The Magicanada Project

teddy · Joined: 31 Aug 2007 Posts: 166

The cards are chosen, then the magician produces the four Aces (optional, also could be a royal flush or four of some other card). He/she puts them in the spectator's hand, where they change to the three selections, but one corner still has the A, K, etc. (possibly having one Ace, King, etc. just vanish instead of change).

Ben Train · Joined: 03 Jul 2008 Posts: 268

So, I'll impart a very important lesson, taught to me be someone who will be remembered, one day, as a true master of our "art".

We should strive to use the most direct procedures (not methods) possible. When we do otherwise, we need to be able to JUSTIFY it.

The best example (that I can think of) is Josh Jay's/Jon Lovick's handling of a Bob Hummer trick. The trick involves someone thinking of a card, but then dealing a packet equal to the value, and a packet that spells to the suit)*

For about FORTY years people have been using the trick, but they never justify WHY we're doing that dealing procedure. Sure, explanations were given ("this way EVERYONE knows the card your just thinking of!") but they were BAD explanations- meaning audiences, with a little bit of thought, could come up with better ways to accomplish what you set out to do. Josh and Lovick's presentation solves that issue (and adds a kick in the face ending).

So, how does this relate.

Well, we've used an AWKWARD selection process- three people each cut and look at a card.

WHY?

Why don't they pick one normally? Or just think of one? Or do it from a peek?

We need to justify that.

So, keep that in mind- we can't, in this case (or shouldn't) glaze over the selection process).

I also want to see some think-outside-the-box ideas.

CHALLENGE YOURSELVES!
Ben

Ben Train · Joined: 03 Jul 2008 Posts: 268

Oh shiznit, I forgot-

*Josh Jay will be lecturing in Toronto October 28th (Tuesday). Anyone from this forum that's interested should contact me- for both the lecture info and if you wanna jam.

Also, I'll get Josh to show you the trick in question (if he doesn't do it in the lecture)- and you'll see what I mean.

Ben

Michael Kras · Posted: Sun Oct 26, 2008 3:17 am Post subject:

Three people will cut to three different cards, secretly look at the card and memorize it's indentiy before reassembling the deck and eliminating all evidence. Why must you cut, you ask? Well judging by the finger size of each of my participants, I can tell EXACTLY how many cards they will naturally cut off the deck... give or take a few. I have also taken the liberty of memorizing the order of that full deck which rests before you, so I can assume which card you have cut to. But here's where the difficult part lies... it's hard, from this distance, to see just how many cards you are all cutting off.. I know it will be in a certain range but I'm not 100% sure of exactly which card you will cut to. I can, as stated, guarantee you that just because of your unique finger sizes and shapes that you will all cut to a specific portion of the deck. The difficult part is that I have the find, using my own sensitive touch, the cards you all look at from a shuffled deck. However, if my eyesight is on par with my finger skills today, that shouldn't be a problem. But hey, if it WERE to be a problem, you guys don't go home empty-handed.... for wasting your time and inconveniencing you in the event that I fail today, you all get to keep a $20 bill each. I'll place all three on the table to prove I'm not bluffing. Ready? Let's begin...
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Michael Kras
Forum Administrator

Ben Train · Joined: 03 Jul 2008 Posts: 268

Mike-

THAT'S what I'm talking about.

The routine has a lot of problems (disjointed, mem deck... etc) but the CONCEPT- measuring the fingers of each participant to see where they would cut is THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX.

Common guys- get crazy!

ben

Ben Train · Joined: 03 Jul 2008 Posts: 268

Alright, I guess this contest is closed.

Mike, you'll get your prize at the browers den on Sunday.

So, let me ask you people- is there any interest in this sort of thing? If not, I won't bother posting these. If there is, I shall continue.

Mike, if there is interest, maybe we could make a contest section?

Ben

Michael Kras · Posted: Fri Oct 31, 2008 11:01 am Post subject:

Definitely.... just been slow, but whenever I send a mass email out things pick up. I shall do that soon.
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Michael Kras
Forum Administrator

Liam · Joined: 30 Dec 2007 Posts: 424

yeah, sorry
would have participated, but i've been having troubles with the internet and been busy in general.
and i couldnt think of anything good