Did a search but couldn't find a review so here goes.
The Effect
Rather than explain, click on this link and watch
http://www.penguinmagic.com/europe/product.php?ID=793
Cost
£11.17 from Penguin although the price can vary by a few pounds from place to place.
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)
Depends on your skills but I'd say a 1 for those who have mastered the Elmsley count and can remember to card sequence. If you don't know the Elmsley then this is a near perfect trick to keep you practicing until you do perfect the Elmsley - and it will be worth the time and effort!
Review
I first saw the video demo some time ago and didn't take that much notice, probably because I was searching for something more specific at the time. Then 'QOOC' was mentionned in a recent thread, I think about NFW and I have to admit that when seeing the video again I was hooked. I lust loved the way that the routine seemed to flow.
The cards are nicely printed but are not bikes. I suppose that this may be a make or break to some but to me, it doesn't matter. In fact, it perhaps improves the effect with them not being bikes as the cards look that bit more innocent.
As my Elmsley is OK, I found that I was performing within an hour. There are no written instructions and I think in this case, the text could be too long and hard to follow for many. Because of this there's an instructional DVD included which is set out very well and shows you the presentation from both the performers and the spectators view, as well as the secret itself. I found that watching three times was enough for me to get the basics and another three or four times watching the performance to pick up the line of the patter, although I'm already making some changes to suit me on this front.
I have to say that I just love this and although I've performed successfully to family already (and it stunned them), I can't wait to give my first performance to others which will probably come on Monday when I'm back to work (another 24 hours practice will be beneficial).
This is simply a lovely little packet trick that can be shown to disguise a deck switch, or shown on it's own. If this deosn't get your audience twisted then I'd pack up and go home.
Now that I know the secret, this has also got me thinking as there are perhaps a variety of ways that you could perform this effect with other cards by substituting them for bikes and presenting in a different style, but that's for another time.
Overall
Quality of the cards 9/10
DVD production 9/10
Price 10/10
Ingenuity 10/10
My Elmsley 8/10 but improving
Overall - 9/10
