talkmagic.co.uk

The Effect
Now it is possible to make people believe you are a master of suggestion/hypnosis techniques without having to learn the detailed ins and outs of this advanced skill!

Imagine dividing your audience into two groups, the first you influence with an hypnotic suggestion, and the second remain unaltered by your powers!

With HYPNOTRICK a spectator can select a card from a deck and show it to everyone in his group before signing it. The performer then shows the second group the selection and they see a totally different card, despite there being only one card and it being signed across it's face!

The performer can release the spectators from their hypnotic state at any time, to show the true identity of the card. Oh, and the card can then be immediately inspected!

Now you can do all these things with Hypnotrick, a brand new effect from the creative mind of Ben Williams. With this knowledge and detailed photo illustrated routine you will be able to perform a whole range of effects from convincing people you are a master of suggestion techniques to doing a signed colour change using just one card and your bare hands. This effect could also be translated onto stage for a larger performance maybe in a mentalism act.

This is visual magic at it's best, not just 'another card trick'; this can be as powerful as you want it to be.


QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Can the spectator really sign the card?
Yes! Although it is not necessary, the spectator can sign the FACE OF THE CARD before it changes. There are no duplicate signatures used. The signature can be in full view the whole time whether the 'hypnotised' group or the 'unhypnotised' group are seeing the card.

Can the spectators inspect the card?
Yes, after the trick is done the card is 100% examinable and can be kept as a souvenir, something I would encourage. In fact because of the nature of the effect the card can also be fully inspected as it is selected.

Do you need to be highly skilled with cards to perform this effect?
No, not at all. In fact all you need to know is one sleight that is not hard to execute and 95% of people reading this will probably know how to do it. The handling has also been refined so that there is no knucklebusting sleight of hand required, allowing you to concentrate fully on your performance.

Do you need to know any hypnosis or suggestion techniques?
No you don't. Although to gain full credability for what this effect can achieve you should be able to act the part of a mentalist or somebody who can influence a persons mind using suggestion, such as when you read a spectators mind to tell them what card they have.

Is it suitable for 'real-world' working conditions?
YES! Here's a few reasons why :-
No difficult angles and unrealistic 'moves'
Quick reset
Fast and entertaining for your audience
Adaptable to your current performing style or card effects
Can be performed surrounded
Works one2one with a spectator or plays to a whole group
You can put your business details on the back of the card





Cost

£11.99 from www.magicshop.co.uk

Difficulty
(1=easy to do, 2=No sleights, but not so easy, 3=Some sleights used,
4=Advanced sleights used, 5=Suitable for experienced magicians only)

To perform 1, to make 5

Review
Well, the description was rather misleading as the props needed to perform this don't come with it, what you receive is a booklet on how to construct the trick.
The principle is fine, but for the price you can buy some decent books with numerous effects, some as good as this. My main gripe is that the thing is so awkward to make and you need materials which are not normal household items, unless you are an arts & crafts fanatic so some pre-made gimmicks would have changed my mind about this entirely.
Also, not being a crafts kind of person, the gimmick would look so obvious to anyone, even the less astute of observers. If you own this trick you would know what I mean. Good in theory and would be easy and effective to perform if you had some effective looking gimmicks, but I feel that any home made versions of this (unless you are skilled enough and have the time) would look rather naff.
I quite frankly wished I'd bought something else and doubt I would put in the time making this as I think it would look rather fake when constructed.
I wouldn't recommend this.


Overall
2/10 (Two points for the idea, which would work well if props pre-made were included)

As an addition, I put a review of this effect on the Merchant of Magic website and it appears to have been removed, but the glowing one left on!
It's akin to a Delia Smith recipie, you're not likely to have the tools to make this rendering it useless unless you are prepared to splash out on materials for one trick.

Thanks a lot for an honest review. I was, at one stage, considering this after several e-mails reccomending it but decided against it after hearing a friend's verdict that it was in fact @*&*.

It's all to easy to give a 10/10 or 9/10 rating for every trick and this review is an example of how it should be done(says me who is yet to post any ) Anwyay, thanks a lot for your opinion.

Thanks, I'd rather be honest than other people feel as disappointed.
Merchant of Magic recommended this to me on the phone and it sounded great, but nowhere on their website does it state it's just the booklet. (It doesn't state there are props with it either, it just appears that it will be ready to use.)
The gimmick has to be made using things like spray glue and a craft knife, which I don't happen to have to hand and neither is there a craft shop near me so I would have to travel to buy stuff to make a gimmick which I think would look obvious even to a five year old.
The concept itself is good, if you had pre-made professional looking gimmicks but as it stands, £11.99 is a lot to pay for a pamplet which has a finnicky to make description of something I don't think would look convincing anyway. It'll look too suspicious.
To think, for not much more you could by a book like Mark Wilson's one which is packed full of workable effects. If this was an article in a magic magazine I would have read it and moved on to the next page.

In case you're interested - for a little more money you can pick up Luke Jermay's 7 Deceptions. There's an effect in there called Reversed Gestalt Moment, which is essentially the same kind of effect. It takes a ton of confidence to pull it off (not difficult technically, but you have to be convincing) - but it's clean and 100% impromptu. You also get other incredible ideas to go along with that one.

I have 7 Deceptions and can recommend it to anyone. Excellent effects in there if your style of performance suits it.
I was hoping this would be similar but it's not. Although some of Luke Jermay's stuff needs some nerve to carry it off, it's far more practical than Hypnotrick. I've gone off Merchant of Magic a bit, their website plays up with my account and this is one of their own tricks and I feel conned.

Hi Justin

Sorry to hear you have not got on with Hypnotrick. Its been a bestseller for months now and I was very suprised to hear you were not getting on with it.

When Ben performed this up at the circle, Andy Nyman was really impressed with the effect and the thinking behind it.

We actually sell the effect an an instant download, but due to so many requests for a printed version, we produced the booklet as well.

I've been fortunate to work with Ben on a few larger bookings over xmas and have seen Hypnotrick performed first hand. It really does get a great reaction, and I'm sure you will find your concerns about the gimmick are dispelled once you try it (Bit like when you first used a TT, you think it stands out like a signpost, but spectators see that they think is there, rather than whats actually in front of them, simple psychology really. When discussing with you, the problems you were having, I did get the impression that you tried to make a gimmick then asked your friend, 'does this card look suspicious' This would be as successful as asking a spectator if your hand with a TT on looks odd.

Ben was going to add in a few premade gimmicks with the booklet, but everyone seemed to agree that they are so easy to make, that it was not really required and would put the price up, for no good reason.

Having helped you on the phone a few times over the last few weeks, I understand your concerns and suggest you do take us up on the offer we made to help you with the effect. Ben is more than happy to make you some gimmicks, so you can get up and running. And you are always welcome to visit the shop and we will take you through the effect first hand.

I hope you appriciate that I can't order in the items you were asking for at special prices, but I will always bend over backwards to help you with an effect or performing concerns you are having.

I should also mention that we had to remove your 'review' as it exposed the method.

Thought I would post a second review from a customer, just to give a little balance




'Hypnotrick is written with Ben's friendly and witty style. The instructions are clear, detailed and easy to follow. Ben goes into the minutest detail when describing his presentation and handling of this effect, though he points out that this is just one presentation, you could easily come up with something that fits your own style.

What I particularly like is the depth in which Ben describes the finer points of the handling, misdirection and audience management, something that many magicians leave out when publishing an effect.

The effect relies on a simple gimmick which is easy to prepare, there are detailed instructions on how to do this. Due to very clever routining the card is 100% examinable when selected and at the end of the effect. It can be signed by the spectator if you wish, and can be handed out as a keepsake. You end totally clean.

This is a very clever routine with the potential for you to inject your own personality into it, though Ben's style fits it perfectly and he gives detailed instructions on how to achieve this. It's a routine which will amaze your spectators and have them thinking you truly do have hypnotic powers. For the spectators that is the only possible explanation.

I am now busy practising my hypnotic stare, and unnerving all around me I might add! I have tried this out on my family who are used to being my magic guinea pigs, but this really freaked my sister out, tee hee! I will definitely be adding this one to my new repertoire of effects this year and I highly recommend it.

For all you wannabe Derren Browns out there, you are going to love this. Brilliant in it's simplicity as the best magic effects should be, but with great reactions! I wonder if Derren has seen it yet?'

Stephen Morrison

Some you win, some you lose. The problem is with buying magic is as it's secrets you're buying you can never be sure whether it's something that will fit your style or is any good and you can suffer huge disappointments (like the floating bottle t-t things!).
I have to be honest, I felt that with Hypnotrick. It sounded great from the description and the (carefully selected) reviews on the website but when I saw the method, I have to say I felt a tad conned.
The materials to make it are not everyday things and not that easy to locate, plus it's more outlay for something which I'm sceptical about using in the first place. Usually I know an effect is for me after reading the methods and deciding whether this will work for me and is worth doing.
If I get a booking to perform for partially sighted people then no doubt Hypnotrick would go down a treat but I made a gimmick with the materials I could find and performed it. I didn't ask whether the card looked funny but performed it as just another trick, forcing the card needed.
The gaff is spotable straight away. I'm not saying it's not a bad idea, but if a different method is thought out in a few years time it could be sensational, but as it stands now, you would need a good distance from the spectator(s). Maybe you could get away with it in a stage situation but close-up?
I consider the people I perform for to be intelligent and I don't want to insult that!
Sorry if that's how I feel but it's just my opinion on it, which is just as valid as the one you quoted. All the other things I've bought from MoM have been superb and the goods arrive very quickly but this ranks along one of the worst pieces of magic I have ever purchased. It's like an effect is a magic magazine which you would read, say "Hmm?" and forget about.

Justin,

I do agree with you that 'one mans meat is another mans poison', and I'm glad you have always liked our service and support. I try to make that one of the ways we stand out from the crowd.

Having read your posting I need to ask a question, If I have it right, then we can solve the issue you are having right away:

Are you sure your giving them the right card? The spectators never handle the gaff, they take and inspect a totally ungimmicked card. but if you are handing them the wrong card, then a simple running over of the instructions in the book will totally solve your issue.

Drop me a PM or call the shop on 02392 25 22 20 and we will go over it. I've a feeling you might be really pleased, If what I think you are doing in the routine is the cause of your bad experience.

Hope this helps

Best wishes and good luck with your magic!
Dominic Reyes
The Merchant of Magic
www.MagicShop.co.uk

Thanks Dominic, I didn't allow the spectator to handle it, just showed them the card which makes me think that it's not great for close-up,
When I read the booklet, which I find rather short and not that descriptive, I was quite astounded that anyone could perform this for an adult and they wouldn't see right through it.
I perform many kinds of effects that use suggesstion, such as the previously mentioned RGM by Luke Jermay which is a far more effective and practical way of performing this kind of effect without any dodgy looking gimmicks, just a simple sleight. The main point of my review is why bother buying materials you normally wouldn't need and spending the time and effort on something which wouldn't be 100% reliable.
If anyone has Hypnotrick then I think it's best performed with an intoxicated or short-sighted crowd and if anyone is thinking of buying this effect, I would, as Dimitri pointed out, go for Luke Jermays 7 Deceptions.
It costs a bit more but you get a fabulous method for perfoming this kind of routine (though the card cannot be signed) and some other great effects too.

Hi Justin

I do understand you are very unhappy with your purchase of Hypnotrick, but really the best avenue to sort out your issues would be to contact the shop and let us help you.

Your negative review (and your completely entitled to post one!) seems to stem from being unhappy about having to make the gimmick, and after having a go with what sounds like your own alternative materials, finding your spectators spotted it. If you want to get the most out of the effect, why not use all the support our shop offers? If you really just find it's not for you, why not let us find an alternative so your happy again?

Hypnotrick has been getting really great feedback and although it's not my personal effect, I'm rather proud of it :

"Nice One!!! I've been playing with this for the past few weeks and I LOVE IT!" Dan Makings


"I purchased this on the strengh of your other 'own' items which I have found to be excellent. Once again I am not disappointed. Keep it up!" JoJo UK

"I actually made a GUY scream out in shock and amazement with this! It's a strong bit of magic guys, now moved it to be a card magic closer effect! Thanks" Mat Cane

I really do think you are not doing the correct handleing for the effect, but if you don't want to contact us to sort the situation out for you, there is little I can do. As I said, give the shop a call and Ben Williams or myself are happy to work with you to resolve the problem or we can find an alternative solution to keep you a happy customer. I can't give you the special prices you were after, but I'm happy to help with Hypnotrick, so you are happy with us again.

Best wishes
Dominic

Forgot to mention this as it might help

Have another look at the demo clip for the trick, you see the card REALLY UP CLOSE as it transforms. We filmed the demo up-close and also with a live audience so you can see how strong the effect plays. Stop the demo right on the card just before it changes. That's as close as any spectator gets to the card, so it should show you how effective it is. Remember that right up to the point where the card is signed, they are holding their card and its completely ungimmicked!

http://www.zyworld.com/CoinPurse/DLHYPNO.htm

Thanks. I will contact you about it. It's not just the making of the gimmick that put me off it (though that was an element as for the price I was unaware it was just a booklet with one effect), it's also the method.
It's not very good. I understand you have some positive reviews but as seen from reviews of mediocre things on this and other forums some people rave about anything they have bought but I would rather be honest.
If I was delighted with it, my review would have reflected that. I understand it's one of your own products and you obviously get more money from selling these (hence the deleted reviews) but if this is the standard of them, well it puts me off greatly. I think £11.99 is a bit of a liberty for something as poor as this. I wish I had spent a couple of more quid and got a book from you. They say if a book has one good effect it's worth the price alone but £11.99 for one bad effect, well I wish I'd bought more packs of bikes!

If anyone else on this forum has this trick and has an opinion different from mine then please post it. I don't think there will be a deluge/

MagicShop wrote:Forgot to mention this as it might help

Have another look at the demo clip for the trick, you see the card REALLY UP CLOSE as it transforms. We filmed the demo up-close and also with a live audience so you can see how strong the effect plays. Stop the demo right on the card just before it changes. That's as close as any spectator gets to the card, so it should show you how effective it is. Remember that right up to the point where the card is signed, they are holding their card and its completely ungimmicked!

http://www.zyworld.com/CoinPurse/DLHYPNO.htm

Anyone who pauses this on the bit where the card changes in front of the camera will see the gimmick sticking out like a sore thumb and with all due respect it does appear to be performed for what appears to be inebriated students!
Sorry if I'm being harsh here, but the angles on the demo are as cafrefully positioned as a David Blaine levitation stunt!