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The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » We double dare you! » » Gemini Twins Follow-up (2 Likes) Printer Friendly Version

smithart
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(Twice, I was certain I had already posted this, but apparently I hallucinated.)

I do a version of Gemini Twins I call "Two Brothers," where two Jacks find their Queens. I talk about how the brothers are in some ways the same (they are both red cards), but are also different.

My presentation is obstensively based on my brother and me, and the dealing of the cards represents our journey through life.

I had an idea the other day that a few beats after the reveal of the queen, I could then produce miniature Jacks and Queens to represent my brother's children, and may even smaller cards to represent my great-niece and -nephews. I think it would be a fun surprise to share with my family.

The question is the best way to handle the diminishing cards. The problem isn't a lack of options; it's analysis paralysis from having too many ideas.

Sticking with the self-working nature of Genini Twins, I'm heavily inclined to a solution that doesn't require me to execute any risky sleights at the very end. (Though honestly, they will still be looking at the Jacks and Queens, so I could probably get away with just about anything.)

I could use a switching device, but I'm concerned that would detract from the cleaness of base effect.

I could just produce the miniatures from behind the Jack and Queen, but wonder if it would be more effective to have the new generation replace the old.

I would appreciate any ideas you are willing to share that might help me with my decision-making process. Thanks in advance.
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smithart
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Generally, members of the Cafe are pretty quick to share their advice.

Since I didn't get any responses to this, I figured I would give it one more shot.

If you have any questions, please ask. Maybe it was bad timing, maybe nobody had any ideas, or maybe it was just a bad question.
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cuchullain
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Not very elegant but you could create a little pocket for them on the back of another card. Have your Spec replace the Jacks and Queens. Give a casual shuffle. Due to the packet can easily cut packet card to the bottom. Slide out and produce the miniatures with " the next generation etc......
Wravyn
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Not sure why you think it could detract from the cleanliness of it. The 2 brothers could be of a different back design you carry in a z-fold or Himber wallet. Use the z-fold or Himber to create your ending.
Tom Cutts
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Quote:
On Feb 16, 2025, smithart wrote:
I am definitely in the Gemini Twins camp. If I only do one impromptu card trick, that's my go-to.

As others have mentioned, open to so many possible presentations. In fact, I did one of my favorite versions for my wife's physical trainers on Valentine's Day, (which I call Two Brothers) using the red Jacks as locators for the red Queens,

The idea is that the brothers are similar, but have somewhat different life goals (financial vs. emotional). The dealing through the cards represents their progress through life, and in the end they find their perfect mates.

(I'm sure it has been done before. If anyone knows of previous similar presentations, I would love to know.)

I can do the setup right in front of the spectators, almost everything can happen in the spectator's hands, and it always seems to get a good reaction.


From https://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/view......art=60#5
Levi Bennett
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I think it would look nice, and somewhat comical, to have them palmed and give the queen a shake and have them "fall out". Visual and easy.
If they're mini cards you can have them palmed the whole time and they wouldn't suspect anything.
Just the first idea that came to mind.

For a little drama you might try flash paper playing cards from Viking. Reading the description, they are only printed on 1 side, but I think it would be easy enough to switch them, burn the flash card and produce mini cards.

They have QS and QH

https://vikingmagic.com/products/flash-p......SjssImml
smithart
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Quote:
On Aug 18, 2025, Tom Cutts wrote:

From https://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/view......art=60#5


Yup. These are a couple of presentation versions I do frequently in public, with a focus on either the journey or the romance.
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smithart
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Quote:
On Aug 16, 2025, Wravyn wrote:
Not sure why you think it could detract from the cleanliness of it. The 2 brothers could be of a different back design you carry in a z-fold or Himber wallet. Use the z-fold or Himber to create your ending.


Thanks, Wrayven. One of my concerns was in introducing an additional prop, but your suggestion could help provide a justification.

The other concern is taking the focus of the magic moment from the hands to the prop, which I feel would take away from the impact and surprise.
AKA Professor Memento
https://mementomysteries.com
smithart
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Quote:
On Aug 18, 2025, Levi Bennett wrote:
I think it would look nice, and somewhat comical, to have them palmed and give the queen a shake and have them "fall out". Visual and easy.
If they're mini cards you can have them palmed the whole time and they wouldn't suspect anything.
Just the first idea that came to mind.


Thanks, Levi. I can see the possibilities in having the mini cards fall out from the queen.

I don't think the flash paper cards would be a good fit for this routine, but I'm glad that I now know they exist.
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smithart
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Quote:
On Aug 16, 2025, cuchullain wrote:
Not very elegant but you could create a little pocket for them on the back of another card. Have your Spec replace the Jacks and Queens. Give a casual shuffle. Due to the packet can easily cut packet card to the bottom. Slide out and produce the miniatures with " the next generation etc......


Thanks, cuchullain. I agree that a standard diminishing cards (or similar) gimmick could be a safe way to manage the extra cards while performing the rest of the routine. Depending on the situation, I sometimes let the spectator handle the cards, but usually I deal through them myself.
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Wravyn
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Quote:
On Aug 18, 2025, smithart wrote:
Quote:
On Aug 16, 2025, Wravyn wrote:
Not sure why you think it could detract from the cleanliness of it. The 2 brothers could be of a different back design you carry in a z-fold or Himber wallet. Use the z-fold or Himber to create your ending.


Thanks, Wrayven. One of my concerns was in introducing an additional prop, but your suggestion could help provide a justification.

The other concern is taking the focus of the magic moment from the hands to the prop, which I feel would take away from the impact and surprise.


The brothers find their queens, when opening the himber, there is a new surprise ... The once empty wallet now holds their kids.
MagiCal52
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I'm liking that the 2 brothers find the 2 sisters or vice versa...there re literally hundreds of gemini twins variations...I'm going to go with the simplest ones....after the sectator finds the twins turn the pack face up to show they are all blank..EASY but EFEECTIVE...YES???
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