talkmagic.co.uk

katrielalex wrote:

seige wrote:NFW: But, there is no way that the cards are examinable.

Well, it's not as bad as you think...At the end, you end up with the 'interesting' AC but apart from that you're clean. Therefore, if you could get rid of the AC in some way that would solve your problem. However, I don't think NFW calls for examination the way some tricks would - I mean, you've shown the four aces pretty cleanly at the end.

Kati

The whole reason I stopped performing NFW is that on at least 2 occasions, I was told there was an 'oddness' about one of the cards.

I put this down to the fact that the cards were possibly a little worn, and 'thicker' than normal.

NFW is typical of an effect which begs to be performed intimately, to a small group, and very close-up.

And in these situations, I find, people are quite touchy-feely.

How about a small packet trick, that uses gimmick cards, but is examinable at the end?

For this, I give you Elmsley's 4 Card Trick. The gimmick cards are the blank ones, and the regular one is the joker (or whatever substitute you use) It's all pure sleight, and at the end you can hand the 4 cards to your stunned onlookers (or slightly bemused flatmate)

I guess it's all personal preference. I don't just perform gimmicked packet tricks, or non-gimmicked, but a mixture. I do carry a couple of decks around, one loaded with gaffs, the other normal. They're easy enough to switch in the course of a trick.

I also have a couple of tricks ready in case someone hands me a deck. I try to be prepared for any eventuality. Hopefully I won't get caught short!

mark_c1975 wrote:How about a small packet trick, that uses gimmick cards, but is examinable at the end?

For this, I give you Elmsley's 4 Card Trick. The gimmick cards are the blank ones, and the regular one is the joker (or whatever substitute you use) It's all pure sleight, and at the end you can hand the 4 cards to your stunned onlookers (or slightly bemused flatmate)

Umm interesting... in effect my "problem" is the examinability-at-the-end only, not the absence of a gimmick. So where can i find elmsley 4 c trick? I've never heard this one

I don't think the 4 card trick is a 'buyable' packet trick as such.

I have sent you a PM anyway... don't want to risk any exposure in here.

Cheers.

Ungimmicked -

Jumping Gemini
Jazz Aces
Intuition/Out of the Blue

I can't say I really like the ungimmicked NFW. Yes, it's a great effect and it hits as hard - but to me, the finish seems a bit sketchy. That's just me, though.

Like others here, I've also put the gimmicked NFW on the shelf. It was fun while it lasted, but it has run its' course.

However, I'm still a big fan of packet tricks. Yes, I know the cards are suspect, I know some people will think trick cards - but I still haven't had any adverse or lukewarm reactions to my gimmicked tricks. They have a place, just like other card effects. I've moved more to the side of just using a regular deck of cards for my effects, and I love using non-gimmicked cards to astound people. But, no matter where I go, I'll always have a special place in my heart for packet tricks. They're just fun!

semi off topic..

If you can't resist using gaff effect, use it late in your routine

Offer inspections on your impressive non-gaff effects early on..just enough to establish your using non gaff decks...to many times and they may expect an inspection each time..

Are there any books which deal mainly with non gaffed packet tricks? I've got 'Cuts, counts, moves and subtelty' and am currently learning the techniques, but feel as though i need some tricks to pull it all together.

Demitri recommended a book to me called Small But Deadly by Paul Hallas. Read some reviews on it... I'll be buying it soon as it looks superb for small packet tricks.

Cheers,

Small But Deadly by Paul Hallas

It's a classic book, and a valuable asset to any collection - but be aware it's more about the history of packet trickets than divulging any of the secrets.

I just bought 'The Legacy of Dave Campbell' from International Magic. It has a 100+page section on packet tricks in it, as well as lots of other full and part deck tricks.

I'll post a review on it when I've had a bit of time to digest the information in it.

Cheers,