talkmagic.co.uk

No Credit - James Ford

Price: $15-17 (depending on where you purchase)

Where to Get it:

Elmwood Magic ($17) - http://www.elmwoodmagic.com/?nd=full&key=2426
Magic Pro Shop ($15) - http://www.magicproshop.com/no-credit-trick-by-james-ford-p-4586.html
Hank Lee - http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/customer/home.php- (unfortunately, it appears you can't get No Credit, but he does have some of the other effects in this line)

I have looked through all of the UK-based shops I know of, all to no avail. If anyone knows of a place that sells this, please let others know.

Effect:

Magician takes a credit card out of his wallet, and begins to discuss the perils of having credit/debit cards. He passes the card out for inspection, informing the audience that his new card just came in the mail today, but he's afraid to carry it around, because he's paranoid about identity theft and credit card theft. Taking the card back, he talks about how he's gone to great lengths to increase his security.

He reveals the true problem is the account number right on the face of the card. (Performer can show the card and account #) How can he be safe, when criminals can SEE the account number! With a smile, he says the easiest way to ensure his security, is to make sure that number isn't visible. The magician rubs his finger along the credit card, and suddenly all of the numbers and information on the front of the card have VANISHED!

The credit card is now handed out for complete inspection.


Difficulty:

2-3 - The actual effect is easy to perform, the real skill comes in presentation. Your patter and movements need to be tight to keep everyone's attention off of the "move" needed to perform the effect.


Quality:

You get the necessary props, and they look incredible! This isn't a cheesy version of a credit card. The numbers are raised, just as an ordinary credit card is. Some spectators may find it unusual that there's no name on the credit card, but this can be easily explained away with the patter. (ie - you're so afraid of identity theft, you won't even put your name on the card!).

Super close examination of the card WILL reveal it as a magic prop (it says so - obviously for security/fraud purposes). However, the way it's laid out just makes it look like the info on the back of an ordinary card. It truly does look exactly like a real credit card. There's a magnetic strip, signature box, raised numbers, even a cool pic of Abe Lincoln on the front of the card. A lot of care and effort went into making these props, making it worth the money you spend.


Overall:

Easy to do, and the inspection before AND after the effect makes it even more powerful. The fact that the spectators have handled and touched the card makes this effect really strong. They can FEEL the numbers on there. And suddenly, they're gone! It packs right in your wallet, takes up almost no space. This is an incredible little walkaround effect that will baffle your spectators.

Closing Note: James Ford has a line of these credit card effects, all of which are made on identical cards. As a result, these cards can be used to create a spectacular routine. I don't have the others, yet - but you can rest assured I will buy them and post reviews asap.

The other effects are:

Bending Credit Card - Self-explanatory.

Messy Business - Credit card is shown and examined. When taken back the magician shakes it vigorously, and suddenly all of the numbers, pictures and info have tumbled down to one side of the card.

Credit Card Monte - A two card monte style routine using a credit card and a video membership.

Bet On It - Magician hands out the credit card for all to see. After taking it back, he says he will perform an incredible trick using cards. So confident is he, that he bets the spectator that if he cannot reveal the name of the card, they can take his credit card and go on a shopping spree! The card is placed down, and a card is chosen. The performer tries multiple times, but fails each time. As the spectator reaches for his prize, the performer asks what the card was. With a smile, he turns over the card, and good old Abe Lincoln is now see holding their selected card!


All classic effects given a new, updated twist. I can't wait to get the other effects and pack them up in my wallet, as well!


Score: 10/10 - Packs small, plays big - what more can you ask for?

Fantastic review Demitri... I can feel a case of CUPS coming on now.

I'll try and hold out till payday. This looks like an excellent trick for the wallet.

If you get the others, be sure to post reviews and give us all yet more CUPS!!

Cheers,

I'm sure these were on sale yesterday at the Ipswich Magic Convention - Zane Magic had a table there with three very similar looking credit card effects. A bit of Googling might track them down!

It is available here:

http://www.world-of-magic.co.uk/magic.asp?id=724

I'm pretty sure I saw a couple of James's effects on another site, certainly including 'Messy Business', but I can't recall which one it was off-hand. I'm not sure if 'No Credit' was stocked by them, in any event.

I have messy business and credit card monte. Messy Business is basically a misdirection. Credit card monte involves moves like the one in color monte. Both are nice trick.