Anyone perform the 'spirit' version of the haunted deck? I performed it today and my audience didn't really even see what the effect was supposed to be. I finished the effect and looked up and the spectator was looking at me like 'is that it?' In a sense he didn't see the effect as being magical at all. I was disappointed, but I guess that since it is a hands on effect it doesn't look very spectacular. I don't think I'll perform this anymore.

anyone else do this? or have any comments

thanks

Describe what happens.

A spectator picks any card and memorizes it. He/she puts the card back onto one half of the deck and the magician replaces the top half of the deck onto his/her selection. Then by touching the deck the top half of the deck above the selection begins to move revealing the bottom half of the deck. The spectator can then remove the top most card on the revealed portion and see that it is their card. I hope this is clear. I think the fact that I have to touvh the deck really kills this effect. Maybe others have had better succces. Thanks

I have to admit that this sounds like one of the weaker versions of this type of effect. I'm no expert, however. But I agree, that touching it probably harms the effect. I have seen other versions that look downright spooky... I think one is called simply "Haunted". I may be wrong.

Very basic haunted deck routines typically have the top move to the side then back while the spectators card is pulled out of the deck by the ghostly hand and then the deck is back to normal with the selection poked out.
Steve V

One of the best is Esoteric, by Finn Jon. Also Eugene Burger's way to do the Haunted Deck is excellent. Neither are the same as what you describe.

There are many versions of the effect. I included my two versions on Scripted Insanity, and in both of my versions the deck cuts itself to any named card without the magician touching the deck. I can't imagine a hands-on version playing as strongly.

That would be the first and second effect found on volume two, which must be seen in order to appreciate the amazing 808 found on volume one.
Steve V

Thanks Steve, 808 has been one of the strongest pieces in my repertoire for a long time.

Larry

I like Jon Leclair's version. I think that he calls it 'the animated deck' though, but it's one of the cleanest versions that I've seen and looks downright creepy when you see it.

BTW, Dixie Dooley does a pretty awful version of the haunted pack on his 'Seance' dvd.

I think Micromega is talking about Doug Edwards haunted deck, I messed with it many years ago & it got very poor reactions. I do Eugene Burgers version now.

I didn't care for Edwards version either.
Steve V

I use "Spooked" and it has served me very well.

If you purchase the NEMO card control gimmick, you will learn an unusual version of the Haunted Deck. This is the version that Patrick Page used to do when he had visitors to his house.

Happy Labor Day!
Joe L.

I have to agree with the assumption that touching the deck harms the effect, I like Leclair's version.

I purchased spooked not too long ago, I was very disapointed. I also agree that touching the deck destroys the effect to some degree

Just got this. I hate it. The handling seems to remove the need for the gimmick at all. it really just looks like you have a break and are turning the deck. Sadly I bought 3 of these. The idea of an "IT" free version of the haunted deck sounded awesome. This is garbage. The only thing haunting here is the ghost of my missing money. I'm super mad. I will need to see a live demo of anything from this company before purchasing from now on. It is so bad I think I must be doing it wrong. ...not that the instructions with it are much help. I'm so mad.

I mean this one. Spirit-by-Mozique-and-Alakazam-

I have been using Esoteric for years and it añways plays well, the three way movement is good, and with the advent of the stronger t*****s these days it is even more invvisible to the s`pecs.