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JesterJ New user 68 Posts |
I've been doing this one for a while as an impromptu closer (I'll do 2 or three tricks and close with this). The effect as Osterlind outlines it is that the spectator cuts a deck a number of times, selects two cards without looking at them, puts them in their pockets, and puts the deck away. The magician then reveals which two cards they picked and which pockets each is in.
When I do this, I either have them put the cards in their pockets or I have them cover them on the table (to eliminate the most common guess at the method). Then, depending on the two cards they picked, I improvise the reveal. Today, I performed the trick twice for a couple of friends. The first guy, who has infant twins, picked a pair of queens. So, I improvised on the idea that the cards he picked reflected his life, hence the "twin" queens. I did the trick again for the second friend. She happened to pick one of the queens that the first guy picked plus another card. And his queen was in the pocket closest to him. So, I was able to riff on the connection between the two of them in the reveal. Both were completely blown away. In general, what I like most about this trick is deciding how to do the reveal at the end. It's fun to read the person or know enough about them to make those cards somehow meaningful to them. Then the trick isn't just that I knew the cards (without ever touching the deck), it's that the cards weren't randomly selected. Today's experience was just a nice example of how well that can work out. JesterJ |
Nicholas Special user I predict that I now have 900 Posts |
What you have to say is of interest to me because I am at a point in my own development where I am able to create similar experiences. I tend to think of it as adding a bit of cold reading and/or making use of happy coincidences. I also am discovering that even fairly contrived coincidences can be accepted as true by many if interjected with the right spirit or mood. And, it seems that the more I look for these kinds of coincidences, the easier it is to find them (even without stretching). Thanks for sharing that experience.
Nicholas |
Richard Osterlind V.I.P. 2213 Posts |
Jester and Nicholas,
That is very good thinking! It is impossible to put in a book or on a video all the possibilities of what might happen during a real show. Only experience can teach you that. Along the lines you are discussing, let me add a little thought. I always like to use a gambling theme with cards (see my Making Real Magic ebook). If, by chance, the spectator puts 2 cards that would make up a great Blackjack hand into his pockets, I steer the revelation in that direction. If it's a bad hand, and I compute that the next cards in the deck proper can improve it, I will go with that. You have to analyze your audience, your personality and tailor how you do an effect. That is what I have been preaching all along and will continue to do. Regards, Richard |
JesterJ New user 68 Posts |
Hi Richard,
Thanks for the reply. Actually, I bought your Breakthrough Card System at last year's Magic in the Rockies convention. I was your volunteer during the lecture when you performed Two Cards In Pocket. In that case, I really liked the way you set up the spectator's "choice" for which card in which pocket. That's another great aspect to the trick. So, kudos to you for your performing skills and your technical skills. Nicholas, you're right that the cold reading aspect (or warm reading is even better) really makes a trick like this seem amazing. In my stage persona, I don't try to act all mysterious. I just act surprised by the coincidence of their selection. That takes it from being a puzzle to solve to being a miracle: I can guess that the magician might know my cards, but how could he have made me pick these particularly relevant cards. JesterJ |
owen.daniel Inner circle England 1048 Posts |
It's a great routine already, and I agree definatly that adding some cold reading will really enhance the effect, even if you can only do it when you get coincidentaly apropriate cards.
When I was first shown this I was blown away, the speed at which the routine was able to be performed (the trick wasn't performed quickly, but it seemed as thought there was a very short time in which the cards could have been found out) and the method was invisible. Great, Owen |
JesterJ New user 68 Posts |
It's pretty amazing how easy it is to get quick at knowing the cards.
Regarding the cold reading, you can always come up with something. It's just that sometimes, it's easier;-). Aside from paired cards, you can think about consecutive numbers, matched suits, opposite colors, etc. Humans are remarkable in their ability to find pattern out of chaos. So, all I do is quickly imagine why would these cards be appropriate for the person. With a little bit of practice, it's not too hard. JesterJ |
philippos1979 New user 64 Posts |
Great effect. By the way I came up with a Very interesting way as an out in case the pockets are mentioned the "wrong"way. PM me for more.
-Magic? No,sleight of hand.
-The fact I MAY move my hand;your ability to reason;the motion of the universe; these are magical. Your logical inquiry into the possibility of something extraordinary is itself extraodrinary and that i define as magic... |
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