I realize that there is current thread on billets running, my query is a bit different. Aside for the great standards such as Corinda and Annemann, I am curious to know of your favorite resources for billet techniques/routines.

Relating to what one person mentioned in the related thread, I have resisted billet work thus far and feel like I am “missing out”. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,

Mike Spremulli

Bob Cassidy has some of the best work with 'billets' I've ever seen. Check out his CD, books, and anything else he has available. You won't be sorry.

Best thoughts,
John Smetana

CL Boarde's Mainly Mental 1 is the bible of billets. It is pretty complete. Get it.

/bamba

Gary Kurtz published some great routines too.

[deleted]

Some time ago, Richard Osterlind wrote a booklet outlining his "Completely Surrounded" center tear technique. This manuscript clearly presents his methodology for a fine center tear as well as his billet switch that is one of the best. The booklet is difficult to find but definitely worth the search.

The best work is "The Purloined Thought" By Al Mann which covers the Osterlind work in great detail in addition to more methods than one will ever use in a lifetime although one could spend a lifetime trying to find a copy of the book too.

PSIncerely Yours,
Paul Alberstat

Check out Richard Busch's "Peek Performances" for some interesting billet / centre tear work.

I recommend again material by Bob Cassidy and Kurtz.

I have some interesting work on billets but won't say more until I am ready to publish.

-Alain Bellon

I agree with the references mentioned above.

One thing that I will contribute as a source of information on billets is that there is an incredible amount of information available on card magic and some of this can be applied to billets. I'm certainly not suggesting anything like an "Ambitious Billet" routine. ;>) However, I have created some very effective billet work with subtle ideas that were applied from information on card magic. It's not "moves" really, or things that look magical, since we are talking about billets, just subtle card ideas that work well with billets. Business cards and some other billets are extremely similar to cards in many ways.

I also have a few billet works that I will not comment upon more until I am ready to publish.

In thoughts,
Allen

I guess you won't like my three billet monte routine called "Find the Dead Guy." I think I will give John Edward an exclusive on this so he can jazz up his act a little.

Best-
Bob Cassidy

Bob,

I've seen your very nice "billet to pocket", "billet to mentalist's hand", and "billet to other envelope" routines, but I think that you used different names. Perhaps it was "billets across?" ;>)

I'll refrain from taking things any further, like say...."torn center to balloon" or "torn and restored billet."

In thoughts and sometimes a nice smile,

Allen

Funny guys! "Find the dead guy"...great!!!

Jonathan Grant

Thank you all for your suggestions. I'll be getting my shopping list together. I appreciate the feedback.

Regards,

Mike Spremulli

Mike O'Brien's three billet routine is published in Andy Nyman's lecture notes.

Fogel's billaet routine was published in the New Pentagram and republished by Supreme in Million Dollar Pieces of Card available from Magic Books by Post in England

Using a 'Sanada Gimmick' you can pick up a billet with one hand and transfer it to the other one, thus switching the billets and both hands are shown to be empty in the process. Try it in front of a mirror and you'll fool yourself.

Jerry
..

[quote]On 2002-05-30 13:51, jecar wrote:
Using a 'Sanada Gimmick' you can pick up a billet with one hand and transfer it to the other one, thus switching the billets and both hands are shown to be empty in the process. Try it in front of a mirror and you'll fool yourself.

Jerry,
Please clarify this for me.
<SNIP>

Now, you switch the billet from one spectator's hand to the other spectator's hand? Or do you have to switch it from your hand to your hand?

Jonathan Grant

It would be great to create a complete compendium of nothing but Billet & CT type handling... The Al Mann materials were mentioned, which do include some of Millard Longman's thinking... not that I'm to type to blow my own horn, but according to a few that have read some of my work, I guess I have some clever thoughts regarding the psychology of doing billet work... go figure...

Docc Hilford puts out one of the coolest bits I've found... I think it sells for about $50.00 and is known as Richie Technique (I think that's right... my mind is not working well today...)It's very cool and amazingly effective.

I'd recommend that everyone read the ad for this one..terrific story. You'll tear a hole in your pocket trying to get the money out fast enough.

Best thoughts,
John Smetana