1.
SCREWED DECK By Paul Harris
The Effect
The magician removes two halves of a card case from his pockets, each containing two halves of a deck of cards, cut right across. Attached to one half of the deck is a screw, to the other half a screw-in hole.... Much like a pool cue. The two halves, in the card case, are put together and are screwed together by hitting one half, allowing it to spin around rapidly.
Unfortunately, the screw becomes jammed at a mismatched position; Meaning, half of the card case is facing one way, the other half the opposite way. Even more bizarre, when the cards are removed, one half of each card is face up and the other half face down! Sort of like a full-deck Card Warp without any cover. Fortunately, the magician manages to un-jam the screw and twist the deck back to it's normal state in full view! The deck is immediately used for a card effect.
Cost
Around $50, and you get the special pool cue card case and a special card gaff. I have also seen this going for as much as $75. The cost is justified by the great quality of the gaffed card case, along with the bress screw.
Difficulty
(1=easy to do, 2=No sleights, but not so easy, 3=Some sleights used,
4=Advanced sleights used, 5=Suitable for experienced magicians only)
3... One special sleight is used to twist the deck to a normal condition, but the first phase is relatively easy.
Review
Screwed Deck is truly a bizarre effect, but a fantastic bizarre effect at that. It is one of those rare effects that gets reactions before it even starts. Just seeing the two deck halves is a startling moment, the screw-together is just as amazing, and pulling the warped deck out immediately following is the real moment of astonishment. Basically, the effect packs non-stop punches from beginning to end.
You get the special gaffed card case that screws together, and a special card gaff that makes the second phase possible. The special card case's screws are very nicely made out of brass, and the whole card case is quite durable. Actually, part of the case is quite fragile, so it is best to stuff it with some sort of object as to not crush the case.
The effect is so strong as stated before, and as long as you ditch the card gaff the deck is examinable after the effect. This is THE perfect opener to any card routine, and is perfect for any type of close-up magic situation.. even walkaround.
Overall
Overall, I give this outstanding effect a 9/10. Card workers will find plenty of potential here, and the reactions are the best achievable. Highly recommended for all card worker!
Michael Kras
