This is another of several packet tricks included in The Ultimate Card Trick Collection by Paul Hallas. Paul is a respected authority on packet tricks, having authored several books on the subject. Originally this packet trick came with a DVD, but now it comes with just the cards, and a link to a special website with detailed video instructions.

Cloned




Effect: From an envelope marked "Danger: Genetic Material Enclosed", you remove a number of cards, one labelled "Reject" that you lay aside, four animal cards (a sheep, lion, penguin, and snake), and four blank cards (blank "cloning plates"). One at a time the four animal cards (in the order decided by the spectator) are cloned, and then fade away. But it turns out that cloning isn't so safe after-all, because the four animal cards that were used for the cloning are now shown to have turned blank, while the "Reject" card is shown to be the result of a previous cloning experiment that didn't quite work: a mixture of all four animals!

See Paul's performance of Cloned here:



Comment: This is a variation of a Peter Duffie effect entitled "Clone Zone" that can be done with a full deck of standard cards, and which Paul Hallas bought the rights to so he could use the basic mechanics but develop it into a fun variation as a packet trick with picture cards. This isn't the strongest trick in this collection; because you're cloning four cards and repeating exactly the same moves for each, it becomes quite lengthy and interest starts to get lost. The spectator will naturally suspect that the cards in the packet are the animal cards, especially since they are "returned" face-down to the table; if there is any such suspicion, it only gets stronger when they are later shown to have turned blank, and rather than strengthen the magic, this revelation actually starts to reveal the method. One redeeming factor is the story itself, and the cloning plot used is an amusing one that you can have fun with, so if that appeals to you, you might still want to consider giving this a go. It's also a good opportunity to learn moves like the Flustration Count, Elmsley Count, and Vernon's through-the-fist flourish.

The cards are poker-sized, and have an air cushion style finish, and seem to be durable and handle well. The video production quality is excellent, with very clear audio and great visuals and multiple camera angles. Paul's teaching is solid, and he explains all the sleights needed, although already having an ability with the fundamentals of card magic will make learning this much easier. Still, this routine isn't complex, and there's no knuckle-busting moves. The novelty element of these cards can produce some fun and light-hearted magic. It may not be killer material, but with the right presentation, it can be used to create some good reactions and entertainment.