The only gimmicked packet trick I actually perform is "Bring me the head of a packet trick". I did replace the cards with white back revelation, and a different face switch-out.
For non-gimmicked I like to switch between Oil and Water, or Reswindled.
I do not know where to find it, but if I could, Juan Tamariz's "Four blue cards" would most likely be my choice.

Simon Lovell mentioned a video of him performing 'What Your Future Holds' ealier in this thread. I was curious so went looking for it. Here's the link for those interested:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMIH90IGCqM

Simple, but very entertaining.

Marty

She does indeed John and still talks about the experience! Alas, the effect and not your good self!

Randy Wakeman's 'Back To The Future' is a fantastic packet trick

Rohger, I'll take that! If they want that experience, they have to book me anyway

Back to packet tricks...

It's been said before in this thread, but "best" depends on what you like. There isn't one "best" effect for everyone. I think most of us understand that but I'm reiterating it.

Last night I tore the apartment apart looking for a "packet trick" (I don't like that term... sounds so trivial). I found it in my old magic briefcase. It's R. Paul Wilson's "Gypsy Monte 2003".

After 20 years as a hobbyist, I left magic for mentalism because I got bored, and I got tired of people watching an effect I'd spent hours perfecting only to tell me, "that's cute." While I perform with a funny, human tone, I also want moments of silent astonishment and emotional impact.

Maybe the reason the term "packet trick" bothers me so is that they ARE inherently trivial. But judge this clip for yourself and see why I like Gypsy Monte so much. It isn't for every venue, but I reserve it for appropriate occasions.("Gypsy Monte 2003 has a kicker ending you won't find on this earlier clip). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AL7QR9Qtxt0

The trick comes with an extra advantage... no one asks afterwards, "Will you do my five year old's birthday party?"

Pity on the same link page the effect is exposed, Mike.

As frustrating as that is, it doesn't matter. "Gypsy Monte 2003" has a stronger, unexposed ending that makes it worth purchasing.

I've posted a comment on the exposure video's page: "Why would you expose this? I've lost respect for you. May the ghost of Vernon return to give you a full handed slap and a wedgie.

What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly..."

Although 'Gypsy Monte 2003' one of the best published alternative handling for Color Monte, I found the instructions for the ending disappointing and very vague. I was expecting something better from Paul. I wouldn't buy the trick just to get the additional ending in retrospect.

The quality of the supplied cards is also very poor. Better to learn this one from his 'Knock 'em Dead' DVD (plus you get a load more magic for your money) and source some cards from elsewhere.

Marty

Use the Gipsy Monte as delivered by Card-Shark. The quality is awesome, there are nine cards all changing and the routine from Pete Kane is superior.

The 9 card version is a completely different effect with the same name. Gypsy Monte (2003 or otherwise) uses three cards in play. Isn't the 9 card Peter Kane version basically Wild Card with antiqued cards? It's been a few years since I've handled it.

The Kane routine was called "Gypsy Curse" not Gypsy Monte. It uses eight cards not nine and whilst the effect may be the same as 'wild card' with oversize old style cards, the handling is superior in that the backs and fronts of all cards are shown in a fan at the conclusion.

Kane`s Gypsy Curse has always been my favorite followed by Done With Mirrors which easily follows into an explanation of how we do our tricks, but there is one little known & strange packet trick that baffels and stirs the conversation afterwards and that is The Case of the Missing Hat. Love it!

Have fun & MERRY CHRISTMAS!
John

Would that be Paul Currys effect? It's in the book "Worlds and beyond" but my copy is on loan to a colleague so I can't check to be sure. Great effect anyway.

Mikael Johansson
sweden

Yes it is Paul Curry`s effect. Have never had the book you mentioned, but sounds like the same one I learned, from another of his books; "Magicians Magic". Saved his best trick in the book for last except his original O.O.T.W.

Have fun,
John

NFW
Double Back
Twisted Sisters
Intuition and Out of the Blue (combo)

Max, those first 2 are without question great and I'd add in B'wave and then you'd have 3 real giants that are hard to beat.

I'm sure Double Back is good~ I don't do it, although I have seen it and can imagine how it works.
What does it have over say the two card monte effect- where two black aces change into two red queens as popularised by David Blaine on one of his specials a few years back?

Double Back is much better than the Blaine trick which is basically the old Dr. Daley Trick. Double Back is the Daley Trick on steroids because you can show the cards up to the last moment in your hands as the other cards before they magically change places.

Twisted Sisters and B'wave are both great but wouldn't you have to pick one or the other?