Hi Harry,

In the post on creativity you said the following:

'One question I always ask myself when I see what I consider to be a great card effect done with a trick deck, or gaffed cards. I ask, "How can I do this with a borrowed, regular deck?" '

After reading this I wondered if you ever came up with a way of performing the invisible deck effect with a regular borrowed pack?

I look forward to hearing from you.

Socrates

'In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity' - Albert Einstein

Socrates,

I know a way. It was shown to me by a fellow magician who told me that it has been taught (and perhaps it was originated, I'm unsure) by Michael Close. It uses a beautiful application of the Francis Carlyle turnover move. However, for me, it's not *particularly* easy to make the effect look "clean" (but that's maybe because I need to invest more practice!).

I am sure Mr. Lorayne will know this, and a few other methods

Steve

Correction: The method I have mentioned here IS with a regular deck, but it is NOT borrowed. I overlooked that point - sorry. Even so, after the effect is complete, the deck can be examined by the spectator. You end completely clean.

I have seen the version of Invisible Deck performed by Michael Close. I don't remember if he said he originated the effect or he got the idea from Simon Aronson, either way the workings are based on Simon Aronson's Memorized deck and estimation.

The non-gaffed version simply is not clean. Certainly not as clean as a gaffed invisible deck. And with a trick of such magnitude, it's the flawlessly clean handling that makes all the difference. There is absolutely no heat on the ID after the effect. I found it particularly silly (on Michael Close's video) that he asks the audience members to feel the deck. Nothing sticky on it, right? He asks. Why should there be anything sticky on it?

Socrates: First, check out Calculated Risk in CLOSE-UP CARD MAGIC. It's one of the things I used to use, years ago, instead of the Invisible Deck. And, I have no problem with a card being named and getting it reversed in the deck without anyone being the wiser. It's not something I can teach here. But, I simply can find a named card in a shuffled deck almost instantly, and reverse it, as I said, without anyone being the wiser. The effect itself may not be as strong, or QUITE as strong, but I don't have to carry a prop with me. And for those who are a bit in the know, my way IS stronger, because it's a borrowed deck. Harry L.

Steve: I know the Francis Carlyle move, of course, but I don't particularly like it for this effect. And, you said it, it's not easy to make the effect or handling look "clean." Most importantly, to me, is that it is NOT a borrowed deck. For the last, perhaps 30 years, whenever I read something that mentions a non-borrowed deck, I turn to the next item. HARRY L.

Jcigam: My reasoning holds for a memorized deck. I simply don't bother because I use only borrowed decks. If you're going to carry a specially set-up deck, you might as well also carry the Invisible Deck - then switch, etc.

Platt: Mike Close does a LOT of silly things! HARRY L.

Harry, you have intrigued me by saying you "can find a named card in a shuffled deck almost instantly, and reverse it".

I may be dropping the clanger of having overlooked an explanation of this in one of your books... however, I don't yet have ALL your books (I *do* have many of them!) At least the good thing is that I have a few more to look forward to!

Anyway - do you divulge your method for doing this in any of your writings? If so, please will you tell me where?

Thanks!

Steve

Also... I have been toying with the idea of buying Mike Close's material ("Workers" etc), but I have so far not read/heard a review of it from a respected, knowledgable magician.

Harry, would you be willing to give your view on this, or is this "off-limits" for this noticeboard?

Steve

Care to give a few example mister Lorayne?

Euan

Steve: I don't think I've ever taught what you're asking - it's not really something you can teach. It's a matter of a bit of acting, and being able to find a card quickly. I'm pretty good at both, part of which is to be able to "cover" your actions. As I said, not really something you can teach.
I ask for the name of a card as I'm alread hand to hand spreading the cards, faces toward myself. Usually, when it's named, I spot it immedicately, cut it to the top, and do my Status Quo Shuffle, once or twice. That "proves" what seems to be the obvious - I have no idea where any card lies. Then, I did teach one way of reversing the top card as you start a regular overhand shuffle - but off-hand I don't know in which book it is. And, of course, the Braue Secret Reversal is wonderful. I do teach that, and a variation or two of mine, in a few of my books. I know I teach it in PERSONAL COLLECTION.
Re: "toying" with the idea of buying MC's works. I sure as h... wouldn't buy em'. I've never gotten a thing out of ANY of his works. I don't do "putting clowns noses on my face." I don't need that in order to entertain. And I can't carry around all his props.
Just my opinion, as an old-time "reviewer." HARRY.

Can only speak for myself, Euan. I refer to his reviews of books of mine. You'll have to find it in another topic/post here where someone wrote to me about his review "ooooozing jealousy." I'm so glad you asked. You see, I had the soapbox of APOCALYPSE for 20 years, and I could rip into anyone I wanted to, answer sillinesses that people wrote about me. I miss that. It was a way of purging myself. I would have written a pretty seetthing couple of paragraphs about him and it would have been read by more people than read the magazine in which his stupidity appeared. But, I don't have that soapbox now. You just gave it to me for this moment. Thanks, I've purged myself, and I feel so much better. HARRY L.

I wish I could put a clown nose on...

Nice to see you don't hold sway with holding personal grudges mister Lorayne

Euan: It ain't personal - it's public. H

Hi Pete: I thought you did have one on. HARRY.

Harry...OK...Thanks for your reply - I get the picture!!!

Now I think I can see who your two dodgy reviewers are (referred to in your answer to my post about "relationships along the way..."): MC and "the man in the black shabby coat", perhaps?

Steve

Harry. you need to come to Mexico to perform and lectured, you are very famous here.

Sure, Tell: Tell your "powers that be" to make an offer! HARRY.

Harry I will talk with the president of the I.B.M.ring of Mexico to contact to you. hope see you soon in Mexico City