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Month: January 2022

MAGIC – by Harvey Raft – A Review

MAGIC – by Harvey Raft – A Review

MAGIC – Harvey Raft – A Review
Ebook Download

This is the Ad Copy:

This book mostly deals with decks of cards that Harvey has designed over the years. We have included with ALL of the effects in this books the graphics needed to print YOUR OWN DECKS. The face of the cards have been designed to be seen on a large stage. Harvey gave these faces a lot of thought and discovered that if he had lots of pips on the cards people could easily see them from a distance.

The backs might be different with different marking systems, but these are explained with each trick. You are supplied with downloads as PDFs so you have FULL ACCESS to print the cards yourself and can upload them to the various printing websites that offer this service. If you do print them off, you will have a unique deck of cards that most magicians will not own and will fool not only lay people but also your magic friends.

My Thoughts:

Harvey is a unique guy.. in that he spent the earlier part of his life performing as a clown. Not magic or mentalism, mind you.. but as a clown.. associated with the Shriners. Aside from voluntary work to raise money for Shriner hospitals, Harvey began to perform house parties and corporate events. He also co-wrote two books dealing with change bags and Christmas routines as well as co-created a number of different magic effects.

An untimely illness almost twenty years ago put Harvey out of business. But, you know what they say about keeping a good man down.. He attended a magic club meeting loaded with both magicians and mentalists, and the fire was re-lit.. Not just for magic.. but for his new-found appreciation for mentalism and mental magic.

During the past twenty years, Harvey has become, in my personal opinion, one of the foremost authorities on Zener cards.. and the use of Zener cards in mentalism. He has also created many other effects using his own specially crafted decks. I have spoke with Harvey numerous times via phone from his home in Toronto, and he has a mathematical mind to rival anyone I know. Period..

Aside from performing mentalism shows, he has over 50 effects published by Murphy’s Magic, which probably led to the publication of this ebook and it’s sister publication.. All For Fun and Fun For All..

Magic Squares, Zener Cards, Book Tests, Mnemonica – without the Mnemonics, Memorize TEN decks of cards, Shell Games, Image Cards, Super Zener, Flag Recognition, More Mental Picture Effects, Afghan Bands, Custom Zener Card Effects, Color Changing Water, Change Bag Effects, Movie Magic, Card Forces and Dice Tricks.

This is a partial list of the many different type effects in “MAGIC”. Most are number based and require mathematics to work properly. -But- they do not necessarily require you to use mathematics. Many use principles that require you to learn a basic method to derive the solution. For instance, a number in the first spot of a three digit number may represent a suit. The second and third numbers may represent a location. Using the numbers are a simple process and don’t require mental finesse on your part, only remembering a basic order or placement. As many effects use marked props or decks, the handling is simplified even more.. making your job an easy one..

A number of effects require a special deck. Harvey has designed the decks and included templates for you to have printed. He has also included printers he has used who he knows to be both reliable and affordable. For Harvey to provide all the decks in your purchase would cost hundreds and hundreds of dollars. Instead, you read the effects and decide what YOU like, and what you need to complete the effect. This allows you to have custom props and custom decks that make your performance an individual event.. something probably never seen by your audience.

With approximately 50 different effects in MAGIC, covering a very broad spectrum of performances, I can’t be overly specific with a wide array of examples. What I AM going to do is publish one of the many effects to give you focus on the type and quality of Harvey’s work. This effect, titled CARD SHARKS, shows the thinking behind the curtain. It allows ANY average magician/mentalist to know the identity of ANY one of over 500 cards in a stack. Personally, I think this is an amazing feat of memory.. that’s actually NOT a feat of memory, but appears to the audience to be just that..
(This effect will be available in Special Issue #12 of The Magic Roadshow.. which will publish around the end of February, 2022. Sign up now to receive this issue for free.)

I am recommending Harvey’s ebook to my friends and readers -if- you have any interest in performing mental feats, card magic with unique cards, or parlor magic effects with a very unique twist. MAGIC is one of the most original works out there, and
as such.. will be one of your best magic purchases ever if you’re willing to create the props and practice the magic.

MAGIC’s Editorial Director is Paul Romhany and all Artwork and Magic is courtesy of the author.. Harvey Raft.

I’ve included a short list of SOME of the many effects.. to give you a general idea of the content… (This is approx. half of the many effects)

5,000,000 To 1
A Moment in Time Super Magic Square
Be A Star
Card Shark
Dreamages Connection
Inflection Detection
Eye Detector
Retrospection
Super Sensory Touch Contact
Time on Your Hands
Total Premonition
What Number Please
What’s In A Name?
Zener Super Mind Power
Flag Recognition
I Get The Picture
I Am Able To Read Your Mind
Zener By Design
Projected Phantasm
Mental Pictures
Super Energy
Afghan Bands
Afgan Bands To Dove
Colour Changing Water

$35.00 .. Available from Murphy’s Magic and their Associates..

https://www.murphysmagic.com/product.aspx?id=70849

Review by Rick Carruth for Murphy’s Magic and The Magic Roadshow

The Princess Card Trick – Daryl Legacy Line – A Review

The Princess Card Trick – Daryl Legacy Line – A Review

Princess Card Trick by DARYL – A Review
(Gimmicks and Online Instruction)

This is the Ad Copy:

A mindreading trick that will blow your audiences away!

 

A packet of cards is fanned before a spectator’s eyes. The spectator is asked to

merely think of ANY ONE of the cards (NO FORCING). At no time does the spectator tell anyone, write down or indicate his mental selection to anyone.

The Magician removes one of the cards from the pack to commit himself to a specific card! The magician shows the remaining cards and the thought of card WAS the selection removed from the pack.

This SELF-WORKING miracle is extremely easy to perform and instantly resets.

Princess Card Trick cards are printed by the United States Playing Card Company on red, Bicycle Rider back cards.

Note: written instructions no longer included. All instructions are via video link

.

My Thoughts:

The Princess Card Trick is a classic of magic. It was probably created by Henry Hardin around the first of the last century.. as reported by T.Nelson Downs in The Art of Magic.

At some point in time, it has been performed by many of the great performers, inclu

ding Dai Vernon, who influenced Daryl to market this effect using Bicycle brand cards. This release is part of The Legacy Line, which includes several of Daryl’s classic effects. ( The Whole Thing, Jumping Jacks, Ultra Monte, Bizarre Assembly, Morphed, Presto Printo, Papa Rabbit, Rainbow Ropes, Crossed Thought, Ultimate Ambition, Red Prediction, Enchanted Cube, and The Amazing Acrobatic Knot )

This release is a stylized version of Daryl’s effect.. intended to support Daryl’s family since his tragic passing, and to re-introduce a new generation of performers to several of his more popular effects.

The magi shows a spectator five different face cards and asks them to mentally s

elect one. Afterwards.. the magi mixes the cards, removes one and puts it in a pocket. He then asks the spectator to reveal their selection.. and after they do, he removes their selection from his pocket.. while showing the four remaining cards in his hand to NOT be the thought-of card.

Many folks are familiar with The Princess Card Trick, as it has been published online as an app and/or program. That doesn’t change the fact that this is still, after all these yea

rs, a strong effect that requires very little practice. In fact, the instruction video for this effect includes a method that adds an extra layer of magic to PCT. The magi, after the card is named, pulls the named card from his pocket.. before showing the card missing from those in his hand. I’ve included a link to a performance video below.. giving you a chance to view the complete effect.

Video demo of this effect… https://youtu.be/97bl-ac90zE

There are no printed instructions. Instead, there is a nine minute online video that teaches everything you need to know. All the gaffed cards are included, and they are
official Bike gaffed cards. The packaging is first class and very stylish. And, the e

ffect is a classic that still fools the heck out of an audience. If you were a fan of Daryl.. and who wasn’t.. you will find a place for The Princess Card Trick.. either in your repertoire or your pocket. At only $9.95.. this is money well spent.

$9.95 .. Available at Murphy’s Magic and their Associates

https://www.murphysmagic.com/product.aspx?id=62244

Review by Rick Carruth for Murphy’s Magic & The Magic Roadshow

Penn & Teller’s Fool Us & Masters of Illusion both Renewed..

Penn & Teller’s Fool Us & Masters of Illusion both Renewed..

January 20, 2022 (Burbank, CA) — The CW Network announced today the renewal of three hit alternative series for the 2022-2023 broadcast season, including the captivating magic competition PENN & TELLER: FOOL US, the awe-inspiring magical showcase MASTERS OF ILLUSION and the fur-ociously funny WORLD’S FUNNIEST ANIMALS. The 2022-23 premiere dates for these series will be announced at a later time.

Renewed for a ninth season, PENN & TELLER: FOOL US is a one-hour competition series celebrating magic and featuring the legendary duo Penn & Teller. On each episode, aspiring magicians are invited to perform their best trick to try and fool the world-famous team of Penn & Teller. Anyone who succeeds wins the right to perform with Penn & Teller in their celebrated show at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The remote studio audience and the TV audience watch along with Penn & Teller as they try to figure out the secrets. Penn & Teller see the trick only once and have to immediately try to work it out. The remote studio audience knows there are no camera tricks, secret edits or helpful camera cuts. This is all real magic.

Hosted by actress Alyson Hannigan (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “How I Met Your Mother”), PENN & TELLER: FOOL US is created and executive produced by Penn Jillette, Teller, Peter Adam Golden (“Penn & Teller: Fool Us,” “Penn & Teller: BS”), Andrew Golder (“Penn & Teller: Fool Us,” “Solitary”) and Lincoln Hiatt (“Penn & Teller: Fool Us,” “Solitary”), in association with 1/17 PRODUCTIONS and September Films (part of DCD Media).

Hosted by actor Dean Cain (“Supergirl,” “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman”), MASTERS OF ILLUSION returns for its ninth season on The CW showcasing great escapes, fascinating sleight of hand and large scale illusions, all in front of a studio audience.

MASTERS OF ILLUSION is from Associated Television International with executive producers David McKenzie (“The 38th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards,” “Marie”), Gay Blackstone (“The World Magic Awards” 2007-2009), David Martin (“The World Magic Awards” 2007-2009, “Marie”), and Al Schwartz (“The 38th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards,” “The Golden Globe Awards” 2013 and 2014, “The Gulf is Back”).

 

Oyster Playing Cards (Marked) – by Think – A Review

Oyster Playing Cards (Marked) – by Think – A Review

Oyster (Marked) Playing Cards by Think – A Review

This is the Ad Copy:

Luxurious and elegant custom playing cards based on the fascinating process that enables a pearl to be created inside an oyster.

It was long ago, my dad used to work as a fisherman.
Growing up with him I got to learn quite a few things about the sea.
One that has fascinated me since, is the process in which a pearl is created inside an oyster.

A foreign substance slips inside the shell and to protect itself, the oyster covers it with a nacre. A true mystery and beauty of nature itself.
The layers of an oyster’s shell somehow reminds me of the art of magic.
Layers of deception.
Layers of mystery.
Layers of secrecy.
There is always more to uncover.

With the Oyster Deck, that is what I’ve wanted to share with the community.
A back design that reflects complexity yet bold, minimalistic and classy.
Standard faces for everyday uses and situations.
As you scrutinize the cards, you will discover the hidden pearl.
A work in constant progress.
An intripid and deceptive marking system.
One that will ineluctably sparks creativity.

IDEA BEHIND THE MARKING SYSTEM

I am a huge wielder of the power of estimation and memorized deck (mnemonica).
In order to facilitate the use of it, I needed a simple and effective marking system.
For the one that knows mnemonica, you will be overjoyed by its simplicity. There won’t be any reasons as to why you wouldn’t take advantage of it.

For others. It will become a memorized deck trainer.
You’ll get to practice anytime, anywhere.
Instantly know the identity of a card.
Instantly know its position.
Instantly know where you need to cut the deck.

My Thoughts:

Credit where credit is due.. Think Nguyen has created one very nice deck of cards. The Oyster Deck not only appeals to collectors.. but to magicians who are seriously into their card magic.

First.. the Oyster Deck is slightly thinner than typical Bikes and has what is labeled as “premium stock’. Don’t quote me on this.. but the stock feels and handles like crushed Bee stock. Since its maker is the USPPC, it is most likely Bee stock. It handles good straight out the box. The edges were slightly thick, but it shuffled and faro’d like a premium deck from the onset..

What makes the Oyster Deck unique is this… It is a marked deck. It is not marked in the traditional sense, but marked for the Mnemonica stack. The deck arrives in ‘almost’ Mnemonica order. One cut gets you in position. With the stack, you know both the position and identity of any card in the deck. This is powerful stuff. Of course, you need to know Mnemonica.. but even if you don’t, this deck serves as both a good excuse and a teaching aid to spur you along.

In addition, the backs are one way.. aiding in a number of card effects. There are two Joker cards, plus one double-backer and a fancy-do advertising card.

Again, Think has done a very good job putting this together. Although there are no instructions for Mnemonica, you can find info via Google. Tamariz wrote the definitive word on it, since he created it. Also, there are a number of trainers available online, as well as photos of the order of the cards. Here is a good, free site for you…
https://ulearnmagic.com/mnemonica-stack-order-juan-tamariz/

I was a little hesitant to do this.. but I’m going to anyway. There were no instructions detailing the ‘secret’ of the Oyster Deck. I suppose if you’re familiar with Juan’s stack, and look at the cards closely, you can cypher the secret. But.. I noticed a couple of selling sites who publish this PDF as part of their advertisement. So.. I’m assuming there’s not really a secret. This link will enable you to download the PDF and see the location of the number on the backs of the Oyster Deck. Remember, this number tells you the location of a ‘specific’ card in the deck, and that location, if you know Mnemonica, tells you the identity of the card.
https://magicroadshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Oysters-Explanation.pdf

The Oyster Deck is a wonderful tool for anyone who knows, or wants to know, the Mnemonica Stack. Aside from being well-crafted pasteboards, you can arm yourself with a secret completely unknown to your audience. I have bought many marked decks costing much more than 15 bucks, and I consider these a real bargain. Recommended..

$15.00 .. From Murphy’s Magic and their Associates..

https://www.murphysmagic.com/Product.aspx?id=71168

Review by Rick Carruth for Murphy’s Magic and the Magic Roadshow..