Thank you Michael Murray for bringing attention to this. Just finished reading the .pdf. Great idea. Great tool. Thank you Ian...

I've pondered on getting this for a few weeks now because it sounds so intriguing. I've only one question and am sorry if it's been addressed elsewhere... Does this have to be performed on strangers or could it work on a friend or acquaintance?

Ignore my above question. I've just read the blurb again and it says 'For close-up performances, place a coin under a friend's hand'...

It works on anyone.

The 'trust' scenario is both hilarious and awesome.

Really interested in this. I will wait some reviews and then I will valutate the purchase

I bought this a while back and I have to say it is a solid effect which I carry in my wallet. I have added some very small subtleties to this which work for me.
This is incredible thinking. A stunning piece of mentalism. And the 50/50 scenario is so exciting for participants and spectators. a 50/50 bet is so much more exciting because it could go either way, this leaves lots of room for showmanship and fun.

This permanently sits in my wallet.

This is my favourite release of 2016.

Joel.

Ha ha! I like that. Thanks for your very kind words, Joel.

For those who don't know, 'permanently in my wallet' is meant in a metaphorical way. There is nothing to carry round for '50:50 Fantasia'. Once you know the secret and learn the presentation, you can do it anywhere, at any time. No props, no get ready, no set up, no nothing. Just perform it.

http://www.thecoldreadingconnection.com/50-50-fantasia/

Isn't the photo or piece of paper a prop?

That's just one presentational option, and you don't necessarily need to carry anything around with you. There are infinite possibilities.

I never carry anything with me for 50:50 Fantasia. If someone asks me to perform it, I might, for example, borrow a napkin and then ask the spectator if she wants to work with letters, numbers, colours, names or whatever? Let's say she chooses letters. I can then pick up the napkin, write a letter on it, and then make the routine about whether I've written A or B, or her name or mine, or the word MAGIC or MYSTERY. Or I could take her phone, open a text file or a text message screen, and write a letter or several letters on that.

If there's nothing to write on (or with), I could simply put a coin under the spec's hand and build the routine around heads or tails. Or pick up a free newspaper and make the routine about the first word in the first headline on page ten.

The point is, there's never any need to carry anything around with me.

This premise of Ian's is a fine addition to the growing pantheon of 50/50 effects.

Let's be clear: if I paid this for just a page describing the basic principle I'd be a very happy man. But as is typical of Ian Rowland in his many publications, he does not settle for rushing this out with 4 pages of text and the closing encouragement: '...only limited by your own imagination.' He provides a range of strong presentations, to cover a variety of styles and performing conditions. He explores the principle and every aspect of its presentation in depth, so what you're receiving is effectively a lecture on the principle.

I've now got two strong performance pieces, one for close up social or one-to-one scenarios, one for stand up. It's that versatile.

I've long been a big fan of 50/50 effects; I can understand why many performers dismiss them because of the paucity of choice, but as this manuscript brings alive, there is a simplicity and elegance about such effects, and in the hands of an experienced performer can build real tension and impact. As Ian makes crystal clear in his marketing, this is not for beginners: not because it is complicated, but you need a degree of confidence and experience of working with participants to make it go smoothly.

And since you're wondering, no it is not an extension of equivoque or lie/truth approaches. It's that purest of items, true propless mentalism. Although as Ian suggests, the use of props adds to the theatricality of the presentation piece.

It's already October, but this could turn out to be the purchase of the year for me. Ian: I'm not sure why you chose to put this on the market, but thank you for making it available to we lesser mortals.

What if the spectator says "OK, do it again"?

Seriously? There are thousands of effects that can't be repeated.

I've been very honest and clear about the fact that '50:50 Fantasia' is something you would only use once per venue or engagement. If this means it is of no use to you, then don't buy it!

If someone asks you to do it again, you can't. Even if you could, I'm not sure it would be a good idea. If you perform the Chicago Opener for someone and they say do it again, would you? It's technically possible, but it wouldn't be a good idea. Same for B'Wave, or Invisible Deck, or Card Under The Glass or Out Of This World or thousands of other tricks (as Pit Boss) has just pointed out.

So I suppose the correct response is that you would say, "I won't show you that again because you've already seen it, so it's not so much fun. You wouldn't go see the same movie two times in a row. But I can show you something you'll find just as interesting..." and then segue neatly into your next effect.

Of course there are many effects that can't be repeated. But it seems to me that a 50-50 effect performed once is just crying out for a demand for repetition. Thanks for the appropriate response and segue.

50/50 decisions can be incredibly powerful.
For instance. the clock is ticking towards zero. Do you cut the red wire or the blue.
Your choice...

Just got this.

Brilliant.

I love the fact that I can add another incredibly strong impromptu effect in my go-to lineup (and it will). Now to put the requisite work in and learn it cold. My admiration is for not just the cleverness, but the deliberate layering-up of making the bet move from a "simple" 50:50 to a showing true confidence in your ability to win. Priceless.

Worth more than I paid... thanks Ian for releasing this.

Just picked this up and this is a true work of art. Awesome job Ian.

As Ebay says ''Buy It Now"

Typically elegant and devious thinking from Ian Rowland. I needn't have purchased it, but I did; how was he certain that I would?

In many ways its simplicity adds to its impressiveness, but the careful lacquering and polishing of the raw material just enhances its beauty and value.

This might just be my favourite Ian Rowland effect since "Sense of Touch" ( and 50/50 Fantasia doesn't require frequent recalibration of the laser interferometer!)

Laser interferometer?

I'm sorry, but I think the Chroma magnet handling is vastly superior.
With the Chroma magnet applied as described, you will note that it responds only if a red card is in the vicinity. Black cards have no effect. The silent vibrations tell you all you need to know. The Chroma magnet, which is not really a magnet at all in the true sense, works over a range of 18-24 inches, depending on performing conditions.
Works like a charm!