Well - time to start reviewing some of my Christmas presents!
Poker Chip Surprise - Joe Porper
Price:
US - $85
UK - £55
Top Secret Magic -
http://www.topsecretmagic.co.uk/main.html - Not a direct link, but you can find it under the "New In" section.
Elmwood Magic -
http://www.elmwoodmagic.com/?nd=full&key=3295
Difficulty:
2-3(or higher, depending on HOW the trick is performed -see below-): Not difficult to pull off. It's almost self-working, but requires a small bit of handling. Presentation and a bit of misdirection is also helpful.
Effect:
Basically, this is a variation of a traditional Double Copper, Silver Transposition.
The performer produces a pouch, taking three poker chips of different colors from it (Red, Yellow and Green). Placing all three chips on his left palm, he closes his hand then says he will remove just one chip. Pulling the red chip from his closed hand, the magician places it on the back of his own hand - showing his hand to be completely empty. No funny moves, no gestures or misdirection is used as the performer takes the chip into his right hand, closing it as well.
Instantly (or if you prefer to ask where the red chip is) the performer shows the red chip STILL in the left hand. Opening his right hand, the spectator sees the green and yellow chips.
The performer offers to do this again, slower. The trick is repeated. This is a nice build-up as your specs look more closely, looking for any bit of trickery or sleight of hand. When the effect is repeated, you offer to do it again - but this time in the SPECTATOR'S hand.
The performer lays all three chips in the specs hand, the hand is closed and turned over, the spectator removes the red chip. With a casual toss in the air, the spectator catches the chip and immediately opens his hands to reveal - the yellow and green chips! The spectator opens their hand and the red chip is there.
This bit of business takes some extra confidence. You really need to be sure of what kind of spectator you're dealing with. This is not a phase to use on a skeptic or particularly inquisitive spectator. However, if your confidence is up and you have the right person - this phase can melt brains!
Also the "toss" move is a bit of a scare. I have not tried this in public but it DOES work. You can do the toss without worry. While it is a strong convincer though, I don't think it's absolutely necessary.
As a finale, you offer to do it one more time, this time the switch will be even more impossible. You repeat the moves and remove the red chip. This time, however, you place the chip back into the pouch. Instantly, you wave the pouch over your clenched fist and to the surprise of the audience - the red chip is still in your hand. You now open the pouch and let the yellow and green chips slide out. The chips can be passed out for complete examination!
* Personal note - My only problem with the routine, is the presentation suggestion for the finale. I don't do table work often, so I don't always have a place to lay the pouch and easily slip the red chip inside for the finish. As a result, doing it "in the hands" looks incredibly awkward - since you have to put a chip in a pouch while holding the pouch with a clenched fist. To me, it seemed like a spec could figure a way to work it out.
To solve that problem, I do the third phase as the ending. This way, the spectator is holding the chips - and my hands are free to openly and fairly slide the red chip inside the pouch.
Analysis:
I think this is an incredible effect. If you are familiar with the coin routine, then you can perform this easily. It's almost entirely self-working, requiring minimal ability to perform killer magic. With added flare and handling - it's a smooth-as-butter coin transpo that will slay your spectators.
It's also a step above the coin routine it emulates in that it has built-in patter and storyline possibilities. The routine they provide you with deals with the concept that cheaters in a casino don't count, mark, or palm cards - but that they steal chips when no one is looking. That presentation is powerful, and works well - but really any gambling story arc will make this effect a killer.
Quality: 10/10
What You Get:
3 clay poker chips (Red, Yellow, Green)
Gimmick
Leather carrying pouch
Amazing quality. The gimmick is really well made (not a surprise considering Joe Porper's reputation), and the rest of the materials are all top notch as well. What I like about this, as opposed to the traditional coin versions, is the gimmick sounds the same as the regular chips. Sometimes with coins, you get a distinct difference in the sound when they "talk". No problems here.
The regular chips are standard looking casino chips. Nothing much to say here. They look good. One concern I had when I opened these, is that all of the chips have a bit of black "tape" around the edges. However, my suspicions and worries seemed to be just that - mine. No one has ever commented on them.
The pouch is good quality leather. It serves its' purpose well and can easily be adapted for any other routines of this nature. It has velcro to close the pouch, instead of snaps.
Overall:
Quick, simple, direct and, above all - powerful! It's a little pricey, but most precision coin effects of this nature aren't cheap. You get what you pay for, though. A great magical effect! If you have some extra cash, it's a great addition to your collection!
10/10