I'm just wondering whats the difference between the two? They're exactly the same. Vol. 1 on Daryl's Card Revelations it's called Chicago Opener by Frank Everhart and on Easy to Master Card Miracles its called Red Hot Mama by Ryan/ Everhart/ Leech. Just wondering why they have two different names.

One of those questions that are never asked but always wondered. I look forward to finding out as well. Thanks for the inquisition.

I believe on the Ammar DVD he states in the explanation that Red hot Mamma is also refered to as The Chicago Opener.

Yeah that's right he does but I still wonder why they changed it to Red Hot Mama?

"Red Hot Mama" was the original name of the effect. Frank Garcia first published the Al Leech trick uncredited as the "Chicago Opener"--called that supposedly because he had seen it used by several Chicago bar magicians including Frank Everhart and Jim Ryan.

They are the exact same effect. In million dollar card magic Simon says it is chicago opener but also known as the red hot mama, because of the card turning red hot.

Whit Haydn's "Chicago Surprise" fused this trick with Eddie Fechter's "I've Got a Surprise for You" and elevated it to new heights. It's actually three different potential tricks, depending on the spectator's course of action, and if you have any interest in the original, this is the effect to learn.

Where is Whit's routine written up?

Go to http://www.schoolforscoundrels.com then Whit Haydn Products. The notes are extensive, cover the routine including each of the possible outcomes (spectator has some control over exactly what the effect is), and also as an added feature, include Whit's handling of Brainwave. If you don't have any video or lecture notes from Whit, I can tell you right now, you're getting quite the bargain. You're not getting a trick; you're getting a philosophical framework and psychological overview from one of the most thorough thinkers in magic. There's a reason Whit is the Castle's Best Close-Up Magician the last two years running. This is a comprehensive set of notes that describes the importance of each phase of the routine, the psychological aim that is met by that phase, and the small touches (including, for instance, how to miscall a card and why to do so in that fashion) that not only make this effect better, but have application to other effects as well. Whit goes the extra mile in laying out his thinking on every detail of a great effect, and on magic in general.

I actauly use the chicago opener in my streetmagic.. its a pretty strong trick

The original was "The Hot Card Trick", a mss. published by Ireland in the late 1950's. A reprint is included, with permission, in "A last Look at Leech" (12 card tricks not in Al Leech books), a 44 page book I produced and published last September. Available from YFD (maybe) or me at http://www.thecairnpress.com

In the end, both tricks have the same result. Simon Lovell on "Million Dollar Card Magic" said that the name "Chicago Opener" was used first, and the nit changed because there was this "red hot card" inside the deck - and this led to the name "Red Hot Mama".

Magixx

I also wanted to mention that Chicago Suprise, by Whit Haydn, is FANTASTIC!!!

Whit has taken the Chicago Opener to the next level.

In my opinion, if the Chicago Opener (Red Hot Mama) is an trick you enjoy performing, then you will LOVE Chicago Suprise!

Take care,
Rich

I really like Red Hot Mama so I'm curious about Chicago Surprise. Where can I learn more about that?

Thanx,
Stig

http://www.schoolforscoundrels.com then to Whit Haydn Products

Has anyone seen Ammars variation on Red Hot Mama, I think I saw it on an early Ammar video?

Thank you Whit. I actually learned YOUR chicago opener at one of your lectures many many many years ago here in Florida. It has served me well sir. Thank you!