Was wondering what everyone thought about the Diminishing Returns effect. Looking at the demos it looks like it could be a good effect but does it really seem to play well for you.

Also is it mostly slights or is it just something with a gimmick for this effect.

Thinking about picking it up to put it into my routine but wanted to get some info from those who have played with it.

Thanks

The entire deck is gimmicked, along with a couple of different gimmicked cards.

It's a great effect in the right hands, but the deck suffers from what all "trick decks" suffer from......you can't let anybody touch it, and you've got to ring it in and out of play if you're doing card effects with a normal deck.

No real sleights.....just some careful handling and some healthy practice to make it look natural.

Need a close up pad tho, you don't want to ruin it faster by spreading them on just any table. Might got dirt and oil.

Echoing what everyone else says, no real sleights but some practiced handling, 100% gaffed deck, close-up pad does help a lot.

As for the effect on spectators, it is one of the few effects I have done that have caused spectators to involuntarily shout out profane and obscene expletives in sheer amazement at the point the deck shrinks. Those who don't shout are usually left with their jaws and eyes wide open. I've had nothing but great reactions with it.

Here's a fairly lengthy review by Steve Brooks:

http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......rum=71&0

I agree with Steve that the "Defective Deck" effect which is included in this item is at least as good or better than "Diminishing Returns." Both effects are extremely visual, eye-popping magic.

Just realized that it's in Bicycle deck.

I really like gaffed decks, and DR is one of my favorites... to look at. It is so nicely gaffed that I don't perform it. The effect is strong and the deck is fun. I'm glad I have it in my collection.

I really like this trick.
The combination of the gaffed deck and the smart handling makes it both surprising and impossible to backtrack for the audience. Too many strange things happen.

And in addition it makes a perfect match with a Shrinking Card Case!

Troels

That's good one, Troels. With Shrinking Card Case, this would just blow their minds.

I've used this for around 2 years. I've been using the same deck for all that time. I'm glad you can still get them. For awhile you couldn't find them anywhere as they were always out of stock. Its about time to replace my old one.

Mike Powers is such an excellent inventor. Everytime we would demo Diminishing Returns at the shops I worked in, it was a sure sale. A truly wonderful, strong routine, as evidenced as well by the posts before mine

Ahimsa,
Vlad

If only it doesn't require a close-up pad for performing it.

Defective Deck is worth the price...better that Diminishing Returns IMO...Kennedy's Shrinking Deck routine is much better for my taste.

Jonathan Brown

Great trick.....big impact. I showed it to a friend of mine in NYC once and it blew him away. He pleaded with me to show it to him again and I didn't. He always asks me when I see him if I can do the "Shrinking Card Trick" and I tell him once was enough and the suspense is killing him.

TC

Lance Burton was doing a beautiful version of this back in the early 90's.

I wish I could remember where I saw it - I believe it was one of the "World's Greatest" specials, but I may be mistaken.

I think this effect is better suited in a formal show.

Just my 5 cents.

Cheers.

The version Lance did is on his first television special The Legend Begins, which is available on DVD at Amazon. Unlike the Mike Powers version, Lance's version does NOT used a gimmicked deck. The entire deck, except for one card, is normal. It's a very clever method.

The extended version that MIke Powers performs (it's included in the instructions, although a little convoluted), is eye-popping for magicians as well as laymen. It is a great, great routine.

Just got Mike Powers Diminishing Returns and love it! I hardly ever use gaff decks but this one I will definitely be using. Love the effect and the ease of accomplishing the routine. I will admit that I had a little trouble understanding the moves from the written instructions but after watching Mike's explanation on his website I was taken back by how easy this is to perform. Looking forward to using this!


RNK