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Y2John Inner circle 1498 Posts |
My review for MindPlay
MindPlay: I have been highly awaiting MindPlay since I had first heard about it, though I had nothing more to go on than a couple of recommendations and some very vague information. This routine has been safely guarded and kept on the hush, with only some highly renowned performers being let in on it. It has recieved some glowing comments and recommendations from those in the know, such as from Joshua Jay, Peter Duffie, Joel Givens and Jon Racherbaumer. So is the praise well deserved? Well the wait is finally over and MindPlay has been released. MindPlay is a limited release of 250 signed copies Performer/creator- Christopher Williams Format- A4 Booklet Available- Direct from Christopher Williams, contact him on either chris@magicman13.co.uk or chudsblainejnr13@hotmail.com, or alternatively shoot him a PM The Booklet: I want to start by giving my opinion about the booklet itself. The booklet is A4 in size and is made up of spiral bound high quality paper, with some great cover work. There are balck and white + colour photos within, and everything is clear and well written. From what I understand, this has all come at a cost to Christopher Williams, and I must say that everything was worth it and he did a great job. The effct/routine: This is a Thought of card, poker themed routine with a magic/mentalism twist and a kicker ending. No knowledge of poker is needed on the part of the specs, and this can play to 4-5 participants. I can't go into specifics as that would be disrespectful to the creator as he would like this to stay between those who purchase it and himself, and I can understand why. It's always good to have a poker themed effect/routine at this time as it's something that has become very widespread and popular, meaning people can relate to it and be more involved. Not only that, but effects that happen in the mind of the participants are always strong, and so this has that going for it aswell, which also means even if those your performing for have absolutely no clue about poker, they will still be able to get totally involved in your performance and enjoy being apart of it. I can't really add anything to this, I know you still don't know the actual happenings in the effect, but you know that it consists of thought of cards and has a poker theme, which will hopefully let you know if this will be of interest to you and something you can use. The Teaching: Everything is very well written and explained and, along with the pictures, means that anybody can learn this. Everything is thoroughly covered and you are left with no questions. Excellent. The Good: Involves multiple participants meaning more interactivity with them Basically self-working Appeal to fans of poker (which there is a lot) Appeal to those who like magic of the mind Nothing written down No fishing Can be performed walk around/table hopping, stage, on the streets, basically anywhere There's no way a spec will be able to backtrack this The Bad- There really is nothing I can find that's a negative with this, I really can't, it's just that good. Oh wait, there is one... those who don't get this while they can never will (this is a plus for me, but a bad thing for those who don't take the chance while they can) Difficulty: Well it's basically self-working meaning you can concentrate on the performance and really playing up the effect. Basically if you get this, you'll be able to perform this. Extras: Christopher Williams teaches his false injog shuffle Plus you get extra ideas and performance tips Overall: All truth be told I feel this is one of the greatest effects ever, I absolutely love it. The routining is exceptional and the effect has been honed to perfection. This is definitely made for the real world and will be something that you'll really use. If you want an incredibly clean, open for presentation, powerful real world routine then this is it. Fantastic. Final note: Please don't think I'm just hyping Christopher Williams effects, I don't know him personally and have never met him, I got this purely on trust from his previous releases and the help ive recieved from him with other effects, that and his posts here on the Café. I realise ive written great reviews for both Impervious (my opinion best CIB) and Thought of Cards Across Project (best handling of that plot taking into account it's totally impromptu etc), but I truly think they deserve the praise I was giving them, as does this. He is obviously a fantastic creator and is on a roll at the moment with all these great releases. I hope you take my review seriously as MindPlay is truly deserving of all that ive said. |
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Hansen Special user Down Under 653 Posts |
How do you think "Mindplay" compares to Dave Solomon/John Bannon's "The Power of Poker"?
With Jon Racherbaumer's added touch to "The Power of Poker", you can set it up so that the deal continuously alternates. IMO, this makes for a near-perfect poker effect. Do you think "Mindplay" surpasses "The Power of Poker"? Does it equal it? Or is it merely "different" to "The Power of Poker", not better, just different? With the praise from numerous highly respected cardmen for "Mindplay" it certainly sounds very tempting. However with the exchange rate as it is, plus postage, this one effect will cost me around $60 Aussie dollars. That's a lot for one effect. Especially when I already perform the brilliant "Power of Poker". I really need more info to make an educated decision... Cheers, Jason |
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Y2John Inner circle 1498 Posts |
Well I have not learnt "The Power of Poker" as I already have a poker themed routine, but MindPlay is different. I would say to GET THIS, I can't stress enough how good it is.
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Y2John Inner circle 1498 Posts |
Just wanted to add that I believe it to be worth the cost it will be to you, ive spent a lot more money on things ive never used, and this is something you WILL use. I know you'd be taking a risk as you don't really know the effect, but those who do will be rewarded. Also where some releases are limited to get quick sales etc, this is limited because it really is too good to become widespread. Im basically 100% positve MindPlay can co-exist with your current routine.
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magicmerlz Loyal user 241 Posts |
Hi all
Where do we go to buy this? Thanks Matt |
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jonxodus Veteran user San Diego, CA 320 Posts |
Contact Christopher Williams either here in the Café or at chudsblainejnr13@hotmail.com and pay thru Paypal. Mine has yet to arrive but Im sure I wont regret it, its poker!!
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Joshua Quinn Inner circle with an outer triangle 2054 Posts |
Quote:
On 2007-08-14 01:23, Hansen wrote:With Jon Racherbaumer's added touch to "The Power of Poker", you can set it up so that the deal continuously alternates. Apologies for the derail, but where can one find Racherbaumer's take on "Power of Poker"? Please PM me to avoid further derailing this thread, thanks.
Every problem contains the seeds of its own solution. Unfortunately every problem also contains the seeds of an infinite number of non-solutions, so that first part really isn't super helpful.
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Waters Inner circle 2508 Posts |
I am really looking forward to this!
Sean |
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Y2John Inner circle 1498 Posts |
I'd love to hear your thoughts once you have had a chance to play with it/put it to use.
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DaveS Veteran user New York 329 Posts |
Quote:
On 2007-08-14 01:23, Hansen wrote: The Power of Poker is among my favorite poker routines. Where can I find Racherbaumer's variation? Thanks. DaveS
We shall not cease from exploration/And the end of all our exploring/Will be to arrive where we started/And know the place for the first time. (TS Elliot)
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Hansen Special user Down Under 653 Posts |
PM'd you, DaveS.
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Fingers_Fidge Regular user England 123 Posts |
I have just sent Chris an order for his new manuscript. I t would be interested in finding Jon Racherbaumers Power of Poker variation. Can anyone advise.
Cheers |
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Y2John Inner circle 1498 Posts |
Peter Harrison has a great Poker demonstration
I look forward to seeing your thoughts on MindPlay |
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Waters Inner circle 2508 Posts |
...still looking forward to reading this (mail takes so long across the pond).
Sean |
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Y2John Inner circle 1498 Posts |
Yeah, but it'll be well worth the wait.
So no one else has this yet? |
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magicmerlz Loyal user 241 Posts |
Hi all
Got mine today after work - reading it now. Will post when Ive worked on it. Merlz |
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Y2John Inner circle 1498 Posts |
Great
Can't wait to here your opinion on it |
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Waters Inner circle 2508 Posts |
I don't know what to say....
I got this today (and read it a few times thorough) and it's utterly brilliant. It has a zen-like simplicity with a powerful punch. All I can add is: "buy it while you can". I genuinely hope Christopher does not release this in any other form, it's really that good. An aside: I perform almost exclusively mentalism and a "casino-night" style show (with sleight of hand and some effects regarding "tells" and "body language"). This is a perfect fit. It really is so good it may have to be a "closer". This can be played as magic, psychological influence or a demonstration of "tells", but it will always end with an exclamation point! Great work Christopher! The praise is well deserved for this simple, but astounding leap forward. I wish you the best. Also (to answer some of the preceeding questions), this is nothing like "The Power of Poker", by John Bannon (which I have used in some performances). This is a very different presentation. They are both great routines by two very ingenious guys. All I can say is this is no more technically demanding and it is easily as effective. Both are strong pieces but I will probably be adding Christopher's routine. With Regards, Sean |
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jonxodus Veteran user San Diego, CA 320 Posts |
Well, I have finally taken time to write a review after reading, putting my own patter and performing it so here is what I have to say about it.
Effect : poker themed with some sort of mentalism in it as well Teaching : its a book, so everything requires a little imagination but still very easy to understand Price : This is the only thing I'm not to happy about, I just think the price is a wee bit too expensive for one effect. I wish there were some additional routines for the price you pay but hey, its a book and the price is pretty high so itll keep the youtube magicians away from this which I would even pay much higher for. Well, the effect really hits hard for laymen and even magicians. I have fooled a couple of them and everyone loves poker. Everyone can relate to gambling and this is a perfect piece to close your show. I like the effect, and will continue to perform this for as long as poker is still being played by people. Awesome effect, so simple to do, great explanations and a kicker ending to end the effect is enough to make a laymen go mental. Highly rec.! if youre looking for a good poker themed/mentalism effect. |
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Christopher Williams Inner circle Portsmouth, UK 4464 Posts |
I am so glad you guys like it. It took a bit of persuading that I should release this, but it was the right time I think, especially with Poker being so big now. As for the price, I have paid a lot more for effects that sit in the bottom of my cupboard, or just aren't workable. The price is for worldwide postage and packaging, and for the fact you are getting a professional routine suitable in I would say every environment possible. Some people after getting this begged me to take it off!!! That was very humbling for me, but as stated, I stick to my original deal of 250 copies.
If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask Thanks http://www.magicman13.co.uk |
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