talkmagic.co.uk

What do you members think of tricks that don't teach certain critical portions, forcing you to go purchase another video or book to learn that move?
A good example is the Mclintock twist, where the best part,the Asher twist, is not taught. He simply says "Use the Asher twist", and leaves it at that? This video costs $20 U.S. and we have to spend more to find that one move? The other move is the muscle pass, which fortunately I learned on one of my other videos. He says, "Use John Cornelius' muscle pass." I also picked up Xerox Money, which states "everything included", and after you purchased it, the directions say that you need a separate trick wallet, which is not cheap,leaving in my opinion, two 10/10 rated tricks reduced to about 4/10 for that reason alone.
This would be acceptable (copyrights, etc.)if the ads mention these things, but they don't. Instead, we pay more to find out how to complete an effect which should be complete, or stated otherwise, or we have to rely on great sites like this one for help on certain moves. I think this is unfair. Any comments ?

This is a very good point.
I would also like to see a more in depth description of what is required to perform a trick before I bought it or at least a note to say that some of the required items or sleights are not taught.
As far as a trick that says "everything included" goes and then not including everything, well that is a breach of trade descriptions and you should be entitled to a refund or at least the missing item/s.

There is a complete description of the asher twist in the magician only area but I agree with you my pet hate is use your favourite vanish or similar

So far I haven't been taken with needing other props to do the trick i bought.
I just purchased Paul Wilson's Ricochet..It also has another handling using the Asher Twist but it does give a brief explanation on how to do it.
I can see how Frustrating that could be.

I totally agree and have found this to be one of the biggest problems with magic tricks that are sold today. In those cases it almost seems like your buying only half the trick, and the joke is on you now because they have your money. You have to buy at your own risk and you can't return it once you bought it. I think the best thing to do is complain to the manufacturers directly and read forums like this one to get a heads-up before you buy something you are unfamiliar with.

[Anonymously Posted by: 'Sean']

Abrakazam.com is one of the better magic shops for many reasons, I think they do take returns under certain sircumstances and they are generally very fair.

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You have to remember though, with some shops that seem to be dodgy, it is hard to put too much info into the description of a trick without giving the secret away. You are right though some are terrible. I stick with Abrakazam.

Lets face it, most of the disappointment stems from the fact that you are buying a secret as well as a gimmick and sometimes that secret turns out to be fairly obvious (once you know how).
There is very often a feeling of having been ripped off, but that isn't a reflection on the dealer unless they blatantly lied to you

TeeJay,

I certainly agree. It is a very fine line that the dealers, product manufacturers and customers who purchase magic walk on. But there are times when product descriptions aren't completely true. So it's a good idea to be very cautious.

I'll give you an example. There is a trick called Perfect Monte and the description goes like this:


"Pay careful attention! This effect has fooled the 3-card Monte players on the streets of New York. Upon opening the packet, you'll find just three cards, two with red backs and one with a blue back, with full faces. There are no flaps or trick printing. The three cards are shown in a fan. Two are spot cards and one is a picture card. A spectator is asked to watch the middle (picture) card. The back of the card fan is shown and it is noted that the middle (picture) card has a different color back. The three cards are placed face clown on the table from left to right. The spectator turns over the two end cards and they are seen to be the spot cards. When he turns over the middle card, it's blank. Remember, each card is shown completely and individually, both front and back, only three cards are used, and, at the end, you can even let the spectator handle the cards.

No flaps, no strippers, no rough and smooth, no card switching, no Mexican monte turnover moves or any of the well-known standard techniques. Nothing to get rid of at the conclusion of the effect. Instead of the blank card, you can also change the ending so the middle card changes to a different card. The effect also comes with an extra kicker you can add to the ending. This effect is a reputation maker. It is a magician fooler. Made in Poker-size Bicycle cards."


It certainly sounds good but what am I to believe? I can replicate this trick in my own way but my way cannot be examined completely.
So, in this case, what do I do. The trick sounds too good to be true. I have yet to find anyone with the trick to verify these claims. I don't want to spend $9 plus shipping just to see if the trick is as described.

Does anyone have this trick?

Sounds brilliant, but sure as eggs is eggs when you get it you'll kick yourself for not figuring it out, but in my book, any trick that can be examined at the end is good.
Sounds like it's worth $9.00 just to find out.
Let me know where you saw it and I'll get one

The place I saw the description from is here:
http://www.daytonamagic.com/Card%20Magic/CA08.htm
but when I called them they didn't know what I was talking about, even though it's listed on their website.

So the site that sells it for $9 seems to be the only one that carries it. Unless the others have it in stock now.

Here's an independent review:

In spite of the fact that I'm not a big fan of packet tricks. I like this trick. Here's what makes it fun. First, you need zero sleight of hand ability. The trick is completely self working. Next, you don't have the gaff in play at the end of the trick. You can have it neatly tucked away in a shirt pocket next to an ungaffed duplicate. I also like the unexpected kick at the end. The card provided is a blank and Jerry provides a sticker that says, "Sorry" but, the card revealed at the end of the trick can be any card that has significance to the story you tell.....a joker perhaps. Or you can do it the way I do. Buy a box of blank face cards and have your name and phone number printed on them. Then you can have the patter go something like this.....point to the black card in the middle of the two red cards. "This is your card. I want you to keep your eye on your card." Then as you display the backs, close the fan and put the middle card on the table or (if you dare) in the hand of the spectator. "You can see I don't have your card here." Point to the backs of the cards in your hand and turn them over, "And, I don't have your card here." Point to the faces. "So where is your card?" Of course they will point to the card in their hand and then you say. "No sorry, that's my card." Turn the card over and reveal the printed card face with your name and phone. Let them keep the card and move on to another trick.

And another:

Normally, I'm against so called "Monte Tricks", for a number of reasons: #1-most are thinly veiled packet tricks with a "monte" patter; #2-there are very few in which you can freely show the cards; and #3-most involve some unnatural motion or sleight. This effect, however, remedies all of these problems. #1-It is a straight forward monte...meaning you show the "money card" lay it down and mix them up and the spectator tries to pick which it is. Of course, they can never get it right. #2-due to the clever and well constructed gimmick (yes, they are gimmicked) the cards are very freely shown. #3-there are NO moves...NO moves at all...a chimpanzee can do this effect 3 minutes after buying it. For a beginner this is great, for an expert, this is a no-brainer....for me..I say thumbs up on Jerry Sommerdin's Perfect Monte.

Don't you think that this sounds just a little bit impressive? I've bin looking for another card trick to add to my collection.

Ahh, yes. The Sillymagician reviews. I forgot about them. If I can find it at a decent price I'll buy it.

Well, I've tried to buy Perfect Monte from every dealer I could find advertising it and no one has any in stock. One place said they can't seem to get anymore from the dealer.