2.
The Web by Jim Pace
Effect
The magician displays four blank faced Bicycle cards, and tells the spectators the represent the four walls of a room. "After a while," it is told, "Rooms collect dust, and spiders create cobwebs." The four blank cards are counted onto the spectator's palm. "Now, if we leave the cards there for a while, the spiders will eventually get to work."
The cards are lifted about 30 seconds later, and they are revealed to each have a large back spider web printed on the faces! "Well, what I said would happen happened. Ther spider created his webs. But wait, where's the spider?"
The spectator then shockingly discovers a big hairy spider clinging to the back of her hand! She screams and faints, and the magician quietly picks up his cards and leaves.
Cost
About $15-$20, ad for that you get the specially printed Bicycle card packet and a fake spider.
Difficulty
About 3... a single basic card sleight is used, and the move to get the spider onto the back of the spectator's hand will take practice.
Review
The Web is a great walkaround or restaurant magic effect that really frightens people... The build-up with the patter and the very creepy Spider Webs on the cards at the end also add to the suspense. And as soon as they turn over there hand and see the spider, HOO boy do they freak out. It is for that reason that you have to be careful of who you perform The Web for.
The effect is supplied with the specially printed Bicycle Cards and an artificial spider. The first phase ses a very basic card count that most beginner card workers should already know.
The only real drawback I see to performing this routine is the attachment of the spider to the spectator's hand... this is quite a gutsy move, especially considering the plastic legs of the spider could possibly jab into the spectator's hand upon attaching. The attachment must be done at the pervect pressure... if it is too tight the spectators will feel it, but if it is too loose the spider will most likely fall off prematurely. A perfect pressure is required, and that will definitely take practice.
The Web is a scary card effect that is very fun to watch and fun to perform.
Overall
Overall, I give this effect an 8/10. The Web is definitely a great walkaround piece, and I don't really see it being used in a formal close-up setting... but then again, that's not what it's meant for. The effect isn't a particularly amazing one, but it is just plain fun to watch and fun to perform as well. You will enjoy this. Highly recommended!
Michael Kras