by Mr Grumpy » Oct 12th, '11, 12:11
This thread has done the rounds, but I have a few things to say about WOW... well, two points to make and one question to ask.
Firstly, I've seen David Bonsall perform with this for several groups of spectators, and everyone seemed stunned and no one asked to see the sleeve. OK, so it's possible that later the specs might have thought "Hmm, we didn't get a good look at that sleeve", but of course David could have dealt with this by switching it during the off-beat and handing out an ungimmicked sleeve. This is purely personal choice. Certainly at the time no one questioned the sleeve. They would just grab the card and study it.
If WOW is good enough for a pro like David B, it's good enough for me.
Secondly, the issue of it being a suspicious prop doesn't have to be viewed negatively. I've been working on a routine (I haven't bought WOW yet but am working on the routine in advance) which plays up the idea that it's a "purpose built magic trick" rather than an ordinary object for comedy value. Almost like a sucker trick maybe? They think it's just a kids toy with some obvious mechanical workings, then examine it after they see it in action, only to find out that it is just an empty plastic sleeve.
I've ordered the cheesiest looking switching wallet I can find, to store it in, like a "luxury presentation case" or whatever. Of course, during the off-beat (that "wow" moment!) I'll switch the gimmick in the switching wallet. I'll then hand out the ungimmicked sleeve and ask them if they can help me figure out how it works. "I use it all the time but I don't actually know how it works. And it never works twice in a row. Try it for yourself..."
Anyway, here's my question.
Although I've seen this performed by David B several times, I can't remember for certain whether or not it matters what the back of the cards (the deck) looks like. Assuming you buy the face-up version and not the face-down version, can I use it with any brand of card? I'm thinking my routine would work really well with some cheesy-looking cards, perhaps from the 1980s. I can say I received the plastic sleeve for a Christmas present when I was 8. "I've had it all those years and I still can't figure it out."
As far as I recall, I'd switch a card with a face that matches the WOW gimmick face, then place that in face-down, turn the WOW over to show the face (actually the WOW gimmick face), then have it turn into the face-down card. As far as I recall, either the WOW gimmick (the face-up version) either doesn't have a back to it (such as a standard rider back), or, even if it does, you wouldn't need to show it.
The point being, I'd be able to use it with some cheesy 1980s playing cards (I'll buy some on ebay).
I'm not sure if I've explained this very well but I'll be grateful if anyone can help. I'll buy the gimmick next time I order some stuff but wanted to work on the routine (and buy the 1980s cards) in the meantime.
Last edited by
Mr Grumpy on Oct 12th, '11, 13:48, edited 1 time in total.