Hello! I just started working on PV's diplopia -- an AMAZING effect but too darn difficult for me to feel comfortable with yet. Without giving anything away, during the selection of the color, why not add a little more direction with an extra line "and I did not choose a face card". That would greatly speed up the main process of the trick because there would be no K,Q or J to consider. I don't think this would detract from the overall effect, but I am wondering what the "pros" think... thanks!

Magicwanabe,

Ever since I met Paul back when I used to live in Vegas, and then I bought this from him, I have been performing it ever since.
People over here in Mexico call it the Diabolical Card Trick, because they feel as if for some reason I sold my soul to the devil.....in spanish its called
EL DIABOLICO.......it has gotten me a reputation status with this one effect, and I know a lot of effects.

I don't think it matters about the K, Q, J, and if you PM ME I will explain why, and also , the way that I perform it.

I don't think its very difficult at all, my record time is 15 sec, and even Aaron De Long was impressed when I met him at a Columbus Magic Shop!

PM ME

alex

Great effect, but their are a couple of easier ways to perform it.

Ah, of course there are, but what are the trade-offs?

I can think of an easier way to do almost anything, but there are always trade-offs. Nobody can tell you when the trade-offs overtake the "ease" factor, as that is something you have to figure out for yourself but to simply say "their (sic) are a couple of easier ways" is a bit...uh... misleading. I'll leave you with a single example that should communicate the point: one...way...deck

I believe this effect is designed to get the best reactions using a borrowed deck. Otherwise, I could also think of a few diff ways to make it easier using my own deck.

the more you practice, the quicker you'll get.

Spot on Lem. Doesn't mean we should all run around trying to perform ultra hard stuff though, important to stay well within ones capabilities in performance.

Cheers,
Al

For sure, Al, for sure. That's that line I was talking about. I've seen some amazing sleight of hand artists who can replicate gaffs with just a normal deck and their own hands. However, maybe 25 years of practice isn't worth it when you can buy, say, an Ultra Mental Deck. Esp. if the deck is never examined by the audience.

It's all about what you want to do, within the constraints in which you want/need to perform.

Al's post reminded me of something I sometimes take for granted: being slightly nervous gives a lot of people an edge that helps them perform. That's great. However, you also need to have confidence in what you do, it adds to the environment (regardless of whether your character is smooth or a bit of a bumbler). If an effect is too difficult, find another way or work on it.

In other, much clearer and succint, words see Al's post above.

Al, Lem you guys hit the proverbial nail on the head.