I love the effect "Star Warp," but I also like my magic to make sense. Can anyone tell me patter they use to make the use of a dollar bill with the card make sense. If I can get past that, I will be performing it regularly. Thanks

I usually use a gambling theme. I say that there is a certain connection between cards and money for me. Let's see if we can lock these two worlds together and try something strange. That usually gets people very intrigued.

Why a bill? Well, why two cards?

Just do it, and over time this part will take care of itself.

You won't regret it, either.

You don't have to rip the bills up like in card warp do you ???

No, that's not part of the method for the effect. But you can, if you want to lead into a restoration effect later.

Using a playing card and a bill is a Bob McAllister idea. Before McAllister put his idea in print, "Star Warp" by Howard Schwarzman appeared in Apocalypse. McAllister, seeing his idea was out, contributed his version to Richard's Almanac. Also check out Michael Close's excellent "Dr. Strangetrick" in his Workers series.

I like the gambling idea. Thanks for the advice.

Bruce Cervon's handling, the preferred one, is in "Ultra Cervon". He calls it Warped II. It is superb, the best of the many "takes" on this effect, IMO...

Best, PSC

Hi Paul,

Bruce's work is certainly fantastic. Of course, you haven't seen my "ending". Which is one of Roy Walton's favorites. Ask me the next time our paths cross.

Regards,

Paul Green

The gambling idea is great, everybody loves a shot at a cheap buck, just as long as ya don't lose your own money

Here's Mine:

Frankly I start by asking for a bill from someone, without any specific reason given. I offer to provide something from my wallet, as well. A playing card, but what did they expect?

"Have you ever seen David Copperfield live? You know, he's the guy who takes the prettiest girl in the audience up on stage, puts her in a box, and cuts her in half--that sort of thing. Well, I'm going to do that right here, for you. (Glance meanacingly about the table) Don't worry, tonight this card will take the place of the pretty girl (it's a queen) and I'll fold her so she has an inside and an outside, just like us. The outside's where the face and the clothing are,and the young lady's insides look like this. The ten dollar bill from our new corporate sponsor--I'm sorry,your name, sir--Bob, does two things. First of all, it takes the place of the expensive box they use on stage, and secondly, it makes sure Bob watches until the end, because I've got his money....."

You get the idea. I end up doing something even Copperfield won't do, not even at Las Vegas prices. The girl does not disappear, she turns inside out.

The bit where I stop and get the lender's name is intentional. It covers "the moment" if you know what I mean. The whole sell seems to draw them in, and makes sense of the bill.

The bill is also useful at the end, in case they ask me if I can restore the card. I tell them I could, but I'd rather save that for the bill. I quickly do the audible bill tear from Downs' Art of Magic. Just one tear, and a quick restore. The fast effect is surprising, and provides a release and applause cue for the warp, which otherwise ends on a softer, suspenseful note.

No commercial hype, this appears no where else but here. It has served me well, and I hope it's useful to someone.

Very good ideas! I like the "mini david Copperfield trick" idea! Thanks again!

Of course, Stan, these ideas are good to maybe to jumpstart your imagination, but I daresay you wouldn't want to actually *use* another person's presentation.

Thanks for reminding me of a powerful effect.

I need to look back at things I have not brought out in awhile.

Back to basics, or back to the future of magic.

What is old is new again.....

You are all appreciated by,

Harris

The gambling idea sounds good. I have also said something like "When you take a card and a bill and put them together strange things can happen"
Josh

The presentation that I'm currently working on is about how money can change people. I haven't scripted it yet, because I'm still looking at different methods. I really like Bruce Cervon's version, too.

Old thread, good stuff.