The Effect
This is a CAAN effect.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajrl3cz1rww" target="_blank
Handling one
A card inside an envelope is placed on the table next to a deck of cards. The spectator asks for any number from 1 to 52. The deck is removed from the card case. The cards are dealt face up one at a time until you reach their selected number. The card is removed from the envelope it matches the card at their number.
Handling two
It gets no cleaner than this. A playing card is laid face down on a spectators hand. (no envelope) The spectator names any number from 1 to 52. The deck is removed from the card case. You deal the cards face up one at a time, finally arriving at the chosen number. Its hard to believe, they turn the card over in their hand. I think you have guessed the rest.
•Instant reset
•Only one deck
•No memory work
•No multiple numbers to learn
•Always deal the deck the same way
•Only one envelope
•Only one card in version two
•No switch of any kind
•No adding jokers
Learn and perform this miracle in 10 minutes.
Cost £30.00
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. It's extremely easy to do. There is a sleight (sort of) but it's not really a 'move' as such so shouldn't really even qualify as a sleight. You will need to learn a formula, but it's so easy it shouldn't cause you any issues.
Review
Right........ where to start with this one...... I see alot of CAAN number effects on the market. Personally, I've always used Al Korans '5 Star Prediction' and I've never had an issue with it. However, I saw the youtube video of this and (knowing the Koran method) I was intrigued - nay - I was floored. I just couldn't think of any possible way the effect was achieveable as presented. In the end, it played on my mind so much I decided to buy it. I couldn't find any UK suppliers for this so I had to order it from the states. A quick search today and I think this is still the case?
Lets start with the negatives: Straight off the bat, the DVD wouldn't work in my laptop. A minor inconvenience but it annoyed me since I was so excited when the postman finally delivered it. I put the DVD in my playstation and it worked. However, the DVD seems to have a mind of its own. It is split into sections and after each segment finishes, it sends you straight back to the main menu - irritating. I watched the entire DVD start to finish without seeing the explanation of how the effect works. It was mentioned that there was a section where this was explained but it wasn't on my DVD main menu as a heading. I went through the DVD several times and managed to find it. Basically, the DVD is not great IMHO.
The second handling where the spec holds the card is in my view the most powerful. However, in order to make this effect work you will need to invest in several more decks. Really, these cards should be provided with the effect.
With the first handling you don't end clean. I'll say no more than that! With the second handling you won't end clean either.
The positives: In terms of devious gimmick dastardly-ness, this is a killer. When you actually look at a gimmick in your hand and you still can't work out how it would help you acheive a CAAN effect, then you sure as hell know your audience aren't ever going to get close to the method. The method is impromptu. The reset IS instant which is amazing. You could stroll with this but you can't really allow the specs to handle the deck. Ideally you would need some table space to present it. CAAN effects that don't rely on memory work will always have some built in weaknesses. This effect is simple to do, has a principle that will make you say, "why didn't I think of that Dammit!!!!" and allows an instant reset. There are, however, a number of trade off's that you'll have to make.
More often than not you won't end clean. That said, using the Koran method you don't really end clean either. For the simple fact that I can avoid using gimmicked envelopes I would say that this effect has more advantages than the Koran method. It's more heavily gimmicked but that all comes down to your spectator management. As CAAN effects go this is certainly one of the best I've seen. The method is ingenious and simple to do. You'll just have to have your spec management wits about you and you'll be fine!!
Overall
I give this an 8 out of 10. Clever gimmick creating a diabolical method. The DVD shaved off points for me along with a lack of cards for the second handling. All in all I recommend you buy this just so you can sit with the gimmick and have a think about how it could possibly help you with a CAAN effect.
K
