To me, the downside of this effect is the routine itself. Specifically:

Why are the hands going behind the back? The whole "what was your card, I'll turn it around" phase is kinda weak.

Seems to me, as magicians, everyone is geeking out over the whole 'examinable' thing. Is it really that important?

In my opinion, B'wave is just as strong, and more direct. Twisted Sisters is even better- you're predicting 2 thought of cards instead of one, and there's a good reason behind everything you do. It's perfect.

Just my thoughts.

I totally agree. There's too much handling of the cards, and no good reason (or at least confusing to the spec) for some of the moves in ATO. I like Twisted Sisters, and if you want examinable cards, do Duplicity. It also kills. Interesting, though, no one has yet wanted to examine the cards in Duplicity - which I've been doing for awhile now.

Just my opinion.
Duane

When I first saw the demo I said, "This is a miracle! I have to buy it." Then I watched the demo again and realized that the trick had been edited. It went from a miracle to an O.K. trick because the effect itself is just o.k. Being able to accomplish the effect as was shown in the demo is what made it a miracle. After I realized that the demo was edited I said to myself, "I have plenty of o.k.tricks. I don't need to buy another." Then I saw Cameron's post that said, "There is no editing." Thinking that he was in the know the trick became a miracle again because it was done with p***ing, at least in the demo I watched it was done without p***ing. So I bought it. I am glad to see that McFlash apologized to Cameron becuse I do feel that he was out of line. I think I missed Cameron's apology to McFlash, telling him that he was mistaken about there being no editing.

I'm a big fan of Tucker's work this isn't one of them

I have done this trick for magicians and many laymens - most people like this effect. IF you do this effect perfect and utterly flawless then yo have a miracle in your hands.

I think its very SILLY that people can say this effect is "weak" - but they have never done it in real life, very silly!

I never said the effect was silly if your were refering to me. I said I did not care for it
vinny

Dead thread. Don't know if I should even bother with it.

I'm really torn with this effect. I loved the idea of an examinable "twisted sister" type effect. I hate that it all revolves around the selection of one out of four cards. I have no problems with the fumblings behind your back. I feel that it's all fairly justifiable in the patter. I do, however, find the method to be a bit too bold for my liking. While I wanted to like an examinable version of these classics, I'm not sure if the tradeoff is worth it. I'll stick to twisted sister which I still kill with. For some reason, my one card selection versions of this trick just don't kill (B'Wave and this one if I wasn't shelving it).

Have you checked out John Bannon's Mega Wave? Totally examinable variation of this type of effect without the boldness of it,

I have Stephen Tucker's 'Alpha To Omega'and have meet the man many times at the International Magic Convention in London ,he is a thrill to watch ,very clever thinking and very amusing ,check out TWISTED CONTINUUM,it rocks.

I watched the demo and it's incredible that ANY ace can be named by the audience. Steven Tucker is a very clever creator.

http://youtu.be/FDdrtU1X3fc?t=49s

However, John Bannon's Duplicity, I think, is a more impressive effect. And it is examinable.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50ByS4iAWnI

I got this a heck of a long time ago when Stephen released it originally with written instructions and cards.

It was very good then(in fact excellent). A few years ago it was re-released by BigBlindMedia and made even better, as Stephen was on a DVD performing his creation & showing lots of variations .

Lots of people have released their variations Bannon,Francis etc & all are good.

Every trick in magic has a variation(rising card,torn & restored & on & on)It is really "horses for courses"

However, if Stephen was in front of you and performing this & you had not had the method explained to you, YOU WOULD BE FOOLED & YOU WOULD BUY IT!!

An excellent version by a great creator,performer who happens to be one of magics good guys.

Mike Donoghue

Both are great tricks, but to be fair, BOTH versions are examinable - Omega and Duplicity.

This prompted purchase of Bullet Party. THANKS!

Very glad you bumped the thread, great discussion.

Don't forget there are s*****ing wallets for examinablity and other simple maneuvers to take care of the issue. Going in to another effect while utilizing or seemingly to utilize the same cards is quite effective.

Agreed. My concern, however, was that the effect requires great skill and/or confidence. It's gorgeous. No doubt. On my list of "things to practice" that will never actually make it to the real world- not when there's essentially self-working versions available (yes- I know they're not as gorgeous, but specs don't know the difference).