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Vlad_77
Inner circle
The Netherlands
3939 Posts
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Posted: Nov 20, 2011 9:13pm
(Cue dark, sinister lighting, center stage)
The Classic Force scares a lot of people. How many of us have launched into a card effect only to find (cue music from the shower scene in "Psycho") that the spectator, curse her soul, has taken the wrong card? What do you do?? Well there ARE options including:
1. Perspire
2. Hope that the server comes with the food so you can gracefully move to the next table
3. Fling the card at the spectator and rant (used to be my favorite tactic until I found out one night the the spectator was the girlfriend of the president of the local Hell's Angel's chapter. I ended up doing sponge bunnies for a year)
4. Go online AFTER your gig and order Steven Youell's new manuscript titled The Classic Force: Learning and Mastering a Legendary Sleight.
So let's talk about the "look" of this manuscript then get into the "why" it's a must have. Buckle up! The next rest station is quite a few paragraphs away.
The manuscript comes in at nine pages. There is a cover and then right into the "work." There is no "introduction" or foreword" as Youell artfully works these into the beginning of the manuscript; there is nonsense here as Steven Youell guides you the heart of what the manuscript is all about. The fonts are clean and readable serif Calibri and Cambria so the reading is quite easy on the eyes which is a GOOD thing because me buccos this manuscript is packed with information. The illustrations are crisp and clear and colorful. Everything you need to see accompanies the text right where it should be.
The writing style is clear and conversational. Here I would like to pay Steven Youell a compliment in that I have always believed that THE standard for magic instruction is Harry Lorayne. Youell of course writes in his own voice but what I want to stress is that he has captured in this manuscript as well as his earlier efforts the Lorayne-esque authorial voice that reaches the reader as though the author is actually "there" talking to the reader. This is a salient point to bear in mind because much of what has been written on the Classic Force has been a bit lacking on the side of giving the reader confidence; Youell does this beautifully. Let's face it folks, the Classic Force is one of those bugaboo sleights and many have avoided it because there is a feeling that it is not sure fire. Youell addresses this in the manuscript and I will comment on that shortly.
Youell begins by teaching the mechanics of how he executes the force. Even if you already DO the Classic Force, I would argue that this section is essential reading. Steven Youell addresses some commonly held maxims and explains why these maxims are problematic.
The manuscript weaves technique and finesses effortlessly. Steven Youell continues by teaching a wonderful way to practice your CF "in the wild" to borrow a phrase from him such that you will feel NO pressure. When I read this little exercise, I smiled and I ALSO wished that I had either thought of it myself or that someone else had thought of it twenty years ago when I was learning the sleight. This little exercise for lack of a better term directly addresses the two most crucial roadblocks to the Classic Force: timing and confidence. Obviously I am not going to hint at what this exercise entails but rest assured that it will help immensely in being able to gauge where you are in terms of improvement, i.e, in timing and confidence. I hasten to add that this exercise is in no way apparent to the audience and will NOT in any way interfere with your work. I am confident that if you are learning the Classic Force or if you have had lower hit rates then this exercise will build your confidence, relieve the psychological pressure of doing the force - which Youell addresses in terms of psychological "barricades" - and give you a real sense of accomplishment as you refine the exercise. Yes, you DO refine it and with each step your confidence will build.
Youell takes on the widely held maxim exhorted to beginners that even when NOT doing the Classic Force for a selection, one SHOULD do it to gain practice. Truth be told, until I read the manuscript, I held that view rather staunchly myself. However, Youell offers valid arguments why this may NOT be the best idea for beginners. Again, I would urge more experienced card handlers to consider this section as well.
Now we get to scripting: you either love it or hate it. I am of the latter camp. Steven Youell gets into serious discussion on why a canned script can be detrimental. I want to add that these observations do not apply just to this sleight but to magic in general. Youell talks about the dangers of getting locked into a rhythm produced by strictly canned patter that can and DOES throw off the performer if something goes amiss. As much as we would like to believe that nothing can go wrong we do at the same time KNOW things can and DO go awry. The latter part of this section talks specifically about verbiage and how it enhances the illusion of freedom. For me at least, this was an invaluable mini lesson on NLP.
"Well Vlad, this is all well and good, but what if I STILL miss?" Glad you asked! The conventional teaching has long been that the performer switch gears and go into another effect. While Youell doesn't attack this maxim, he DOES provide a BEAUTIFUL solution gleaned from a book written before many of us were born that allows you to continue with the intended effect and with the "right" card. (Yes I AM generous with tips aren't I?) Suffice it to say that with this little bit of skullduggery, you will NOT miss and you CAN proceed with your intended effect. I believe that what is important here is that you need no longer worry about an emergency back up effect "just in case." (No the "case" was NOT a hint).
Man I have been waiting to get to THIS part! How many times have you seem magicians do the Classic Force as an effect? Come on, you four in the back, raise your hands higher, I know you've seen it too and it drives you crazy doesn't it? In nice black BOLD lettering the final section is titled THE CLASSIC FORCE IS NOT A TRICK. If ever there was a magic university and I was a professor (ed. note: yeah, dream on, Vlad) I would have posters in every classroom for cards with this emblazoned on a huge piece of poster board. This was an area where Steven Youell DIDN'T catch me out as I literally CRINGE when I see someone do the Classic Force as an effect. Think Tommy Wonder's theories here folks and you will get Youell's drift here, i.e, Wonder would agree.
Steven Youell writes in some depth about the misconceptions magicians have about the reliability of the Classic Force. It's fascinating reading and Youell discusses these misconceptions with a two pronged approach consisting of the mathematics involved (don't be frightened, this isn't Persi Diaconis math) and through defining terms. This section provides powerful reinforcement in terms of confidence. Please do not skim over it?
Obviously I haven't discussed every part of the manuscript. There really is a lot of information in this little treatise. The overarching themes as I have previously mentioned are timing and confidence and the two are inextricably bound. I readily - and happily - admit that Steven Youell knocked me out of my comfort zone on a few points: especially those "sacred" maxims. It is at first unsettling to rethink one's subscription to a maxim but when one finds that the maxim is not NECESSARILY the only right way, it's rather liberating.
Those familiar with Steven Youell's work already know that in addition to his years of practical performance experience and testimonials of his skill from Darwin Ortiz, Jim Swain, and Harvey Rosenthal to name a few, will be very comfortable and not at all surprised at Steven Youell's detailed analyses. Those of you who have yet to allow Youell into your mind are in for a real treat. But I have saved the VERY best part for last:
You won't have to do sponge bunnies for a year because you flung a card at a Hell's Angel girlfriend! Mr. Youell, where were you then?!
I LOATHE numerical scores when I do reviews, so, you don't get one my friends. I realize the following comment will raise a few eyebrows and so be it. Steven Youell's manuscript on The Classic Force is just what the art has needed for a LONG time.
Ahimsa,
Vlad
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Steven Youell
V.I.P.
3866 Posts
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Posted: Nov 21, 2011 12:03am
Thanks Vlad... that was almost nine pages too! 
SEY
The Best Close Up Mats In The World
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NYCJoePitt
Elite user
454 Posts
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Posted: Nov 21, 2011 9:30am
Where can we get this?
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RogueMD
Regular user
110 Posts
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Posted: Nov 21, 2011 10:14am
Quote:
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On 2011-11-21 09:30, NYCJoePitt wrote:
Where can we get this?
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I ordered it from his website.
http://thecornershort.com/?page_id=217
Hope this helps.
Michael
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Andrew Loh
Inner circle
Malaysia
1447 Posts
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Posted: Nov 21, 2011 10:47pm
Thanks Vlad for a detailed review. 
Andrew Loh
Check out my new card magic eBooks "The Magnificent Queens" & "Triple Charms" at:
www.cardicianden.com
My Cardician Den Blog:
http://pasteboards.blogspot.com/
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John C
Inner circle
The AMAZING and COMMERCIAL Chair Test
6175 Posts
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Posted: Nov 22, 2011 5:12pm
It took me longer to read the review than to learn the force!! Thanks V , good review.
The ULTIMATE Routine Series:
www.professionalmagicroutines.com
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Vlad_77
Inner circle
The Netherlands
3939 Posts
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Posted: Nov 22, 2011 7:52pm
Thanks guys,
The real hope is that the review helped you make an informed decision!
Ahimsa,
Vlad
PS: Be thankful I didn't review Greater Magic
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Steven Youell
V.I.P.
3866 Posts
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Posted: Nov 26, 2011 4:26pm
You folks can see me doing a demonstration of The Classic Force here:
Classic Force Demonstration
We ambushed people in the local mall...
SEY
The Best Close Up Mats In The World
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ijohan
New user
50 Posts
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Posted: Nov 27, 2011 2:53am
Excellent demo!
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Vlad_77
Inner circle
The Netherlands
3939 Posts
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Posted: Nov 27, 2011 1:16pm
Hey guys,
If my review wasn't enough, none other than Paul Green has given Steven Youell's manuscript a glowing endorsement. If you know your magic you know that Paul Green is VERY discerning and does not praise lightly.
His comments are in the thread about the manuscript in the Worker's section here:
http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewtopic.php?topic=442025&forum=2&start=30
On page 2 of the thread, scroll down a bit me buccos
Ahimsa,
Vlad
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KyleMacNeill
Inner circle
2762 Posts
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Posted: Nov 28, 2011 1:53pm
Amazing demo!
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maxnew40
Veteran user
397 Posts
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Posted: Nov 28, 2011 3:02pm
I just bought it based on your glowing review.
-Max
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ijohan
New user
50 Posts
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Posted: Nov 28, 2011 11:50pm
How is it Max?
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andykean
Special user
U.K - Now living in New Zealand Auckland
688 Posts
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Posted: Nov 29, 2011 3:01am
Gave in and ordered
Don't tell the wife
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Zuke
Regular user
111 Posts
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Posted: Nov 29, 2011 6:34am
Quote:
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On 2011-11-20 21:13, Vlad_77 wrote:
I realize the following comment will raise a few eyebrows and so be it. Steven Youell's manuscript on The Classic Force is just what the art has needed for a LONG time.
Ahimsa,
Vlad
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My eyebrows raised with such vigor that my eyes appear to have dried out.
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Steven Youell
V.I.P.
3866 Posts
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Posted: Dec 16, 2011 12:57am
Quote:
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On 2011-11-28 13:53, KyleMacNeill wrote:
Amazing demo! |
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Thanks Kyle-- On a dare I once forced the same card on more than 30 people at Gerry Griffin's Magic Theater. It was for an effect called "Everybody's Card". I would have made more, but the 20th person spilled wine on the card and it was getting soggy.
And yes-- I have witnesses!
SEY
The Best Close Up Mats In The World
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Jamie Ferguson
Inner circle
Scotland
1855 Posts
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Posted: Dec 24, 2011 5:50am
Good job Steven, you've given hope to a lot of non-believers by releasing your ideas.
I believe this pdf along with Paul Green and Paul Gertner's work on the CF (along with plenty of practice) is all you need to become a master forcer.
Many of you should now be able to "use the force".
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Steven Youell
V.I.P.
3866 Posts
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Posted: Dec 24, 2011 5:23pm
Quote:
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On 2011-12-24 05:50, Jamie Ferguson wrote:
Good job Steven, you've given hope to a lot of non-believers by releasing your ideas.
I believe this pdf along with Paul Green and Paul Gertner's work on the CF (along with plenty of practice) is all you need to become a master forcer. |
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I think you may be right-- I've not seen Gertner's work, but Paul and I are friends, so for the DVD crowd, I always recommend his DVD as the definitive video source. I do, however, think my approach has some rather unique aspects to it-- like a systematic method of learning, myth busting and making it 100%. By the way-- Paul's DVD is what created my obsession with the Classic Force.
SEY
The Best Close Up Mats In The World
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Michael Landes
New user
25 Posts
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Posted: Feb 17, 2012 7:37pm
Hello all,
I apologize for interrupting this thread, but I do not know how else to contact Mr. Youell. We have a little unfinished business
from a thread in the Workers section entitled DPS.
Mr. Youell,
It is now clear that the video record of Jack Mcmillen that Paul Chosse stole from me 20 years ago still exists, as Dorian Rhondell
let slip that he has seen it (them, actually). I would appreciate their return.
I could puff up and say "It's my property." But after twenty years, that is hardly the issue really. Rather it is that Jack
permitted me to make those documents on the explicit condition that they were to be seen by no one else and that they were strictly
for he purpose of writing the book. He did not want anyone seeing that document except at my discretion, as he trusted me.
What is required is that they be returned, or perhaps a dvd transfer of the original two vhs tapes, and for the remaining copies to
be destroyed. To do otherwise would dishonor Jack's memory since it would disrespect his stated wishes. He felt very strongly about
this and so you should too. You speak often about jack's material. I hope you have an equal regard for the man himself.
You say you know Dr. Matsuura. If in fact you do, you'll get the same story from him. If they are returned perhaps finally the
illustrations that I wanted for the book,twenty years ago, the reason I didn't finally release it when completed in '98, based on Jack's
own hands,can finally be made.
I really do apologize for this intrusion gentlemen. If I've overstepped my bounds I apologize, you can take me to task in a p.m.
If you'd rather you can chastise me here, but I have a feeling I've disrupted the thread too much already.
But to find out that the tapes exist after twenty years, after Paul claimed he had lost them, was both heartening and also very
sad for reasons that will remain private.
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runt_jorden
New user
53 Posts
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Posted: Jul 31, 2012 9:59am
Just bought it, looking forward reading it!
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Jamie Ferguson
Inner circle
Scotland
1855 Posts
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Posted: Jul 31, 2012 11:31am
Quote:
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On 2012-02-17 19:37, Michael Landes wrote:
Hello all,
I apologize for interrupting this thread, but I do not know how else to contact Mr. Youell. We have a little unfinished business
from a thread in the Workers section entitled DPS.
Mr. Youell,
It is now clear that the video record of Jack Mcmillen that Paul Chosse stole from me 20 years ago still exists, as Dorian Rhondell
let slip that he has seen it (them, actually). I would appreciate their return.
I could puff up and say "It's my property." But after twenty years, that is hardly the issue really. Rather it is that Jack
permitted me to make those documents on the explicit condition that they were to be seen by no one else and that they were strictly
for he purpose of writing the book. He did not want anyone seeing that document except at my discretion, as he trusted me.
What is required is that they be returned, or perhaps a dvd transfer of the original two vhs tapes, and for the remaining copies to
be destroyed. To do otherwise would dishonor Jack's memory since it would disrespect his stated wishes. He felt very strongly about
this and so you should too. You speak often about jack's material. I hope you have an equal regard for the man himself.
You say you know Dr. Matsuura. If in fact you do, you'll get the same story from him. If they are returned perhaps finally the
illustrations that I wanted for the book,twenty years ago, the reason I didn't finally release it when completed in '98, based on Jack's
own hands,can finally be made.
I really do apologize for this intrusion gentlemen. If I've overstepped my bounds I apologize, you can take me to task in a p.m.
If you'd rather you can chastise me here, but I have a feeling I've disrupted the thread too much already.
But to find out that the tapes exist after twenty years, after Paul claimed he had lost them, was both heartening and also very
sad for reasons that will remain private.
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1. I don't think anybody on this thread is particularly inteterested in what you're saying here
and
2. There is a PM facility that exists for these kinds of things
so
3. Please use that instead
Thanks
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