I've read a number of people's posts about Bill Abbott's "Smart Ass" as one of their tricks in their shows. I've heard a number of good things about the effect. I'm thinking about purchasing it in the near future for a new trick in my shows. The one thing I'm concerned about (because of the name) is if it can be done at churches or family venues without offending people. I mean, I would like to have a new jumbo card effect that can be performed for any type of adult audience.

If you start the trick off by saying, "I am now going to perform Bill Abbott's Smart Ass," someone might take offense. However, if you do the trick and do not discuss the intelligence quotient of anyone's posterior, you can probably do it anywhere.

LOL! OK, that's good to know Spellbinder. Thanks! I figured it probably could be played for any type of adult audience, but just wasn't really sure.

You should know that it's not really a jumbo card trick per se. It uses one jumbo card the prediction that is being sat upon. But the card is selecting by using a poker size deck. The spectator eliminates cards by tossing them over his shoulder, etc. until it gets down to a small packet that he picks from.

That said, this effect is still suited for stage/parlor because the tossing of the cards makes it visual enough. Just know that when the spectator does finally select the card and shows it to the audience, it will be a standard card, so it might be hard to see in back.

Oh OK, For some reason I was thinking it was more of a stage trick. Sounds like it would be good in parlor type settings though. Thanks Bob!

I use Bill's Smart Ass routine in my close-up set and have had nothing but a great response with it.

The DVD shows performances on a stage (albeit with no audience). As I said, I think the tossing of the cards makes it visual enough to be a stage effect. It's just not performed using jumbo cards (except for the prediction card being sat upon).

I had a great response with the celebrity version. Unless you're strictly performing a card based act, the celebrity edition, in my opinion, is far superior due to the involvement with the crowd and relevance to everyday life. Here's a video of my performance:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYsG6v1a9rU

I use Bill's 5 Card Opener as a lead-in to Smart Ass. Used together they get a great response.

Hope this helps.

Bill Abbott's products are great!

I just purchased his Spots DVD and it's very thorough.

I have purchased several of Bill Abbott's effects and I have never been disappointed! I recommend it, use it and have never in my performance of the effect used the the title Smart Ass ... Not necessary!

The DVD that comes with the celebrity version includes a performance done in a church.

I've used it in my show and it was well recieved.

I have used it in churches, even changed it to have a faith based message. works great. Just because someone else calls it smartass, doesn't mean I have to call it that. Of course I had to switch out the packaging. Fantastic trick, make the routine whatever you want.

I have used Smartass in very different situations and the responses are always great! I usually dress up the number with a lot of cabaret depending on the venue I'm working in....but never had problems even in churches or big audiences....