The Effect
A deck of Zener cards is used in various ways to demonstrate the existence of ESP.
Cost
£14.99
Available from Magicbox.
Magicbox no longer have an exclusive on Beyond ESP 2 (BE2), but I have yet to find it cheaper elsewhere.
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 or 3
Some routines require no sleights, but most require a false shuffle or other sleight (see Review for details).
Review
Included in the package:
56 cards, comprising two marked decks of 25 cards each and six gaffed cards
Black card case
32-page instruction booklet
Two identical envelopes, each large enough to hold a single ESP card
One small card listing the twelve signs of the Zodiac
Photos courtesy of Magicbox
Upon opening the parcel, I was pleasantly surprised to have received all of the above. I guess a part of me was expecting a single deck of 25 cards and nothing else, so this was a nice bonus.
The BE2 cards come with a high quality 32-page instruction booklet with clear instructions on how to perform seven effects. These are accompanied by numerous black and white photographs to assist learning. Contributors are Michael Murray, Paul Younghusband, Lee Earle, Banachek, Wayne Dobson, Scott Drebus and Richard Osterlind. Some brief ideas and patter for cold reading are also included and make for interesting reading. I found all the effects to be good, with 3SP being a favourite. This effect requires the possible use of a Mexican Turnover, which is clearly explained in the instructions and should be within the abilities of most, with some practice. Some of the effects require a stacked deck and as such, false shuffles should be incorporated. To this end, the Charlier Shuffle is also explained; this is a simple but convincing false shuffle. The booklet contains a short chapter on Further Reading with a list of suggested books and DVDs.
I was also very pleased with the quality of the cards themselves. Being manufactured by the USPCC, I would expect nothing less. They are plastic-coated poker sized cards and handle very well. Bicycle stock is not used, which is not an issue here as these cards should really not be treated like regular playing cards, anyway. (In view of the nature of the cards and the atmosphere you are attempting to set, excessive fanning and use of card sleights is not appropriate or recommended). The inclusion of six gaffed cards is very welcome and opens up the possibilities of coming up with my own routines. Two small envelopes are provided for use in one of the routines, as is a small card listing the twelve signs of the Zodiac. The two marked decks (one red-backed and one black-backed) are fantastic and bring me nicely onto my next point.
The marking system is absolutely ingenious and will never be spotted on casual inspection (or, for that matter, on prolonged scrutiny). In any case, with the proper presentation, spectators should not even suspect you are using marked cards. Before reading the secret, I spent a good ten minutes scrutinizing the plain black backs of the cards, which proved to be fruitless. The marking system is very subtle and once learned, it takes a glance to identify the card in question. I had it down in just a few minutes and will be able to perfect it with practice. All the cards come in a plain black case with "International Paranormal Research Association" printed on it - a very nice touch which only serves to heighten the sense of mystery should you choose to use it to store your cards.
Overall
BE2 is easily the best set of ESP cards I have ever used. Everything comes in a high quality package and is worth every penny. I have been out of the mentalism scene for a number of years now (card magic being my preference), but BE2 has now rekindled my interest. The scope for coming up with further routines is enormous for those of us creative enough to invent our own effects; if the included material does not inspire you to experiment, nothing will! My highest recommendation.
Score: 10/10
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