I gotta tellya, I'm sorta surprised that Jon Allen's new Rule of Three has not been brought up here, it's wonderful. I got a chance to see it performed recently and was blown away by it. Basically, the magi sets up the effect by mentioning the popularity ranking of cards, and he mentions the 2 most popular being the QH and then the AS.

Then a spec is asked as to what card might be the 3rd most popular card in the deck, it's a free choice and that chosen card just so happens to be the right card. WHAT!!! Now, that's miraculous enough but there's more...All the cards in the deck have been numbered on their back as to popularity from 1-52, and the grander amazement is brought to bear when after revealing that the 3rd most popular card just happened to be the chosen card, then it is shown even more as all the other cards are shown to be blank. WOW!!!

I'm telling you, people watching this just couldn't believe it...Me either.

This is an amazing trick, very interactive and I predict will be another big hit for Jon like his classic, Double Back. This guy is a gifted thinker and performer and has struck another gold mine with this new Rule of Three effect. Anyone here doing this yet? It's pretty new and a sure show-stopper.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CytuXsCbL0

Mb217, it's being discussed here: http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......m=218&89

That performance still knocks me out. Jon Allen is an amazing creator and performer!

Hey thanks Zombie, I must've missed it I guess. Just happen to see it performed and was excited to mention it here. Might've known the card guys would've been all over it out the gate. Really, anything by Jon Allen is worth checking into. I see from the other string, his Rule of Three has garnered a lot of attention, like his other effects including the brilliant Double Back.

Oh well, I guess I'm a bit late to this party but still happy to bring up an effect that's truly a gem (It means I'm on the right track as to things, ya'think?). I hope people keep coming across it here and relaying their experiences with it as I can see that it's a real worker.

Agreed, Marion. I'm glad you brought this routine back into the limelight.
:)

Steve H

Mb217, I've worked on it the last 2 days and am bringing it out tonight to perform it. Good to hear you already had success performing it. It's one of the most solid pieces of magic I've ever come across.

I'm surprised that there hasn't been much talk from those that have had it for a while, because it is so clever, beautifully made and simple to do. There's nothing knuckle-busting about it. Jon created a clever deck and routines that took the plot to a new level.

Yes, there are two ways to go with this. The one you see on the video and another that is equally clever. I hadn't decided which way to go, which is why I've taken a couple of days working on it. I think it will boil down to performer preference, because I don't think an audience would notice the difference. What they'll remember is that they named ANY card and the killer blank deck finale.

But, I'm going with Jon's routine from the demo.

More after tonight.