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Chris Piercy Special user Dorset, England 932 Posts |
Hi everyone,
After about 6 months without a release during which I've been busy creating and testing new material I've finally decided on my next release "Partners in Crime" some of you may have read a thread that was posted back in August about this effect under the name PHAAN (poker hand at any numbers) The effect is essentially the same but I've altered the presentation entirely hence the change in name, I've also spent a long time road testing this in many different working environments and to a wide variety of spectators - I have been getting consistent very strong reactions and due to this I've decided to release it to the magic community. The effect is presented as a demonstration on how professional card cheats work, they work in pairs, the Mechanic has incredible dexterity with a deck of cards and the Counter has the phenomenal ability to track cards as the deck is shuffled. To demonstrate how this works the magician first hands out the deck of cards to be shuffled. The performer has a spectator select a card and keeps hold of it and is asked to think of the 4 other cards they would combine with their selection in order to create the best 5 card poker hand. The performer explains that once the Counter has his first card he would instantly know the positions of the 4 cards that he would need and he'd then secretly signal to the Mechanic exactly where in the deck the cards he needs are. The spectator selects any 4 numbers between 1-51, the performer deals down to these numbers placing the cards at these positions to one side. Once the four cards have been dealt the spectator names the 4 cards they are thinking of, and they are of course a perfect match. There is no setup, it can be done FASDIU or with a borrowed deck if you so desired. I strongly believe in honesty in magic advertising both when buying and selling effects so this is me being honest - this is not a beginners trick, it is something a beginner could buy and aspire to perform, I'd suggest that this effect is for magicians who consider themselves technically proficient with a deck of cards. I don't want anyone to buy the effect and be disappointed as it is beyond them. I will be completing the ebook over the weekend and am looking for 3 or 4 people to review this for me - if you are interested then please send me a PM including your email address - I will choose reviewers based upon whether I think they will provide a good quality review. If anyone has any questions regarding the effect then please ask away. Chris Piercy |
Andrew Zuber Inner circle Los Angeles, CA 3014 Posts |
Have you encountered spectators that may not know what the best poker deal would be, or have you somehow worked that into the routine to ensure the outcome you need?
Also, how many batteries does it require?
"I'm sorry - if you were right, I would agree with you." -Robin Williams, Awakenings
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Chris Piercy Special user Dorset, England 932 Posts |
This is something I created with poker players in mind as its nice to do a trick that people can really relate to.
I generally choose to perform the trick once poker or gambling has been mentioned, this gives me an "in" to ask questions and work out their knowledge of poker as a whole. I have considered having a sheet of poker hands printed but it seems a little contrived, I've also told people what the best hand is but it does then seem as if you could be forcing the hand upon them which, to my mind, takes something away from the effect. People have a couple of times chosen a four of a kind instead of a straight flush but once the cards have been turned over their response has been one of "wow, that's even better than what I was thinking of" rather than "that's not the cards I thought of" This requires no batteries just a nearby wind turbine |
Andrew Zuber Inner circle Los Angeles, CA 3014 Posts |
Seems like a good way to get into the routine.
I just assumed the wind turbine was battery operated, hence my question.
"I'm sorry - if you were right, I would agree with you." -Robin Williams, Awakenings
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Chris Piercy Special user Dorset, England 932 Posts |
Review copies have been e-mailed out, if you didn't get one I apologise but I can't send it to everyone!
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TM Regular user 142 Posts |
This Effect is something, if done properly is a Definite Killer.
As mentioned by Chris, this is not a beginners trick, and Would require great Practice of Sleights that are used in this Routine. The Effect: As explained by Chris, The effect is presented as a demonstration on how professional card cheats work, they work in pairs, the Mechanic has incredible dexterity with a deck of cards and the Counter has the phenomenal ability to track cards as the deck is shuffled. To demonstrate how this works the magician first hands out the deck of cards to be shuffled. The performer has a spectator select a card and keeps hold of it and is asked to think of the 4 other cards they would combine with their selection in order to create the best 5 card poker hand. The performer explains that once the Counter has his first card he would instantly know the positions of the 4 cards that he would need and he'd then secretly signal to the Mechanic exactly where in the deck the cards he needs are. The spectator selects any 4 numbers between 1-51, the performer deals down to these numbers placing the cards at these positions to one side. Once the four cards have been dealt the spectator names the 4 cards they are thinking of, and they are of course a perfect match. The effect requires no setup & can be done with any Deck! Description: This is an effect/Gambling Demonstration, which requires Great Knowledge and Practice of the Sleights that Are Used, There is No setup required and Can be done with any deck. The effect is based on the story of the mechanic and the Counter which does a Wonderful job of getting the Gambling Theme. Its also got a lot do to with psychology of the mind of spectator which Chris has discussed in Detail in the book and Chris has done a Wonderful job of detailing on every Misdirection that can be involved to make the Routine go smooth. All the moves that Are to be performed , are explained with pictures demonstrating them, and the necessary sources to Learn and Perfect them are also Provided. A basic Script is also Provided that can go along the effect for a perfect ending. Difficulty: 4-4.5 out of 5 , Your level of Confidence and the Practice put in, will determine the effectiveness of the trick Final Thoughts: IIf you are a Person, who does sleights, and Magic, then this is a Wonderful routine to combine them both in a Very strong way.You would definately love this and if this is done perfectly , it will leave a strong Impression and a Perfect moment of Amazement. Overall , I really enjoyed reading the book, and Would recommend buying it! Tarun |
Chris Piercy Special user Dorset, England 932 Posts |
Hi All,
After careful consideration I have decided against releasing this effect. Kind regards, Chris |
Andrew Zuber Inner circle Los Angeles, CA 3014 Posts |
It's too bad as it really was a great effect! At the same time, good on you for taking careful consideration where so many others just release stuff without thinking it through first.
"I'm sorry - if you were right, I would agree with you." -Robin Williams, Awakenings
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ash2arani Special user 923 Posts |
It is bad that Chris decided against releasing it.
I have received this as a review copy. Here are my thoughts: The effect is direct with no complications. You can describe it in one sentence: "a thought of poker hand is located in a shuffled deck". Of course, the presentation will alter this description slightly, but the effect remains direct. As for the manuscript, there are some things I liked: - There is obviously a good amount of research and I like how you reference other effects that share some aspects of the plot (directly or indirectly) - There is a script provided! Not that it is necessary or that I advise people to copy scripts, but for some people, this may be a plus. - There are nice touches and suggestions for presentations and more importantly, I like how the manuscript discusses 'when to go into this effect' and some psychology behind that. - The moves are explained in enough details and with pictures. Plus, there are references for those who want to learn more. One important point here is that there is nothing new method-wise as it uses standard (advanced) sleights that I have seen used elsewhere. The power here is routining them in order to 1) achieve the effect, 2) cancel out methods, and 3) ensure the impromptu factor of this effect. However, the following point will be a negative to some people: The effect requires advanced handling of cards. For someone just starting out or not very dexterous with a deck of cards, this will be a hard effect to perform. However, even if one is not particularly fond of or smooth in a particular sleight, the method can be altered to use what you already know as an advantage. I could not find something bad to say apart from the need to stress the difficulty level in the advert as many of those who do not do any of the required sleights (and are not willing to put the time to practice) will be at a great disadvantage and will not be happy with the purchase. And again, if anyone is expecting a groundbreaking method, then you will not find that here. This manuscript is well-routined piece of classic concepts and methods and is also flexible to a variety of presentations. To sum it up: A direct effect. A great routining of methods. Solid presentation. And most importantly, impromptu! Teaching is clear. Well-credited. And I like the closing thoughts. |
Rizzo Inner circle East Coast 3346 Posts |
This was a well written ebook with photos that clearly showed all that was needed to guide you through the entire routine. The beauty was that it can and could be altered in a variety of handling if one was uncomfortable with a particular sleight or handling of the deck. Not sure of the back story as to why this may or may not be released in the future. Perhaps it will be in a set of notes or on it's own. Chris holds the answer to that question. The effect is solid, doable and will leave the audience entertained. It will require some time to nail at a comfortable level. Not that any moderate card worker will have a problem but because you will need a solid patter, a solid story flowing freely while handling the deck and making the magic happen. Chris did an overall thorough job on this. The writing style, the layout and the photos all make this a breeze when reading through it with deck in hand. I said deck in hand wise guys! Chris, very good job with this. This is one that over a few days off I intend to read through again, work out the kinks and see where it leads me. Well done.
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Chris Piercy Special user Dorset, England 932 Posts |
Partners in Crime is currently being deconstructed and rebuilt into something that will be even stronger - it will be released once I have had a chance to roadtest the new ideas I have had with it.
Thanks for all the great reviews and interest in this. Chris |
puggo Inner circle 2022 Posts |
Quote:
On 2011-12-14 00:25, Andrew Zuber wrote: Spot on Andrew. There are so many effects (particularly e-books) being released, where the author could not have actually worked / developed the effect. Well done Chris. |
Chris Piercy Special user Dorset, England 932 Posts |
Thanks everyone for the great comments and PMs.
Very pleased to say that initial reactions to the restructured routine have been very encouraging. Much more testing will be carried out over the festive period. |
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