talkmagic.co.uk

Hi,

In Derren Brown's effect 'Zamiel's Rose' on The Devil's Picturebook, I was wondering how, after the spectator selects a card and replaces it in the deck, it is returned to the top of the deck. I'm not sure whether he passes the deck or not, or whether he does something else. I've watched very closely but I can't see anything! I really want to perform this effect but am struggling with this part.

Thanks,

Ben.

Ben...

If you have the Devil's Picturebook the answers are there.

If you don't, then you shouldn't be allowed to know

I have Devil's Picturebook...sorry I forgot to mention that. In the explanation he doesn't explain how the selected card is brought to the top of the deck, he just says "so what you're left with is their card at the top of the deck". Sorry I forgot to mention that...

Ben.

what seige said...

but also, well, if you're adept enough to go and buy devil's picture book, then you'll have the basics under your hat anyways surely?

I know how I can control the card to the top I was just wondering how he does it...

i wouldnt worry then!

as long as you can do what's needed, it doesnt matter if you do it exactly like he does surely...apart from "very well"...

Ok, I'll just use my method. It's just my pass isn't completely invisible yet, and sometimes it is noticeable. I'll just have to keep practicing then...

Thanks for all the help...

Ben.

I wouldn't really worry how he does it. When learning a trick, I try not to copy exactly what is done in a dvd or by another magician, once you have made it 'your' trick with the little changes, then you will see it looks much more natural. There are several easy ways to guide a card to the top of the deck mentioned in 'The Royal Road to Card Magic'. I would advice you to read that if you haven't already.

Good luck

Thanks...

I ordered Royal Road To Card Magic 2 days ago so I'm hoping it will be here soon...

Thanks for all the help...

Ben.

By the way if your pass isn't invisible (like 98% of everyone else) you could try learning some easier variations like the Did Everyone See The Card pass or the Anyway The Weather's Been Nice Lately Hasn't It pass.

You get the idea

There really ARE invisible pass techniques, but it's hardly worth the effort in pursuing them.

Build misdirection into your performance—it's much easier.

I agree - an ordinary pass would do the job and could easily be built in to an off-beat.
It's the presentation that really matters.

He does show you how he controls it to the top but he just doesn't explain it at the exact point that you expect him to explain it. Watch the whole thing...i can't remember exactly off the top of my head (and i can't be bothered to get the dvd out ) where he says it but its in there so don't worry....or as the others say, just use the sleight that you feels right to you...even if you knew the way DB does it, it would still be common sense to use the method you can control perfectly!