Can someone tell me the name of the effect where spectators are invited to choose a marble from a bag which holds several of the same color and one odd color. Ultimately, the magician is able to discern who holds the odd colored marble?

The best-known version is Max Maven's Kurotsuke, first published in his Videomind DVD series from L&L Publishing.



Curt

There is a version of Max Maven's effect by Charles Gauci called Body Language. It is on his site for $99.00.

http://www.charlesgauci.com

I have it and it's a good effect. Not a reputation maker in my opinion, but still a solid, dependable trick.

There are numerous variations of the effect/routine available, including several electronic solutions; Most notably Christopher Taylor's Equinox (a hands free version that allows you to not go near the bag), and Child's Play (II or III).

And red-handed from promystic. Though they are cubes and not marbles.

I'm reading a lot of positive things about The Dark Stone.

I think Aldo and Rachel Colombini have that type of effect. Search http://www.wildcolombini.com

The way I remember it is that the maker of Childs Play I & II is the only one who actually supplies you with 'marbles' as an option. All the other versions use balls, spheres, stones but not marbles.

Does anyone feel that the gimmicked versions are actually better than Kurotsuke, and if so why?

Carlo,

Check this out..

http://www.promystic.com/RedHanded.htm

Max

I'm seriously considering getting one of the gimmicked versions, either Equinox or Red Handed. The benefit over Kurotsuke to me is simply that it can be done so completely "hands off" and without the verbal misdirection the at the end.

I couldn't help but notice on the Red Handed video that he makes a point of the chosen specs not looking in the bag. Are the bags used in this or Equinox truly examinable by the specs or are there still possible "issues" if they really do?

Thanks,
Jon.

Child's Play III comes complete with marbles and bag Child's play I only comes with a Listerine packet and the marbles/bag are an option. Child's Play II is no longer available. You can see them at
http://www.mrmagic-columbus.com.

Chil's Play I or III are the eaiest electronic methods out there. Both can be used for other effects like the Relic and Scorpion as well. Both have been given great reviews both here and in major magic magazines.


Ron

If memory serves me correctly, with the Kurotsuke, the odd stone will always be either the last person or the one before the last person. With the gimmicked versions it is possible for anybody to have the odd stone.

The gimmicked version is better in my opinion as stated above because any of the 5 spectators can actually get the dark marble. You will know which one instantly

Equinox will stand up to a good deal of scrutiny.

Of course, if someone were to spend too much time examining the bag, this could be a problem. BUT, the 'workings' are extremely well concealed in both location and size. Perhaps more importantly, you would never want a spec to have the bag long enough to do anything other than make their selection! As for looking in the bag, it's a matter of preference, but I always ask them to "look at me" as they take one out. I make it appear as though I'm getting some sort of read during this process. Also, whether or not you want to explain it this way, from a psychological standpoint, it's quite logical to not have their selection a conscious 'choice;' or someone, usually one of the first 2 people, would naturally select the 'odd' one.

But the obvious advantage to this approach, is that you never come near the bag once you handed it to the first person.

The only reason I ask the spectator not to look in the bag is so they wont be influenced to pick the red cube of their own volition. Everything in red handed is completely examinable as they wont find anything. This is a totally unique and clever principle that the others lack.

Max

I purchased CHILD'S PLAY 3 from Hocus-Pocus Magic. In my opinion it is GREAT! I approach each spectator , holding the bag behind my back, turn away from a spectator, as he/she reaches into the bag and select a marble. As I turn back around to again face the audience I instantly know if the black marble was or was not selected. It is a fooler!

I really like Gauci's "Body Language". I don't perform regularly, but I have carried it with me to various meetings, etc., and it FRIED! Very simple and extremely fair-looking.

Thanks to all for the info.

Jon

I am familiar with, and have performed, both Maven's "Kurotsuke" and Gauci's "Body Language" but not "Equinox," "Red Handed" or "Child's Play." Daryl also had similar marble effects in Fooler's Droolers. Another recent addition to the now ever growing list of marble/ball/rock tricks (not unlike 4 Ace tricks and book tests) is "School Daze" from Black's Magic Group which I recently reviewed in The Linking Ring (March 2008)