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aussiemagic
Special user
920 Posts
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Posted: Apr 16, 2009 8:23am
Has anyone got Bill Abott's "five card opener"? The video on his website doesn't really give much insight into the routine. Considering the cost, I would like to know more about it before purchasing this.
Thanks
http://www.simonpaxton.com
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MagicbyCarlo
Inner circle
has squandered his time making
1063 Posts
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Posted: Apr 16, 2009 8:25pm
It's funny. I used a slight of hand version of the effect as my talking opener until I quit performing magic in October 2007. Wayne Dobson performed a 5 card opener as well. I would imagine, like Dobson's and my own, it's a version of the 6 card repeat, although I'm not going to speculate on the specifics of Bill's routine. He does supply a gimmicked set of standard and jumbo cards along with the other needed props along with a professional routine. I would say that $80 is a minor investment for a professional working routine with all the props.
Carlo DeBlasio
Entertainment specialist
and all around fun guy!
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blackdeck
New user
Baltimore, MD
86 Posts
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Posted: Apr 17, 2009 12:27am
Its a great routine. Its deceptive. The method is really good. The patter he gives you is great and its a really easy great routine.
-Austin
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MagicbyCarlo
Inner circle
has squandered his time making
1063 Posts
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Posted: Apr 17, 2009 1:57am
Blackdeck have you used it with paying audiences? If you have how's the response?
That might help aussie make his decision.
Carlo DeBlasio
Entertainment specialist
and all around fun guy!
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aussiemagic
Special user
920 Posts
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Posted: Apr 17, 2009 6:00am
Thanks for the replies. Yes, I would be interested to hear people's experiences of performing it for paying audiences.
http://www.simonpaxton.com
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blackdeck
New user
Baltimore, MD
86 Posts
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Posted: Apr 17, 2009 11:53am
No I havnt used it for paying audiences but I attended a lecture of Bill Abbott and everyone loved the effect and a lot of people bought it.
-Austin
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magicman1
Inner circle
1171 Posts
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Posted: Apr 17, 2009 5:52pm
Any link to buy this or look at it?
I do a 5 card repeat and always looking for a new and cleaner way to perform it
Thanks
don
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Ken Dumm
Inner circle
1083 Posts
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Posted: Apr 17, 2009 7:42pm
http://www.billabbottmagic.com/public/ISSCart/shopping.cfm?ProID=5
That should take you there...
Ken
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magicman1
Inner circle
1171 Posts
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Posted: Apr 17, 2009 8:57pm
Thanks Ken
Don
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aussiemagic
Special user
920 Posts
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Posted: May 12, 2009 11:31am
I got this and I am imnpressed! Bill Abbott is a worker! No doubt about it! And he gives this routine a thorough going over!
Quality stand up material is hard to come by, Bill gives you a great addition here. Even if you already do this routine, I think it would be a worthy investment! I have nothing to gain from supporting this routine I just like
to let fellow magi know my opinion, because there is too much junk out there!
This routine is a worker and I am very happy with my purchase! I highly recommend it!
AM
http://www.simonpaxton.com
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Bill Abbott
Veteran user
351 Posts
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Posted: May 27, 2009 3:26pm
I have had chance to make new promo video for my Five Card Opener available at www.billabbottmagic.com I have also lowered the price and written some new info based on numerous questions I received about the effect and the package.
Here is link to the demo:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozA0UgrdJx4
Here is the Ad Text:
Introduction - From Bill Abbott
“When I was in high school I was doing a lot of shows on the weekends and most of those shows were mixed audiences of kids, adults, teenagers and seniors. I needed an opener to get everyone’s attention, hold their attention and keep their attention. The problem with the standard six or five card repeat is there is a lack of any real conclusion or finale to the effect. I wanted to have a genuine eye-opener that took the audience by surprise. That’s when I began working on the Five Card Opener.”
The Opener
“The “opener” of any act is a tough choice for any performer. How do you get everyone’s attention and hold their attention as well as amaze and entertain them all at the same time. This is my solution to this eternal question. The Five Card Opener gets the audience’s attention. The Five Card Opener holds their attention. The Five Card Opener amazes. The Five Card Opener entertains. In addition to all this the Five Card Opener will work for any audience.“
What is the Five Card Opener
“The Five card Opener has it’s roots in the classic five/six card repeat but it's similar only in method (slightly). The Five Card Opener is a completely fresh approach with three sequences that build with a definitive climax that is a big surprise. It has been my "talking" opener for the past 20 years and l use it at all of my magic shows. Corporate shows, family shows, college shows, etc. The Five Card Opener can be a whole new way to make your show fun!”
The “Real” Secret
“The real secret behind the Five Card Opener is that it is an audience response ‘conditioner’. I have had corporate audiences (almost asleep after a long banquet and two hours of awards and speeches before my show) up and out of their seats at the beginning of my show using The Five Card Opener. It sets the tone for how the audience responds to the ending of each effect/routine because it also acts as a call back. There is a verbal trigger that the audience responds to every time you say it during the show, and they will react however you expect/direct them to. The Five Card Opener makes triggering applause throughout the show in all the right places easy, natural and above all fun. For example you can have the audience shout out a corporate slogan, perform a standing ovation, a specific school cheer, a company name, etc.”
Simple To Do & Gets Reactions
“I know in performing this off the top of the show, I will not have any mediocre reactions to any of my effects because I'm giving them an outlet to respond in a big way. And they do. Even the most jaded ones. For the working performer you could literally 'drop' this into your show the next day. It’s big and visual and takes up very little room for a routine that plays to such large crowds. There are no angle restrictions. No special lighting or staging considerations. Work away from tables and out of your pockets, making an instant connection with your audience. And the best part is that it’s so easy to do. Basically, if you have opposable thumbs (which means your not a monkey!) you can perform The Five Card Opener.” - Bill Abbott
Included Props
Handmade gimmicked Bicycle Playing Cards in poker-size with wallet.
Handmade gimmicked Jumbo Playing Cards for audiences from 100-1,000.
Portable/collapsible free-standing container to keep the cards in pristine condition, to be sure your stage is clear and to really sell the mysterious climax of the routine!
Instructional DVD Featuring:
A LIVE college performance of the routine.
A LIVE family performance of the routine.
A detailed routine handling of both the poker and jumbo-sized cards
The “real” secret of the Opener with all the psychological subtleties to make this routine play as strongly for you as it does for Bill.
Alternate Performance and Handling Ideas:
-Breast Pocket Only
-”Messy” Poker Presentation
-Jumbo Cards and Table
-Jumbo Cards and Pop-Up Basket
Full Performance Script in PDF exactly as Bill performs this at every show. (Remember the script is a template to add to, subract from and get creative with.)
And much more...
PRICE $60
The Five Card Opener is available only at www.billabbottmagic.com
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andykean
Special user
U.K - Now living in New Zealand Auckland
688 Posts
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Posted: May 29, 2009 7:43pm
I am in
My previous purchases from Bill have been real workers.
Smart Ass is a masterpiece looking forward to this.
regards
Andy
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Floyd Collins
Inner circle
Ohio
1598 Posts
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Posted: Jun 7, 2009 9:37am
If you have ever worked cold, had to warm up your audience as you go then you are in luck. Bills Five Card Opener not only gets them warmed up but gives you a call back throughout your show that you can use to pump them back up and get them back with you. If you have ever performed late with no opening act or a flat MCEE and trust me I have had a few you will know how having a tool like this can make your show. It is not a simple five card repeat this is a true professional piece that you will want to have as your opener as soon as you get it and watch Bills well done and detailed DVD. And the best part is this effect is SO SIMPLE! Truly if you can count up to 9 you will have no problems performing this.
I personally make and buy a lot of my effects; I showed this to my wife last night and asked her how it played for my show as an opener. She said YES you will get a lot of millage from this one, then she proceeded to ask “How much did you spend for this one” I told her and her next comment was, “Well worth it, I would have expected a lot more” A true testament of this great effect and its value.
Floyd
No one said it would be easy, or did they?
Check out my all new book "Chicken Scratches" visit my lulu store for more information.
http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/thecenterstage
http://www.collinscomedymagic.com
http://www.mysticfloyd.com
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MaxfieldsMagic
Inner circle
Instead of practicing, I made
1964 Posts
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Posted: Jun 7, 2009 10:48pm
Quote:
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On 2009-06-07 09:37, aceofharts wrote:
I showed this to my wife last night... then she proceeded to ask “How much did you spend for this one”
Floyd
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Boy, whatever reaction we get from our wives, that question is never far behind, is it? I can usually see my wife mentally calculating her next purchase when she asks that one (which is only fair).
I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.
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Futureal
Inner circle
Sunny Idaho
1481 Posts
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Posted: Jun 8, 2009 3:24am
You've released a lot of weight Bill...
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Bill Abbott
Veteran user
351 Posts
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Posted: Jun 11, 2009 10:25am
Thanks Floyd for the nice review. Your wife's response was the clincher!
Yes Futureal, change of pace and lifestyle has helped to get some unneeded pounds off. Thanks for noticing.
Cheers
Bill
www.billabbottmagic.com
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Matt101
New user
85 Posts
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Posted: Jun 11, 2009 2:25pm
I don't have any experience with this opener but I will tell you one thing: bill abbott's products are the best quality and they are certainly worth the price!
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Floyd Collins
Inner circle
Ohio
1598 Posts
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Posted: Jun 11, 2009 4:21pm
I have been working a summer camp all week. I did the opener today for my afternoon show 2:00 pm. It was a huge hit,the response was as Bill said it would be. Trust me I wish I would have opened with it at the start of the week.
Very Nice!!!
Floyd
No one said it would be easy, or did they?
Check out my all new book "Chicken Scratches" visit my lulu store for more information.
http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/thecenterstage
http://www.collinscomedymagic.com
http://www.mysticfloyd.com
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Bill Abbott
Veteran user
351 Posts
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Posted: Jun 12, 2009 8:47am
That's great Floyd! It's always encouraging to hear success stories after putting out a piece of magic that I has served me well for so many years,
Bill
www.billabbottmagic.com
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Brian Lehr
Inner circle
Edmonton, Canada
1590 Posts
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Posted: Jun 13, 2009 1:23am
I received the Opener a couple of days ago, and did it tonight for an all-adult event. It went very well. I was very pleased with the result, and am looking forward to using this more frequently.
Brian
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andykean
Special user
U.K - Now living in New Zealand Auckland
688 Posts
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Posted: Jun 14, 2009 4:42am
I can't wait for my set to arrive down under!
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Harry Murphy
Staff
Maryland
4853 Posts
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Posted: Jun 14, 2009 7:12am
I normally don’t review or comment on any trick, routine, or prop until I’ve actually tried it out a number of times for real (hopefully paying) audiences. Sometimes that takes months of practice, rehearsal, and then performance trials to get it set and me comfortable enough to make a comment.
I’ve had this for about a week and have performed the Jumbo card version over two dozen times in three days (we have a Heritage Days festival in our little town this weekend and a Harley gathering at our county fair grounds. I hit both and opened my show using this routine).
I know that’s not a lot of performance time. Normally the lines are just getting starting to get set in at that point. But I can say from that little experience that this routine works and works well (even for drunk-ish bikers having a hard time focusing!)!
Learning this trick is as easy as counting to nine. I think that it was a bit easier for me since I have been doing a six-card-repeat routine for maybe three plus decades using similar gaffs.
Let me say that it has always been a middle or “filler” trick especially when I need to add time to the act. I would leave it out simply because the standard presentation for the six-card-repeat trick goes nowhere. It has no real punch ending. Bill has taken the basic premise, streamlined it, and most important he has given it an ending that works.
Anyone who has performed (and discarded performing) the six-card-repeat, or five-card-repeat, or even the six-bill-repeat will be well served to buy this trick just for the DVD showing Bills very commercial routine and his thoughts on the trick (many of which he has generously outlined above).
In fact, I like his routine so much that I have made it up as a five-bill routine (yes using real dollar bills). I’ve used his idea for gaffing the cards to gaff the bills for ease of use/count. And with only very minor modifications to the script it works well. Bill tells you what is important to keep in the script when modifying it to fit you. I listened closely and followed his suggestions. I do lose a wonderful line that is used with the Jumbo cards (but you lose that line with the poker size cards too). It hasn't seen actual perforance yet.
The “gaffs” from back in the day (first bought from Al Cohen and then simply home made) were similar to Bill’s but only in concept. Bill has made a small adjustment that makes the counting more natural and easier. It is difficult to explain further here without tipping (exposing) the whole thing and frankly, unless you are an old timer and have used the older six-card gaffs you won’t notice. I think that Bill’s slight modification becomes the “standard” for today.
The routine is as close to self-working as one can be (can you count cards from one hand to another? That’s it!). The focus is on the presentation and personality. It truly is an opener.
Finally a five-card-repeat trick that works! You get your money’s worth here.
Thanks Bill!
The artist formally known as Mumblepeas!
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Harry Murphy
Staff
Maryland
4853 Posts
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Posted: Jun 14, 2009 7:32am
If you actually read my long winded post above you found a gem of an idea in the middle. Make it and use it but follow Bill’s script.
Here is a note for the outdoor festival performers (even Buskers) and for those who play crowded and close venues (bars/pubs). This works!
So far most of my performances were for festival type crowds. I played this routine in the open, no platform, and with the audience pretty much more than 180 degrees around me. A few times there were folks behind me. The jumbo version does work in this environment!
I played it in a rowdy bar last night full of Harley folk having Harley fun. Many had seen me perform the trick at least once at the fair grounds. Jumbo version worked and got me into a stand-up set (bar owner let me pass the hat).
Unless the spectator is right on top of you the gaff is difficult to discern (not invisible but unnoticeable). Simply play the routine closer to the chest when counting. Otherwise keep the cards in motion a bit. That’s all you need to do. Again it works!
Buskers this scrip needs a bit of modification to act as a crowd gathering device. You’ll have to expand the opening remarks before the first count. This is the stall that will help you draw in the first bit of crowd with the promise to see something amazing.
You can tell I like this, two posts back to back singing its praises and offering a couple of tips from my admittedly little performance experience with the trick. Yep I like this opener.
Again, thanks Bill.
The artist formally known as Mumblepeas!
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Floyd Collins
Inner circle
Ohio
1598 Posts
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Posted: Jun 14, 2009 8:06am
Harry,
Thanks for the tips, I too love this opener it is so clean and simply works, cant ask for more then that.
Here is a little tip I would like to toss in, get yourself one of those small cheap magic sets like you see in toy stores. Bring the cards out of that if your using Bills script. It not only gets a bit of a laugh when you start but helps set the stage.
Now for a call back, you also have a visual item you can go too. Looks like I need to go buy some crisp dollar bills now.
Thanks again
--Floyd
No one said it would be easy, or did they?
Check out my all new book "Chicken Scratches" visit my lulu store for more information.
http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/thecenterstage
http://www.collinscomedymagic.com
http://www.mysticfloyd.com
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Harry Murphy
Staff
Maryland
4853 Posts
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Posted: Jun 14, 2009 8:43am
Floyd, great idea! I'll be off to a toy story a little later (as soon as they open). Thanks.
Bill sure is stimulating some thought with his routine. You gotta love that!
The artist formally known as Mumblepeas!
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MagicbyCarlo
Inner circle
has squandered his time making
1063 Posts
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Posted: Jun 14, 2009 10:19am
I saw video of Wayne Dobson opening with a 5 card repeat trick in fact here it is... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAWi15MAOmo
Once again, it's the performer not the trick. Wayne's lightning speed comedy was so good.
Carlo DeBlasio
Entertainment specialist
and all around fun guy!
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Bill Abbott
Veteran user
351 Posts
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Posted: Jun 16, 2009 9:32pm
Harry,
WOW you put the 'Opener' through it's paces right away!
Great to hear it went so well. Thanks for the detailed review and actual real-world experience that puts it all in perspective. Thanks a million. I'm looking forward to more.
I've found that the jumbo cards are even MORE deceptive than the poker-sized ones. And playing the cards closer to the chest in really tight performance situations (ie. living rooms, washrooms, broom closets, etc.) takes care of any angle issues.
Floyd,
Great idea with the magic set! I love it. Is this an idea that we can use with your blessing?
I hope so. It plays so nicely with the routine, storyline, the jumbo cards, etc.
Thanks so much.
Carlo,
I recently spoke with Matthew Dowden who has permission to use Dobson's routine. I agree it's such a strong character piece that it's hard to imagine anyone else performing it or doing it justice. The FIve Card Opener lends itself to a more open format and has a totally different structure with room to insert a personality, unique storyline and scripting. AND there's an actual finish to the routine(!)
Cheers
Bill
http://www.billabbottmagic.com
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Floyd Collins
Inner circle
Ohio
1598 Posts
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Posted: Jun 16, 2009 9:58pm
Absolutely, I used my Merlin Magic Set again the other day and as soon as I pulled it out of my case and started telling the story, I got a huge laugh. Make sure you pause a beat before talking let it sink in as to what you have in your hands.
Another suggestion that I forgot to mention, if you age the box up some it helps sell it. I took some fine grit sand paper and just dulled the finish on the box some. It looks like it could have come from my archives.
But yes please use it, you will find it gets a quick response along with the five card they are putty in your hands. As we all know making that first connection is very important.
Once again Thanks Bill.
Floyd
No one said it would be easy, or did they?
Check out my all new book "Chicken Scratches" visit my lulu store for more information.
http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/thecenterstage
http://www.collinscomedymagic.com
http://www.mysticfloyd.com
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Mike Webb
New user
57 Posts
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Posted: Jun 18, 2009 2:21am
Method has a different handling to a common similar effect.
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Ken Dumm
Inner circle
1083 Posts
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Posted: Jun 19, 2009 10:31pm
Just received the Five Card Opener. Not much more that I can add, except the dvd really goes into detail with everything you'd want/need to know to get this off the ground and on your stage. So much more than a card repeat. Very well done Bill...
Ken
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