talkmagic.co.uk

Impossible Devination
$19.99 from Tilford Illusions
http://www.tilfordillusions.com/Impossi ... ation.html

The Effect.
You are amazingly able to divine a card that a spectator chose in his own hands, while looking away, and while it is placed under a plate!

Difficulty: 2/5

Review :
I have to admit, I was waiting at the mailbox for this because the description had alot to be desired. I also wanted to purchase this so I could get a sense of how Devin thinks. And boy, is he clever! This gimmick has so many uses. You recieve 3 variations of the main effect, each with different conditions and handlings, plus the gimmick that allows you you to perform this miracle. I loved the history lesson, and the instructions were crystal clear. After I practiced for awhile, I went ahead to go perform this. I used the script Devin suggested, and I tried out my own. The response was "What the *^&#??". Seriousley, it seemed so impossible to the spectator, no matter what some think about the performance when they read it. I did one of those psychic acts and it was great. It was definatley worth more than what is asked. This is not the perfect walkaround effect, but is definatley NOT limited to just showing it to your friends at the house. I also came up with my own handling and will be sharing it with Devin. This is real good. It will definatley fry you if you don't get it!

Final Rating out of 10 : 9.7

Comes with my highest recommendation!

Thanks for the review Yousif, I've been following the hype on this one, and haven't yet made my mind up. The review helps though.

Just out of interest - how fundamental is the plate? I mean is this why you say it isn't best suited for walkabout - as it's not practical (or indeed logical) to be carrying around a plate?

this sound great.... however... i do have one question... what happens to the rest of the deck after the card is picked?... does the spec keep it or does the performer take it back?

the reason i ask is that im guessing most of us here could duplicate this effect using the same technique as "mogs mental musclereading mystery" in the "routines section"

Spectator may provide their own shuffled deck which you do not need to touch prior to the feat.

Spectaor retains cards and doesn't return to magician. IN fact magician suggest person put rest of cards out of sight so you can't see them.

Devin Knight

Hi Devin and welcome to the takmagic Forum! Thanks for your input, I can almost see those fingers clicking on the PayPal option right now!

Yes, the beauty of this trick is that you dont need to touch or even see the rest of the deck.

Yes, but one thing went unanswered.

What about this plate?

In my opinion, using a plate is the best part. Its something everyone can relate to and is used to prove that no marked decks are used nor that you can see the card at any time.

There are also no mirror gimmicks or any of that sort.

Regards,

Yousif

So the plate is a required part of the trick then?

The plate is essential. Several are provided and it is very easy to buy replacements. They are not gimmicked but only a certain kind of plate can be used.

Thanks for that wullie. Now I'm very intrigued.

As much as I want you to, please don't say any more as I'd hate you to give the gaff away - and I think we all have enough nformation about the trick now.

Do you also have the trick? if so - do you rate it as high as Yousif?

I have the trick and Yousif was right to give it a high rating. At first I was a bit dubious about having to use a plate but since the card has to be covered so that you cannot see it, it seems logical enough especially as the plate can be examined. You don't have to stick with cards, the spectator can draw something and you can then replicate their drawing. I understand a book on the trick will be available in a few months.

In my opinion, using a plate is the best part. Its something everyone can relate to and is used to prove that no marked decks are used nor that you can see the card at any time.

I appreciate that this must be a great gimmick, and that it is all very examinable, but I must confess that IMO this would be one of those tricks saved for "just the right occasion" and probably would seldomly actually get used.

I mean - how odd is it going to look if you carry a plate about with you? I am assuming that not just any plate could be used - and apart from doing it impromptu at a dinner party (assuming you have 4-6 of them), where else would you do it?

You say it is natural to use the plate so you can't see the back of the card at all, and so you dismiss any chance of it being a marked deck - but what is wrong with just saying "Take a card, and don't let me see it?" Isn't that more natural and less suspicious?

This sounds from the description to be over complicated and very suspicious, and so even if the gaff is amazing and wonderfu and the best thing since sliced TTs - it just doesn't feel right as a working trick.

what am I missing?

I tend to agree with what Bananafish has just said.

I'm not sure if Devin is still looking at this thread and I know he's selling many many of these but can he just get the plate thing straight?

Or anyone else?

Hi Bananafish,

You have a very valid point. And, I do tend to agree with you that it would be odd to carry around with you, thus not the perfect walkaround effect as I mentioned above. However, it really isnt limited for just showing to your friends at home. This would be great at a party, showing some clients, even stage etc.

It may seem suspicious to use the plate at first, but the routine given by Devin perfectly justifies all actions, and in fact, makes more sense to the spectator because he/she may feel that some sneaky peek could be done with mirrors, etc. Instead of over complication, you may be undersimplifying the justification of a plate or routine as the audience would see it.

I dont think its the greatest thing since the TT, but it does have many applications. This not an item for everyone of course, its all in your style of performance. If you find that you just dont want to use the plate, then I suggest you sticking with something else.

I hope this helps with the many questions you all have, and maybe Devin can also shed some light on the topic.

Regards,

Yousif