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Stolen Cards by Lennart Green

Where to buy
MagicBox £16:00

The Advertising.

This is one of those rare effects in magic - truly startling and completely self working. Imagine pulling out a deck of cards in which all of the back designs are different (this unique object immediate creates interest). A pair of cards are placed on the table, and the spectator is handed the deck. They deal down cards stopping anywhere the like, making two random selections.

To their amazement, the back designs of the two selections are identical, but different colours. Then the cards are turned over, and to further their amazement, the faces match the pair of cards previously removed. Then the backs of those cards are shown to match the two selections. For finale, the deck is spread and all of the faces are identical. Everything is examinable at the end.

Difficulty. 1/5
1=Even I can do it, 2=No sleights, but not so easy, 3=Some sleights used,
4=Advanced sleights used, 5=Suitable for experienced magicians only)
Possibly one of the easiest card tricks to perform, and yet as strong as anything with a level 5 sleight.

Review.
For me this is one of the strongest effects I do, not just for the sheer “magicness” of the effect, but for the built in patter and entertainment value that we all know is so important.

It has a great storyline, it has cards that are a little more interesting than your average deck of bikes, but above all it has four (yes FOUR. Use your fingers) punch lines that make this trick so enjoyable to perform (and from the reactions it gets, a joy to watch).

And if that wasn’t enough, it is one of those beautiful creations that automatically reset. This is just perfect for table hopping or any close up situation, with the added bonus that if you wanted to switch a plain deck, then this gives you a perfect opportunity. The deck to be switched goes into the pocket whilst this “strange” deck is brought out, and when you finish out comes the new switched in deck.

Could this be any more perfect.

History.
It is commonly known that it is based on a card trick that many here will know. It is called “Gemini Twins” and amongst other places it is in Karl Fulve’s Self-working Card Magic Book. Incidentally, don’t confuse this with Bro John Hamman’s “Twins” effect that uses the Gemini Count.

In saying that it is based on “Gemini Twins” though, doesn’t make this any the less worth getting a hold of. It has more endings than the GT effect, and a storyline, patter and cards that turn it into so much more.

It is believed that the first version that utilised a “rainbow deck” was an effect called "Quintuplicate Coincidence" by Dave Van Vranken around the early 90’s. I have no idea if this version is available commercially, or whether or not Lennart Green had permission to use it in the first place.

There is also a cheaper version called the “India Rainbow Deck” that I believe is more or less the same effect, although most people seem to imply that the “Stolen Cards” version is far superior.

Rating.
Effect/item: 10/10, Quality of goods: 10/10, Value for money: 10/10


Bottom Line.
I know. A 10/10 rating. Something I have tried avoiding in recent reviews, but I really don’t have anything to criticise about this one at all. It works. It’s entertaining, It’s easy and it resets. A few more tricks like these and I ‘d give up my day job!

My wife's bought me this for Xmas and I'm now dripping at the mouth as she won't let me have it (the deck) early!

Can't wait now - thanks for the excellent review.

i really like the trick but there are two things that i find put spectators off.

these are the awkward cut you have to make between a certain two cards.

Also some of the effect that the cards end all the same is lost as you cannot show the faces at the beginning.

What do you guys do?

I have to say that this is one of my favourites at the moment and my cut has not yet aroused any suspicion. What I do is make the cut whilst I'm still telling the story of how I aquired the cards (following the story provided in the instructions) and I just make the cut. I wonder if it's because people are paying attention to the story and expect cards to be cut anyway. I'll be interested to hear what others think and do on this but it works for me.

When revaling the cards, I tend to do this bit very slowly and add lots more chat about the cards and I've found that people just tend to follow the story line, but I do get the main reaction when I reveal the deck.

Just out of interest, is your deck the king of Diamonds and 6 of clubs?

Mine is the ace of hearts and diamonds and then the 7 of spades for the rest of the deck.

What box have you got, i have a 'going to the dogs' themed one.

Also what do people do if a spectator asks to see the cards faces when you are just starting the trick. sorry if these are stupid questions but i am a evidently a stupid person!

what do people do if a spectator asks to see the cards faces when you are just starting the trick

I haven't been asked yet, but I would suggest something like.

"For now let's conecentrate on the backs, don't you think it's fascinating that they are all from different decks? I promise you will be able to look at all the cards at the end. In fact I will insist on it..."

I have a 'rainbow deck' which is the same principle as this, and can very much recommend it, as the simplicity of it allows you to put everything into the presentation of the effect. its also a good starting place for a begginer for the reasons suggested above.
You could also make your own deck. I collect decks of cards and used the jokers out of novelty packs to show that the whole deck was actually jockers.

I have a Coca Cola box. I was wondering if the cards are different as I am ALWAYS asked to do this again and I was thinking that it would be good to have a deck switch and repeat with different cards. However, it may be a disadvantage as the switch may be obvious unless you only switch the force cards - but this would require a more complicated set up. I'll think this through some more but would appreciate anyone elses thoughts.

I've not had anyone want to see the fronts as I always begin my story before I actually produce the box with the cards inside. By this time the specs are usually following the story and are intrigued by the different backs when they come into view and are concentrating on these and not the fronts.

Whilst I am using the suggested story line that comes with the deck, it's worthwhile playing around with the timings to keep the interest and focus exactly where you want it - or as Bananafish suggests, a "sure, just met me finish showing the backs first" will probably work.

I've got a few points to make.

1. I really like this effect. I've only done it a couple of times, but it's had very good reactions.

2. A friend of mine saw this being performed (not by me) and worked out how it was done. I do not know whether my friend was extraordinarily clever, or the magician who did it stuffed up in some way, or if it's not quite as brilliant as I first thought. The magician was working a trade show, so it's possible she saw him preforming this effect more than once.

3. Do not repeat this trick for the same audience! This is a classic example of a routine you should not repeat, in my opinion. It's dependant on a move which works if it's not being looked for and is obvious if you are keeping an eye out (remember my friend mentioned above). Second, part of the strength is the building of revelations. If people know what to expect, it won't be so impressive. You might get some mileage out of the cards being different, but I can only see a diminished reaction and a greater risk of people working out the method.

Mmmm

I would suspect that your friend who worked this one out did so for the reasons that you have hit on.

I'd have to agree with your comments made in paragraph 3 but it was still worth asking if a failsafe method could be found, but it hasn't yet. It's always difficult to improve on a good trick and routine and this is one of them.

bananafish wrote:

what do people do if a spectator asks to see the cards faces when you are just starting the trick

I haven't been asked yet, but I would suggest something like.

"For now let's conecentrate on the backs, don't you think it's fascinating that they are all from different decks? I promise you will be able to look at all the cards at the end. In fact I will insist on it..."

How about have the two cards together at the top, spread the cards , leaving the top few bunched up and therefore unseen. Then overhand shuffle, taking both top cards to the bottom, then shuffle again, bringing one back to the top.

That way, the spec has seen the cards, and you're set to go.

I'm assuming this trick works the same as Gemini Twins. Have a I got that right?

That is a plan! i think i might try that from now on.
I was in Davenports yesterday though and the guy did stolen cards for someone but he just left the cards on the top and bottom to start the trick and the spec was still baffled. I think if you focus attention away from the top then there is no problem.

ill try both

Just found this (£16.50) and the Rainbow Deck (£5.25) on worldmagicshop.co.uk, and was wondering what the difference really is?

Are they different types of cards? Is one Bicycle and the other not? Are the backs of superior design?

Put your answers on a postcard to...

Many variations, of which I think Stolen Cards is the most expensive. There are all the ones mentioned in this thread plus many more, one off the top of my head would be Kaleidoscope. As far as I see it the reason that stolen cards is the most expensive of the lot is that it has a decent patter included based on the reason why all the backs are different, and since the cards really are from different decks (some are even slightly different shapes and sizes) makes the whole thing more believable, I mean why would you have a genuine deck of cards in which each one is identifiable from the back design?

I would say that this is definately the one to go for unless money is a problem.