The Effect
This is a small (15 page) set of lecture notes detailing the effects below.
Cost
Not sure. Probably not very easy to get hold of these days. I'm very happy because mine happened to be in a bundle of books I picked up at a magic auction very cheaply recently. This in itself was worth the price I paid for the whole bundle
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)
1 - although some require significant preparation
Review
Part of my delight with this booklet was the fact that it was an unexpected surprise in a bundle of books - but regardless of that this is an excellent booklet. It contains 6 effects, of which I am tempted to start using 2 or 3 immediately. Here are the details:
Cardology - although this is based on the old 'clock' principle there are a number of subtleties to this which make it much more effective. The spectator can freely shuffle the deck beforehand for a start. I like this and hope to use it!
Laser Gazer and Crystal-Eyes - this is an ESP prediction effect with two alternative revelations . They both require some bits which you won't necessarily have lurking at home. Not the strongest effect in the book but well worth reading it for ideas and the thought involved in the routine.
Casino Caper - this is a gambling themed 1-ahead trick. A nice routine and even if you don't use it like this, the card force is excellent and could be utilised in other routines.
Intuition - a nice little card prediction. Looks clean. 'Gimmick' requires a bit of construction. Haven't tried this so not certain how well it would work, but again the thinking is clear and may inspire other thoughts.
Headliner - a very subtle principle involved in this card prediction. The prediction is printed on a newspaper headline - so again - there may be some work involved in making this one up.
Psi-Stebbins II - an improved version of an effect originally in 'World of Super Mentalism' Vol 2. A deck is freely shuffled and then whittled down to a handful of cards which the performer reveals. I like this routine a lot too. Very straightforward in method allowing you to concentrate on the performance. Another one which could go straight in to the act.
Overall
I think this is a great little booklet. If you happen to see a copy somewhere, buy it! The old saying used to be 'if you find one good trick in a book then that is worth the price'. In this there are 2 or 3 routines I am very tempted to use and others which provide useful ideas for other tricks. 9/10
