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Angelo the Magician Loyal user Vienna(Austria/Europe) 217 Posts |
Does anybody know a magic routine, where this gimmick is necessary? And the routine is very impressive and the use of this gimmick has a logical reason?
I use it when I switch a doubleface (10 of D. both sides) to a unfaked 10 of Diamonds. This card turned three times face up in a face down deck "and now it is okay if it want to rest for a short while" - so I give it in my pocket. This is not good, it is not only 'not good', but it is really bad, unlogical, can be done in other ways. So I look forward to hear/read, if somebody had a good idea to Switch*a*roo! |
Michael J. Douglas Inner circle WV, USA 1645 Posts |
Angelo,
Thanks for your kind comments in your PM. Russ Niedzwiecki is a clever man as exhibited by Switcharoo. However, as you already seem to know, it's just not all that logical. I've yet to see, or create, a routine for an effect that would allow me to use Switcharoo to it's capabilities without it feeling contrived. The routines supplied are ok, but there are better ways to accomplish them. The only type of routine I could see it used for is one along the lines of John Hamman's Signed Card plot. But, again, there are better ways to do it. Please don't get me wrong. I'm not saying it's useless. Mr. Niedzwiecki has a demo video on his site - http://www.magicbuzz.net The visaul changes are stunning, to say the least. Maybe this would be it's best use (other than in mentalism). After performing a few color changes, you're able to show a "hands off" change. In this case, it would be quite logical to place it in your pocket "for all to see." In searching on the Café, the posts concerning Switharoo have usually turned to people who think it's "the worst buy ever." Hopefully, this thread will be different. I'm sure, if we put our heads together, we can come up with some logical routines. Best
Michael J.
�Believe then, if you please, that I can do strange things.� --from Shakespeare�s �As You Like It� |
DaveM Special user Germany 788 Posts |
I found Switch-a-roo to be very useful in effects such as NFW, to easily make them examinable. I thought it to be a bargain for what it can accomplish.
As far as a "reason" to use it, it's quite simple. I would finish up the NFW routine and casually stick the cards in my pocket...with the tops sticking out. Then I would ask something along the lines, "What, you don't believe they're all aces?". What makes the device so great is the fact that the audience thinks that the cards never actually left their sight. Dave |
Michael J. Douglas Inner circle WV, USA 1645 Posts |
Dave,
That's great, if you can get away with it. However, you're wording (and I'm only going by what's typed; I can't hear you're delivery) sets up a challenge, and would put the spectators in a defensive mood. They would want to check inside the pocket. How about - "I know what you're thinking....You're thinking, 'Let me see those cards.' You know, I felt the same way when I first saw it done?" Then, put the cards in the pocket in silence. Afterwards, go on like you're starting a new effect, "Ok, for my next trick...." You'll get a laugh, and they will ask to see the cards. If they don't ask, but just look at you, smile and ask, "What?" They will surely ask at that point, and you'll be able to show them. This wording would give an ACTUAL reason to put them in the pocket. You're moving on to a new effect; it's a joke. The "I felt the same way" line should take away any type of a sting or challenge, as long as your character isn't snide. Try it. However, what works for me, may not suit you. So, if it doesn't work as well, go back. Best
Michael J.
�Believe then, if you please, that I can do strange things.� --from Shakespeare�s �As You Like It� |
Kent Wong Inner circle Edmonton, Alberta, Canada 2458 Posts |
I think what people are trying to get at is a realistic motivational premise for putting the card/cards in the jacket pocket. Without more, this is a very unnatural move and invites suspicion. Even if you could come up with a reason, it often seems contrived (ie. Cards getting tired?).
The only scenario where I could see this working is in the context of a story, where the cards are the characters and the pocket is a location or destination. The actions are motivated by the narrative. Although I love the simplicity of this prop, I have never used it for yet another reason. I'm too short. Being 5'6", it's very easy for spectators to look down into my pocket. This is especially so if I am performing at a table and need to bend down towards the sitting spectators. As soon as that happens, the gimmick is exposed. This product should have come with a similar warning that you see at amusment parks. "You must be this high to use this product". Kent
"Believing is Seeing"
<BR>______________________ <BR> <BR>www.kentwongmagic.com |
Kaliix Inner circle Connecticut 1984 Posts |
The cards put in the Switch-A-Roo don't have to be switched out right away. If memory serves, they can be placed in the device and displayed in the pocket, only to be switched upon retrieval, when reaching for "original" cards put in the pocket. So a transposition of some cards that would end up in the pocket at some point.
One could just switch out the cards while saying I usually just put these away, but wouldn't some people don't trust me... then drop the cards on the table.
The greatest obstacle to discovery is not ignorance; it is the illusion of knowledge.
~Daniel J. Boorstin |
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