Creator: Daniel Bryan           
Publisher: Alakazam Magic
MSRP: $ 23
Skill Level: beginner / intermediate
DVD Run time: 32 min

Type of effect:  Card Trick / Packet Trick / Vanish / Transformation

Manufacturer's Write Up:

After displaying five random cards from a pack, you visually cause one of them to vanish! You now place the remaining cards in to your spectators hands and explain that you are now going to do the impossible and cause the final 4 cards to vanish, after a moment of concentration you tell the spectator that all the cards are now gone, they are not impressed as they can feel them between their hands however when you turn the cards over all that is remaining on the faces are the letters G.O.N.E!!

Gone is the brainchild of Daniel Brian and comes complete with everything you need to perform this incredible effect. With the custom printed cards supplied you will have the power to create so much magic, right in front of your spectator's eyes.

Multiple handling's and routines.

With GONE You can create 2 incredible moments of magic right in front of your spectator's eyes.

How accurate is the ad copy?

Both the ad copy and the advertisement are straight forward and accurate. There is no shady video editing - what you see, is what you get. Plus, on the magic forums and initial reviews, there seems to be a lot of happy customers who have purchased it.

What's in the box?

Your packet trick of cards made from rider backs (you can purchase red or blue) and a download code for the 32 min video

Key points:

Easy to do

Built in comedy routine

Comes complete with custom made gimmicks

"Gone" ticks all the boxes and is a worthy addition to any magicians pocket.

How are the production values:

This is where the trick "suffers" a little bit for me. Peter Nardi does a brief introduction and teaches at the beginning in front of the Alakazam fireplace for about 4 minutes and then Daniel Bryan teaches you in his living room for the rest of the video. Peter is microphoned and is shot in HD, but Daniel's teaching portion is shot in a living room, using one single tripod camera, no microphone (so it's a little echo-y) and not as well lit.

Is it well made:

The gaff cards are made from standard retail Bicycle 808 stock

Is it well taught:

With a packet trick like this, it's a nice surprise to receive over 30 minutes of video. Plus Daniel gives you several performance ideas with room to add your own flair and more advanced sleights for the more experienced performer.

Peter Nardi adds a nice little bonus idea at the beginning that would work well for  table of people - and Daniel adds a bonus comedy routine handling at the end.

My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked):

I liked the abundance of teaching, lots of great ideas, I also liked the gaff cards themselves, very well made. This is a great packet trick that works well for a group of people or one-on-one.

Storage? Does it "pack flat?"

Absolutely, only the supplied cards are needed,

Does it "play big?"

Several reviewers have seen good reactions from this trick, the two punch effect really feels like you get two tricks for one, so it's certainly elevating the circumstances.

How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?)

Yes. This trick doesn't require that you wear a jacket or use a black table cloth! Ha ha. All you need is the cards supplied. Can be done in any lighting, inside, outside, upside down.

How original is this idea?

Granted there are other packet tricks that are similar, Gary Freed's NFW comes to mind.

Overall score:  9/10

+ If you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas you can visit this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ve4wchys5MM

Cherry Casino deck

video card review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8evesrARQk

Limited to 2000 Decks

Design By Franky Morales & Sam Devins

Printed by United States Playing Card Company on an Air Cushion Finish with crushed paper.

Find out more information here: http://www.pureimaginationprojects.com/

I use the sports card boxes as well, but my comic shop only has the size that holds 25 decks (or is it 26?)

Creator: Vincent Hedan
Publisher: System 6
MSRP: $ 40
Skill Level: beginner/intermediate
DVD Run time: 110 mins

Type of effect: 16 card tricks with a very unique gimmicked deck

Manufacturer's Write Up:

Multitude unveils the amazing principle of the Multieffect deck, a forgotten principle over 100 years old. You will learn 16 unbelievable routines that have been part of Vincent Hedan's professional repertoire for years.

Chosen card's, thought-of card's, sandwiches, coincidences, Out of this World, estimation, card to wallet and many more effects are revealed: these classics of card magic are presented here with simple and direct methods. All these miracles are based on the same idea, the Multieffect deck, an ingenious principle allowing you to fool any audience and perform impossible effects.

How accurate is the ad copy?

I don't know if the principle is "forgotten" I made one of these decks when I was in my twenties. Second, the add copy says it comes with "gimmicks" but in truth, what you get is a sealed deck of cards that you need to then modify with your own materials.

What's in the box?

DVD and deck of cards

Key points:

You can shuffle the deck and it will still be ready to perform. The deck can be handed out for examination; and there is no Memorization work needed.

How are the production values:

Well shot, lots of angles, teaching and live performances are all shot together in the same studio. Doesn't leave you wanting.

Is it well made: Could not be made any better - and easy to replicate

Is it well taught: Yes, Francis is a patient teacher, easy to follow and listen to.

My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked):

I loved that this trick deck is more than a one hit wonder, it's on the same level as a tapered deck, there is literally THAT MUCH you could do with it.

Storage? Does it "pack flat?"

Single deck of cards

How practical is this in the real world? Does it "play big?"

Absolutely, these tricks are bombshells!

Overall score: 10/10

+ If you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas you can visit this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hz1CvTADy58

Creator: Brian Kennedy
Publisher: World Magic Shop
MSRP: $ 35
Skill Level: Intermediate
DVD Run time: 31 minutes

Type of effect:

Jumping ink, spectator's signature jumps back and forth between two cards.

Manufacturer's Write Up:

One of Ireland's leading creators - Brian Kennedy has finally released the work on his signature routine - HACKED The spectator clearly signs a playing card before their signature visually jumps onto a totally different card. Cause a spectator's signature to transfer from one card to another whilst it is held in their own hands!

The signature vanishes from the first card and appears on a completely different card - before making the return journey for a kicker ending!

DVD and custom gimmick included.

How accurate is the ad copy? 100%

What's in the box?  DVD and 1 gimmick

Key points:

DVD teaches how to build the effect as well as use it.

How are the production values:

Moderate. The DVD has nice HD close up shots, but seated performance shots have a colored wash to them like they were not shot with enough light.

Is it well made:

The gimmick is well constructed.

Is it well taught:

Brian teaches you everything you need to know, and he even gives you 2 live performances in a real world setting.

My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked):

I liked that this is highly visual with a great kicker ending, plus it's nice to have an effect that works with 2 spectator's instead of just one.

Storage? Does it "pack flat?"

The gimmick is a single gimmick that will fit easily into your deck, or fit snug in a card wallet.

How practical is this in the real world? Does it "play big?"

I think the visual of a spectator's signature leaping off the card and then back again is a real brain scratcher and has the potential to fry someone if performed correctly.

How original is this idea?

Of course thee are plenty of jumping ink and shifting ink effects and I think most of us are used to signatures jumping from the backs of cards, Brian has devised a great little miracle that allows the spectator to witness the signature jumping from the face of the card that adds a nice twist to this classic plot.

Overall score: 8/10

+ If you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas you can visit this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaYmOPX_QXM

Creator: Brian Kennedy
Publisher: World Magic Shop
MSRP: $ 38
Skill Level: beginner/intermediate
DVD Run time: 42 minutes

Type of effect: Sawing a card in half

Manufacturer's Write Up:
A freely selected card is signed and then placed into a card case.
Two other cards are used as blades and used to divide the card case in half.

In a moment of pure close up theatre the box is parted leaving a visual work of art for your spectators to take in.

The card is signed and inside the box throughout!
Everything can be immediately examined.

How accurate is the ad copy?

I have seen where it says "gimmick included." And that's not fair. This is more of a prop than a gimmick, second you need to build the prop yourself, and third you have to purchase more materials to build the prop. When you say "gimmick included" it feels like everything comes ready to go.

What's in the box?

42 minute DVD and some of the materials you will need to build the prop

Key points:

After the effect, everything can be examined - prop box, and signed card, no switching and no ditching.

How are the production values:

Moderate - live performances filmed in a bar, studio performances filmed at Brian's flat? Low light levels, some good close up shots. 20 minutes of the DVD is solely devoted to building the prop.

Is it well made:

You build the prop, so it's as "well made" as you make it.

Is it well taught:

Brian does go over all of the handling and you get to see his patter in the live performances.

My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked):

I liked that Brian took a traditional stage effect and brought it down to the spectator's field of view. This kinda reminded me of a Jay Sankey effect "the folding deck"

Storage? Does it "pack flat?"

It's a card box with a few embellishments, that's all there is.

How practical is this in the real world? Does it "play big?"

I felt the handling (or maybe it's the construction) was a little "clumsy" even Brian fumbles with it in the live performances. I think it's a good puzzle to see live and will certainly leave your spectator's scratching their heads.

How original is this idea?

Granted it's a classic stage illusion, and yes there are other "split" or "halved" decks on the market - but Brian has done a good job creating a neat effect with a lot of surprise value built in.

Overall score: 8/10

+ If you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas you can visit this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZosQ2_HmaF4

Creator: Alexis De La Fuente and Sebastien Calbry
Publisher: World Magic Shop
MSRP: $ 45
Skill Level: Beginner/intermediate
DVD Run time: 28 minutes

Type of effect: Moving ink effect, written prediction changes.

Manufacturer's Write Up:

For the first time ever Sebastien Calbry and Alex De La Fuente have created a card that changes without the need for touch. Any design drawn onto the back of a playing card changes instantly and yet totally under your control. You can use the BADGE gimmick to change open prediction or enhance incredible productions right at your fingertips before handing the card out for examination.

How accurate is the ad copy? Very close, this is what happens.

What's in the box? DVD, 1 gimmick

Key points:

Very original and visual, the effect happens quickly and has instant reset.

How are the production values:

Well shot instruction, titles have repeating bumpers, performer "John" from World Magic Shop is standing in a static "black" teaching environment and the instructions do give you several ideas. But the background music can get a little annoying.

Is it well made:

Gimmick is very well made

Is it well taught:

Most of the 28 minutes is devoted to gimmick construction and repair, so it's a lot of arts-n-crafts. There are some live and studio performances, but there is very little "set up" instruction. Wearing the necklace gimmick is shown against a piece of fabric (to simulate your own shirt) but there was no live demo of placing it on a real person.

My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked):

I liked that this is highly original and it places a new twist on the "got it wrong the first time" plot.

Storage? Does it "pack flat?"

All you need is the hanging reveal card and the ball chain that goes around your neck.

How practical is this in the real world? Does it "play big?"

It's highly visual and lightning fast, so it can spark a cool reaction from people.

How original is this idea?

This is a new twist on the "got your prediction wrong" scenario. To be fair Alexis has a very similar effect called FRAME

Overall score: 8/10

+ If you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas you can visit this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsCa56WN2Nk

Creator: Nicholas Lawrence
Publisher: Sans Minds Magic
MSRP: $ 30
Skill Level: Intermediate
DVD Run time: 33 mins

Type of effect: Flat object to 3D object

Manufacturer's Write Up:

Imagine being able to pull out a SINGLE bill from your wallet.  Give it a twirl.
The bill turns into a full deck of cards!

A perfect opener for any card routines. Wow your audience even before the routine starts. This is Split Second.

Gimmick included.

How accurate is the ad copy?

It's not fair to say that the "gimmick" is included if you have to build it yourself and supply your own currency & card box.

What's in the box?

33 Mind DVD and some of the materials needed to build the gimmick

Key points:

Any type of flat paper currency can be used, trick can even be modified to become "other types" of small boxes.

How are the production values:

Herman from Sans Minds teaches the effect, it's well shot, done in high definition, lots of great views in a clean and uncluttered performance studio.

My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked):

I liked the visual aspect to it - certainly is a kicker opener, be sure to have a trick to go into from here as the tuck case will now have a lot of heat on it.

Storage? Does it "pack flat?"

It's just the tuck case, and your cards can still fit inside of it after the modifications.

How practical is this in the real world? Does it "play big?"

It's a wonderful opener, great for people who do card magic, but don't do money magic. "What was I thinking... I do card magic" (BAM!)

How original is this idea?

Great idea, perfect for the card magician looking for something new or a little extra pow before their routine begins. It should be noted that this trick looks similar to CASH BOX from Jessie Feinberg

Overall score: 9/10

 + If you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas you can visit this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4NxV35vzJk

Creator: John Carey
Publisher: RSVP Magic
MSRP: $ 30
Skill Level: Intermediate
DVD Run time: 1 hour 40 min

Type of effect:

Thirteen classic plots from master cardsmith John Carey. On this DVD you will find John's streamlined versions of Oil and Water, Any Card to Any Number, a lucky card premise, a lost and found and Carey's amazing Ambitious Card trick with four queens!

Manufacturer's Write Up:

Featuring 13 brand new routines using just a regular deck of playing cards, join John once again as he presents and explains some brand new routines and twists on some familiar plots, all in the streamlined and simple way that he's now famous for.

How accurate is the ad copy?

Very straight forward and honest

What's in the box? a DVD

Key points:

These are beautifully simple pieces of sometimes impromptu miracles and they are always good to go. Carey has a progressive approach to these card classics with often killer finales.

How are the production values:

Great set, beautiful spectators, clear direct teaching and it's all shot in HD.

My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked):

There is something here for everyone. Especially people who already enjoy these classic plots and are looking for a new and creative way to perform them.

Storage? Does it "pack flat?"

All you need is a deck of cards.

How practical is this in the real world? Does it "play big?"

These are the working-man's card tricks. No frills, no haunted transformations, just good strong card magic.

How original is this idea?

Again, many of these are "classic plots" that will be recognizable to some performers, but the originality comes from Carey's simple and streamlined solutions.

Overall score: 9/10

+ If you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas you can visit this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Izzn0qSne0Q

Creator: Titanas
Publisher: Murphy's Magic
MSRP: $10
Skill Level: beginner/intermediate
DVD Run time: 20 minutes

Type of effect:

Magician finds the "mate" of a spectator's freely selected card using elimination.

Manufacturer's Write Up:

A shrouded, classic card magic concept was reborn as Titanas transformed this concept, short-cutted all of the most tedious elements and ended up with a simplified, easy, yet incredibly powerful card effect that can be used anytime, any deck anywhere.

How accurate is the ad copy?

Very straight forward, that is exactly what happens.

What's in the box?

Just a DVD

Key points:

Predict any thought of card and use any borrowed deck.

How are the production values:

Great! Full unedited performance! Multiple angles used in the reveal, shot in HD, great location with lots of ideas offered.

Is it well taught:

Very well taught, Titanas is an amazing magician who understands exactly how to get his ideas across.

My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked):

I liked the fact that this is a straight forward card trick, just a deck is used and nothing else, plus it has the potential to look like "real magic" as opposed to the performer just appearing very good at card manipulation. I disliked the fact that this is a "math" effect, granted it's not hard... but I am not a good math person.

Storage? Does it "pack flat?"

All you use for this effect is a deck of cards.

How practical is this in the real world? Does it "play big?"

This effect plays very big, especially if you do the FULL effect and offer to show it to two people.  If you learn to do this effect quickly (which will take practice) this has the potential to be a "magician fooler."

How original is this idea?

This is a simple plot, of the magician finding your card, when I first saw it, I actually thought it was a modified version of the 21 effect. But it's not.

Overall score: 8/10

+ If you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas you can visit this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imwjoaZJLUY

Counterfeit
Creator: Daniel Meadows
Publisher: Magic World
MSRP: $ 24.94
Skill Level: easy to moderate
DVD Run time: 17 min

Type of effect:

"This or That" style effect, where the spectator selects 2 cards from a list of fake movie titles (which are also fake book titles) and it's later revealed that you knew what the spectator would select.

Manufacturer's Write Up:

Six cards. Two free spectator choices. One mental miracle! The name may be COUNTERFEIT but the reactions are REAL!  Counterfeit is a handling of a packet trick from the devious mind of Stephen Tucker, with an adapted presentation by Daniel Meadows.

How accurate is the ad copy?

It's fairly accurate, there were a few things that I didn't agree with, first it says "can be done without a table" and while I am sure that this is true, Daniel didn't give you an example of that. I am sure you could fan six cards for a spectator and then place the discards in a pocket, but I think this trick lends itself better to table magic. Second, it says "no memory work" that's a tall claim, when I think any trick you do requires you to "remember" how the effect goes, but even beyond that once the spectator makes their selections it is up to you to "remember" what to do next. So there is some sleight memory work involved, but nothing to daunting.

What's in the box?

DVD and 6 custom printed cards for your packet trick.

Key points:

Despite the spectator making both choices, you can show that they were successful in selecting the 2 cards that are different! Easy to do! Resets instantly! Works every time!

How are the production values:

The DVD only two vantage points, an explanation view and a performance view. Daniel is standing at a table in front of a green screen.

Is it well made:

If you watch the advertisement Daniel is standing in front of a big sign that says "custom printed Bicycle cards" in addition when he performs the effect on camera - he is using Bicycle cards, but you will not receive Bicycle cards for your effect. These cards are not USPCC branded. They are ok as far as packet trick cards go, but they are a lesser grade stock and finish.

Is it well taught:

Daniel does a good job teaching the routine and the one sleight you need to know for the effect. (elmsley count)

My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked):

I liked the fact that Daniel tries to make the effect current by using movie titles that sound similar to movies that would be on the shelves now. That said, it kind of "dates" the effect, which is fine, but it bears noting

Storage? Does it "pack flat?"

Yes, only the six cards are used and those can easily be carried in a close up wallet.

How practical is this in the real world? Does it "play big?"

I think a trick like this has the potential to play big if you can pitch it more of a "mental miracle" and less like a "I knew what you'd pick" kind of effect. There is an element of equivocate and it would be a good idea to somehow disguise that part and enter some deception in so that the spectator forgets that part.

How original is this idea?

As stated in the add copy this is a "Stephen Tucker" marriage of two of his effects. Daniel is only marketing his "adapted presentation" so it's very possible you already own or know a "this n that" style effect already.

Overall score: 8/10

+ If you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas you can visit this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58PcgJrED9s

OK, so maybe this isn't exactly a card trick, but it does involve the tuck case so that's pretty cool

TAB TEST by Wayne Fox and World Magic Shop:

My video review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bl3MWRtgVeU

Type of effect:

"Book Test" style effect, but using the tab on the tuck case as your list of force words.

Manufacturer's Write Up:

Wayne Fox, creator of Secret Soldier, Safe Keeping & Flick Drift presents: TAB TEST - a mind reading effect that you are guaranteed to carry, always.  Perfectly organic and expertly taught, TAB Test is an easy way to transition from your card magic into amazing mentalism without missing a beat!  The unique gimmicks included means there is no fishing involved and the effect is very easy to perform!

How accurate is the ad copy?

Fairly true to life. Yes, there is no fishing in the reveal stage, but there is some "guidance" as to how the spectator chooses the reveal word. The front of the DVD says "your spectator thinks of ANY word on the tab..." which isn't entirely true.

What's in the box?

DVD and 4 gimmicks (2 red/ 2 blue)

Key points:

A very simple mentalist routine, easily learned in minutes and performable with minimal preparation.

How are the production values:

Music in the background is kind of busy, tends to be annoying while trying to listen to a Magician with a thick accent. DVD is shot with a few vantage points, mostly in a living room performing on a coffee table.

Is it well made:

DVD and gimmicks are well made.

Is it well taught:

You learn everything you need to know. Wayne spends 17 minutes giving you the handling, patter and a few bonus ideas.

My thoughts (what I personally liked/disliked):

I liked that this can be a mini-mentalism routine that you can slip in between card tricks, it's a "card trick" that uses a different aspect of the playing cards that people don't normally think about, which I think will make it very memorable.

Storage? Does it "pack flat?"

Very flat, the gimmick can easily be palmed in your hand and is smaller than a playing card.

How practical is this in the real world? Does it "play big?"

The gimmick can fit right inside your card case, so you can always be prepared to do it alongside any card trick. I think the effect has the potential to "play bigger" than it feels provided the right tone is set.

How original is this idea?

This effect was previously released as Thought Process by Merchant of Magic and Wayne Fox which you can still buy for $17

Overall score: 8/10

Learn more about Wayne Fox here: http://www.waynefoxmagic.co.uk

Giving away the Bicycle Excellence deck from Elite playing cards - contest starts now and is open for one week

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uy6RUkkWAN0