t1HMnxeM9vo
​

Title: Mini Bud
Creator: SMCL
Publisher: Sans Minds
MSRP: $ 35
Skill Level: all
DVD Run time: 32 minutes

Type of effect: shrinking headphones 

Manufacturer's Write Up:
 
Tangled earphones is a common problem in this modern era. What if you could change that with a little bit of magic?

Mini Bud is a complete system that allows you to shrink or stretch your earphones. The SansMinds Creative Lab team has tested out the system in various settings around the world to prove the system's practicality.

We have included the complete set of gimmick so it can work right out of the box with minimum set up. Once you understand the concept you can use it and apply it to other earphones of your choice.

*Two Main Handlings: Shrink earphone and stretch earphone
*Full system included
*Note: TV rights not included with purchase. Please contact SansMinds for TV rights.
 
How accurate is the ad copy? no deception

What's in the box? DVD and two sets of working headphones

Key points: there are some additional handlings on the end of this DVD that are just as good or better than the original effect.
 
How are the production values: SansMinds makes great DVDs, great production values and plenty of good content.
 
Is it well made: The gimmicks are state of the art and look exactly like they should

Is it well taught: Herman teaches the effect and Jason does the live performances (as per usual) even though the video is over 30 minutes long, you learn the setup and execution in the first few minutes, a professional should get this right away.
 
My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked): I liked that this was a relevant prop, and I liked that there is zero arts n crafts with this unlike many other SM products.
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?" this is a "rig" that needs to be set up in advance and no, it's not clothing optional.
 
Does it "play big?" as with many of SansMinds products, timing is everything. I think to the right audience in the right circumstances it could be fun. If it were incorporated into a children's party or parlor routine it could play very well.
 
Difficulty / Skill level required: very easy - most experienced magicians have dealt with utilities similar to this.
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? zero
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) It can be done in the real world - in the right setting. I think in a nightclub, or noisy bar or crowded restaurant would be ideal for walk around. A children's party or parlor routine where this effect was a "stage" within a bigger routine would also play well.

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
 
Surprisingly this has been one of my favorite SansMinds creations, first being that I didn't have to build anything with tape or glue. Second because the subject matter is so relevant and third because it would play well in the right setting.
 
+ 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=ywkzow08QGs

Title: GPS Pack Nav
Creator: Oliver Meech 
Publisher: self published
MSRP: $ 40
Skill Level:  all
DVD Run time: 23 minutes

Type of effect: Sam the bellhop routine with a "GPS" coat of paint

Manufacturer's Write Up: GPS PackNav is a signed-card-to-impossible-location routine with a surprising modern twist.

A spectator selects a card and marks it on the face with their postcode/zip code. Now you bring out a 'GPS Pack Nav' - like an in-car navigation device but for playing cards. The spectator holds the GPS Pack Nav cards and reads out the directions, while you follow along with the deck to try and locate their card.

After a series of entertaining twists and turns, you turn over one card and... it's not theirs. Now for the genuinely surprising ending: the spectator turns over the 'You Have Reached Your Destination' card that they've been holding for most of the trick, and it's their marked card. They can keep the card as a souvenir, and you can continue on to the next stop of your magical mystifying tour.
 
Flexible props - cards can be arranged in different ways
Can be used with poker decks of almost any back design
Includes alternate chest-height handling and further ideas
 
N.B. Roddy McGhie, creator of the similar-but-different 'Card Nav 2000' is aware of this release and is happy for the tricks to co-exist.
 
How accurate is the ad copy? No deception

What's in the box? Comes with the 7 core GPS Pack Nav cards, 20 Destination cards, (trick can be given away as a souvenir 20 times if needed) and DVD instructions

Key points:
 
Engaging presentational hook
Built-in time misdirection
Option to re-use selected cards
No palming required
No need for a table
Quick reset
Can be repeated with a different card
 
How are the production values: Self published, plain backdrop, well mi'cd and filmed, Oliver gives you ideas and presentation ideas as well as details about the routine.
 
Is it well made: Cards custom-printed on Bicycle stock by USPCC

Is it well taught: Oliver is a patient teacher and gives you both a studio performance as well as a "step by step" breakdown of the entire routine.
 
My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked): this trick was just "ok" for me. It's not really my style of effect, nothing against Oliver's creation.
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?" this is a deck stack, so it needs to be "pre stacked" into your deck before beginning.
 
Does it "play big?" similar to Sam the Bellhop in that as the cards are revealed they tell a story.
 
Difficulty / Skill level required: double lift / riffle force
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? zero
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) Yes this is a fun routine.

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
   X      Neither Satisfied or Dissatisfied
_____ Somewhat Dissatisfied
_____ Very Dissatisfied
_____ No Opinion
 
Since Oliver is British the trick does have a slant towards driving in the U.K. We here in the USA do not refer to our GPS as "nav" which "Pack Nav" is a play on words for Satellite Navigation. Also one of the cards is titled "cues ahead" which is another British term. In America we say that we are "in line" for something, we don't stand in "cues"
 
+ 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=uKsJRqACb-E​

 

Title: Deal Sealer
Creator: Cody Fisher
Publisher: Magic Estate
MSRP: $ 25
Skill Level: all
DVD Run time: 36 minutes

Type of effect: 3 1/2 of clubs trick

Manufacturer's Write Up:
 
THE DEAL SEALER is Cody Fisher's closely-guarded secret for locking in a great impression and increasing your chances of new bookings. Cody Fisher is finally ready to share with you his encore effect that he uses to solidify his relationship with a potential client or contact. You will learn all of the psychology that will take simple effect and turn it into a mind blowing moment for your new client or contact. This is the effect that they will remember you for... THE DEAL SEALER!

Online learning with HD video
A classic card trick taken to the next level
Simple to do with no difficult moves
Killer psychology on the 3 1/2 of clubs card that sets this version apart from the rest
Two special cards included
Cody Fisher personally uses this routine to meet and create personal contacts with new clients
 
How accurate is the ad copy? Take note of the terminology used, this is a "classic card trick" Is it old? Yes. How old? The originator of the trick was Harold Sterling from the February 1949 issue of Hugard's Magic Monthly.
 
Also note that it says "Online learning" this means you get to "watch" an online video but you will not be able to download it.
 
What's in the box? 2 gimmicked cards (1 red and 1 blue) but if you have ANY gaff deck from the past 10 years - you already own it (hint - it's revealed IN the write up). You also get a link to a video that you can watch online.

Key points: Ok, so if this is just 3 1/2 of clubs trick, why am I going to spend $25 on it? Well because this is Cody Fisher's routine. True, you may already own the gimmick, but you don't know how Cody does it (that's why there is no performance in the trailer). There is more to the routine than just the presentation. What you get is also Cody's psychology behind his routine.
 
Cody has carefully thought out what makes this trick work (and not work) and so he has meticulously broken this trick down to it's core components and then rebuilt it from the ground up.
 
How are the production values: Terrific camera work that follows him carefully though the entire teaching - Cody is well lit, well mic'd and is in a distraction free environment.
 
Is it well made: This is the same Bicycle gimmick you are already familiar with.

Is it well taught: You get a get a real world live performance as well as an extended teaching on Cody's entire routine. Cody gives you an "easy" modified version of this routine that actually requires it's own deck. So he shows you how he "gets in" to it especially if he's been using another deck through his routine.
 
Again, the "psychology" behind this is what Cody is also teaching - you are learning how he brings this trick into play and in what setting. That said, again pay careful attention to the add copy "Cody Fisher personally uses this routine to meet and create personal contacts with new clients"  So this is another aspect of what is being "taught."  This is not just a standard "3 1/2 of cards trick" it is a "deal sealer" to make new clients or get that "last tip" from a table.
 
I would say that Cody's target audience is the working professional. This is for the corporate or strolling magician at an event or party.
 
My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked):
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?" The gimmick seamlessly fits into a standard deck, although Cody will teach you how to set up and prepare an entire deck.
 
Does it "play big?" This again is Cody's point, if performed at the right time with his presentation this can be the trick that "seals the deal"
 
Difficulty / Skill level required: two basic forces and a deck stack
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? the way Cody teaches it, there are some light arts n crafts. Nothing too hard
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) of course !

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
    X     Neither Satisfied or Dissatisfied
_____ Somewhat Dissatisfied
_____ Very Dissatisfied
_____ No Opinion
 
I gotta say, I was really hoping for more than it was. I like Cody's presentation of this routine, but the average magician doesn't need the card or the packaging, this could have been sold as a $15 download and felt more in the zone price point wise.
 
+ 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=MIlAgi4DksY