I don't even believe Mr. Ortiz has published his stack (I may be wrong), but I do not believe his has any features because the features that stacks do have can be done impromptu.

You are correct that Darwin has not published his stack but incorrect that his stack doesn't have features. His stack has a very powerful feature that can be used for some amazing effects that have nothing to do with memorizing the deck.

Darwin suggests using your own stack or any stack currently available to perform the effects in his book because any memorized deck will work.

OK a few months later. Now can we get back to the stronger tricks or favorites in this book? No Stack prefered.

One that will be typically "overlooked" is the two card transpo that Darwin uses a perfect Blackjack hand for. The routine is brilliant, simply to understand, and will absolutely astonish a lay crowd. The actual title of the routine escapes me at the moment, but I think it is Ace To Pocket.

The book is full of brilliant thinking and effects, but this one in particular has "real people" written all over it. Fantastic, simple to execute effect.

If you prefer DVD, check out SCAMS & FANTASIES WITH CARDS 4-VOLUME DVD SET: http://www.mymagic.com/dvd/dvd-ortiz.htm

At work tommorow I'm cracking open this book again and having a go. Such great routines! It's always fun to "re-learn" stuff you forgot you did.

This means I'm also going to have to brush up on my Aronson stack. It's been a few weeks.

Appointment in Samara is my favorite. Great presentation!

My favorite are Dejavu,shark attack,appointment in samara,ultimate oil and water,Cannible. Every trick also has performance tips and credits which are very useful. I have to say that darwin's handling of the card magic is very detailed and well constructed. Highly recommended

The Brush
Ultimate Oil and Water

You can do a stack to do these two effects, followed by a OOTW or something else quite easily. It was pretty straightforward to come up with a cogent line of reasoning to string them all together as well, at least for me.

Lots of other stuff but, these days, I usually only perform about 20 or so tricks at a time (broken into distinct sets) and those are the ones.

As for memorized stacks, I took the easy way out with Joyal's Stack and am very happy with it. A stack with built in effects may come later (Tamariz comes to mind) but nothing now.

L

Forgot to say God of gambler is very very strong gamling routine.
But that is a very advanced routine for one to master.
There was also other magic effect.
Anyone who love gambling routine should chek out all darwin's book because he is so darn good!