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Ender's Review: Two great packet tricks from John Bannon

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Ender's Review: Two great packet tricks from John Bannon
« on: August 12, 2017, 12:38:16 AM »
 

EndersGame

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Twisted Sisters (John Bannon)

A popular packet card trick from John Bannon

Overview: This is a mind-blowing card trick by John Bannon, and features just eight cards, with several surprises at the end.

Effect: Here's the effect: you involve two spectators, each of whom selects a different queen in their packet of red or blue backed cards. Then follows three surprising revelations: firstly the two chosen queens are revealed to be the only ones face-up. Then, these selected queens are revealed to have come from the other person's packet because they have a different coloured back. Finally, all the remaining cards are revealed to be jokers. See John Bannon perform the effect here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JYOz8N67fY

Impressions: The handling of this trick is very straight forward and can be managed by a beginner, but real effort should be put into making a very good presentation, which will really help make this effect powerful. While it can be presented as a feat of mentalism/prediction, it is mostly performed as a magical effect, and perhaps works best that way. The cards aren't examinable at the end, and John Bannon later revised this effect as "Duplicity", which has a more clean finish but requires a more delicate approach in the wording of the patter.

Recommendation: Even today, "Twisted Sisters" is one of the all time most popular packet effects, and with good reason - I highly recommend it.



Duplicity (John Bannon)

A revised and cleaner version of John Bannon's Twisted Sisters

Overview: "Twisted Sisters" by John Bannon is widely regarded by magicians as one of the best packet tricks of all time. But it does have a disadvantage: the cards aren't examinable at the end. The creator of the effect, John Bannon, later revised it to provide a more clean finish, in which all the cards are examinable by the spectators, and that revision is "Duplicity".

Effect: The overall effect of Duplicity is somewhat similar to Twisted Sisters, and also involves eight cards. You and a spectator each select a different Ace from your packet of red or blue backed cards. Then follows three surprising revelations: firstly the two chosen aces are revealed to be the only ones face-up. Then, these selected aces are revealed to have come from the other person's packet because they have a different coloured back. Finally, all the remaining aces are revealed to be blank.  See John Bannon perform the effect here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50ByS4iAWnI

Impressions: The technical handling of this trick is quite straight forward, and just as easy as Twisted Sisters. However a much more delicate approach is required in the wording of the patter, since the spectator needs to make three choices throughout, and it needs to be made clear that they are all free choices. But when this is executed well, and combined with a good presentation, the final reveals are killer. Many magicians prefer Duplicity to Twisted Sisters because of the clean finish.

Recommendation: An improved version of Twisted Sisters? Maybe, but either way it's a terrific packet trick that I can highly recommend.



To learn more, visit John Bannon's website: www.johnbannonmagic.comTwisted Sisters and Duplicity are also available from your favourite Murphy's Magic retailer.
« Last Edit: May 25, 2021, 12:16:19 PM by EndersGame »
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