talkmagic.co.uk

This is an amazing book. As the name says, it reveals 202 methods of forcing, such as cards. It has the common double undercut, spread cull force, etc... It discusses forcing methods for prepared cards, unprepared cards, forces using miscallenous objects, swaping decks and forces dealing with numerical values.

Now, why on Earth would someone want to read a book all about this? Well, knowing one or two forces is nice to do. However, what do you do when there is a "spur of the moment" where you could perform magic tricks but have no cards nor do any spectators? For example, you're eating in a restaurant with your friends and suddenly, you are called upon to perform a trick. Having no cards nor coins, what do you do? This is where the handy Miscalleneous Forces comes into play.

Alternatively, what if you're in a restaurant but this time you do have cards. Force#6, which is a force for unprepared cards where you use a dinner knife.

What about those who commonly perform for friends or family members. It's hard to do the same force 20 times without it being suspicious or being caught. Simple, there are 202 choices to choose from.

Beginners? Have your choice.

So what do I think of this book? Well, it has a wide range of selections to choose from. This is pretty much a book where you find the general section (i.e. unprepared cards, prepared cards, etc...) and sift through the pages until you locate a nice, appropriate force within your skill range. Many of these forces I knew, however, many I did not consider nor ever thought of.

I rate this book as 7.5/10.

Despite what I've described, there are no pictures. Some forces do not need pictures but some do require them. Also, the descriptions for many forces are not very detailed. They're detalied enough for one to get the basic understanding and usually work it out.

It still is a nice idea for beginners, however, it's more suited to someone who already has a basic understanding of various card sleights and possibly, a few forces. If you don't know any forces but do know some sleights, then this is also perfect. For more experienced card magicians, there are many that can make you think of the possibilities you've never considered.

Last and probably most importantly, how do I get my paws on this? Easy.

http://www.thelearnedpig.com.pa

To get access, you're going to have to already know magic. If not, you'd better be great at peddling BS and be very good friends with google.

Also reviewed at http://www.talkmagic.co.uk/ftopic18909.php