Yeah a demo would be nice. My last idea was just a quick one to get the cards completed. Instead of Kill and Be Nice, I used $$$ and Nada. The patter is basically pick a number between 1 and 8. Easy to figure the rest. Hope to come up with something better here soon. I probably should have used $$$ on the 7 instead of the 1 and let them go home broke like in Lost Wages (Las Vegas):)

There was some comments about rolling the number ONE and it being a bold move. I agree so what I do now if a one is rolled I start to shuffle the cards naturally one at a time whilst pattering about any number could have been called or rolled. Your then set.

Good move....I ditched the Die now and just use mental die. My numbers range up to 8. Thinking of getting a new set of cards made up, this time live and die. SOme patter about making life and death decisions etc etc....

Also need a few more cards for gospel presentation. Cut the number 5 card too narrow on the Kinkos cutting machine:(

Are the cards examinable...or no? There seems to be a difference of opinion on this.

The cards and metal case (in a cheap velvet-like material cover) all seem a bit 'proppy' & tacky.

The cards are heavily laminated, which just begs to be inspected. They certainly don't need to be, just use blank bikes instead. The metal case has been silk-screen printed, looks like something from a novelty shop. The book’s title does not need to be reflected in the props, but it is.

If all this had been thought through, then 'Dice Man's' price wouldn't be so high.

...When you buy it and discover the mechanics, you will curse the day you were born. That, or the day Andy Nyman was born...


Dr. Zordas

The lamination allows the spectator to handle the final step himself. that is the major advantage of it and I think it is brilliant. It is definitely worth the money...a fooler for laymen and magicians. And if you don't like the card, get some others and laminate them. don't use regular bikes.

...I beg to differ...;

Using blank-faced bikes with your own routine for me is much stronger. Lamination sucks big-time. How can you present this thing at all when all the props look as though they just came from a toy shop?

The *principle* involved is strong, don't get me wrong, I use it for many, many effects. But plastic cards in their own 'dice Man' holder...? I think not.


Dr. Zordas

Don't use the holder. just bring out the cards laminated to match the needs of your client. the lamination is essential for a convincing effect. The thing that blows them away is when THEY turn over that hot card. Doing this with bikes will also make this too familiar with a card trick. while it is basically a card trick anything other than playing cards is a step in the right direction. So I beg to differ with you my good doctor.

...I have yet to do this effect for someone who *HASN'T asked to inspect the cards, simply because they were laminated. And possibly because of the tacky gold die printed on the backs.

Please don't give me some claptrap about 'audience management' or that other favourite - 'routining' (whatever that means?)

In fact, while I'm at it, anyone out there (UK) want a 'Dice Man'? PM for details on this fantastic trick.


Dr. Zordas

Oh c'mon Doc...be nice! LOL! (ooooo, he hates it he does!)

Actually I have had great success with Diceman (sorry!). I have never had anyone ask to see the cards.

It is a weird one to just chuck into a conversation and best as part of an act.

I do also agree that the visual design is a bit showy and could use a "neutralising".

Many times I have done this with the diceman cards and haven't been busted.
Can't you just laminate cards? They don't have to be Bicycle backs.
Just use white index cards and get those laminated.

I created my own laminated cards to look more personal.It works fine.

Like the principle, not a fan of the presentation or cards provided, I must say. Not really me. Going to make up my own set, allowing for a different presentation.

Am thinking of making up 12 cards, and this will also rule out number one being called - just have them imagine rolling two die. Then it is never an issue.

Simon

I talked to Andy about making a reverse set so I could talk about my serial killer tendencies and having someone else decide what I should do... now they pick one card and I turn the others around to show BE NICE and the one they picked says KILL so I can say, "They keep making me do it." and as they look up I'm holding a bloodied knife and have a very mean stare.

Greg

Greg,

YOu could take that further by getting a knife in arm and getting a stooge to stand there and scream as you cut into thier arm. That would be some theatre! I bet all kinds of clients would line up for a rebook!

Andy

A rebook - or calling the police! Could be quite dramatic though!

Simon

Who needs a stooge? Or a fake knife?

Greg

Now that woudl really bring down the house! From a simple to card trick to attempted homicide. The only issue I would have is the reset time. Would that be 15-20 years?

Nope. Just hand the knife over to O.J.

Greg

With all the respect in the world to Mr Nyman - I could not help thinking that a slightly more interesting story could have been put to this effect.

Still, once you know the principal it would not be too tricky to make up a new set of cards to whichever story you think of!