The One and Only by Paul Harris & Tony MaClaren
The Blurb
You remove a flat, invitation-size envelope from your pocket and dump out an "ID". You direct a spectator to freely "destroy" these imaginary cards until only a single card remains. Let's say the Queen of Diamonds.
The spectator tosses the invisible Queen of Diamonds toward the envelope. You then slowly and cleanly remove the "one & only " card in the envelope. It's the spectator's "one &only" Queen of Diamonds.
# The Envelope is clearly seen to contain no other cards after the "one &only" card is removed.
# The card in the envelope is always the exact card named by the spectator.
# Uses just one envelope.
# No palming, switching, or loading of the envelope.
# Self-contained.
# Resets in seconds.
# Perform sitting, standing or while aimlessly wandering around.
£14.99
Is the cheapest I've found it whilst googling, however I have 3 new copies of this effect for sale at £14.00 inc UK postage. PM me if interested.
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)
2/5 Purely as small amount of memory work involved.
Review
Approx 3 months ago I bought 2Ks worth of magic stock & have since been very lazy with it after my initial play. Some of it was tat, some of it was okay & some like this was fab.
It's been a fair while since I wrote a review so I thought I'd make amends to that & review this one.
Basically the effect plays out as described above. You present a small thin invitation sized envelope & leave it on the table, or openly on display in your top pocket.
Like the regular ID you can have a lot of fun getting your spectator to shuffle & tear up the invisible cards until your left with just one.
As far as the initial phase goes of getting the spec to whittle their cards down to one this is easy, allowing you to have fun with it. A small amount of memory work is required when it comes to the reveal but even then you are given clues as to where to go.
The detailed 14 page A4 instructions sheet covers set up, handling, presentation, patter & 3 alternative routines/handling. One of which I really like more than the basic handling but can't really discuss here.
This effect can be repeated with a different card being chosen, there might be one aspect of a repeat that could be dodgy but if you handle things correctly you should be okay. Anyway best not to repeat tricks to the same crowd is it?
As this plays a bit like an ID this could also be used (to a degree) as an out.
The intial set up takes around 10 minutes & then your ready to go always. Reset is instant, in front of the specs face.
Overall 4/5
I like this lots, the instructions sheet is very well written & there are possibilities with this that can be applied to loads of other effects. The only downside to my mind is the memory work involved but as mentioned above, you are given clues to this & this can also be whittled down further with an alternative handling.
Carry the envelope with you at all times & your ready to go.
************************************************
No comments on this effect. Mmm well I'm selling it here & if you wanna buy it & mentione your a talkmagic user then knock 10% off the price (not postage) in the paypal box
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/The-One-and-Only- ... dZViewItem
