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Mmm... I LOVE the Biddle Trick (I cherry picked elements out of the Born To Perform performance and, er, an Ellusionist video - hey, you had to start somewhere, tho I know it is cringe worthy. Yes, I know it's looked down upon, but as one of the first videos I watched, I've gotta admit that at the time I thought Brad Christian was an OK teacher). My own version of the biddle trick is quite quirky and I'd say I definitely have my own spin on it. Anyway, Lindz, I am intrigued: how have you extended it?

Personally, at the moment, I just can't get enough of Paul Harris's Re-Set back to back with Limo Service: it's a fantastic effect, and one that I like to use a long winded, flowery patter and almost theatrical presentation for (I really enjoy dramatically picking up of an imaginary card and acting as if I've magically transposed it for another with a satisfyingly camp finger click). Not sure if it'd be the only desert island trick, but in terms of the sheer pleasure in presenting it, Colour Monte would be a strong contender for me.

I actually like the simplicity of a st***ed deck and doing a simple mind reading effect. If you build it up nicely it hits hard.

Although i am bisaed to the card trick thing, focusing on mentalism instead. Cards tricks though, i do love the 2 card monte. Leading them down the garden path, knowing they are falling into the trap is quite amusing to moi!

I can't believe no one has mentioned Out Of This World yet. The finest card trick EVER. In fact this is the only card trick I perform when actually working. It is the only card trick that can be seen as genuine and not just a card trick.

My one trick at the moment would be Jay Sankey's "Joking Around" just because it contains two of my favourite elements of a trick , a sandwich and a transposition. Reactions to it are also really good, the spectator is pretty confused and amazed after the 1st phase and the 2nd phase is the killer, leaving them stunned.

For me I guess it would be the old Svengali Deck, which would then go directly into Sankey's In A Flash.

I completely disagree with your assessment, ed crawford. While I think Out of the World is one of the greatest card effects ever, it is certainly not the only card effect that can be seen as more than a card trick.

Two effects that come to mind, which would be on my short list for "if I can only perform 1 effect", would be Bobo's Higher Mentality and Thomas Baxter's Brrr!

Higher Mentality - 5 cards freely selected (just thought of, not named) are found by the performer. Completely impromptu, and with some thinking and a bit of nice dressing, can be played as a psychological/thought reading effect.

Brrr! - Possibly the greatest solution to the Open Prediction I've ever seen or heard. This goes beyond a simple trick solely because the performer never touches the deck (which can be borrowed).

I do love OOTW, but (for me), it goes on a bit too long. I will use abridged versions however, and Oz Pearlman's Perfection is a fantastic variation on the theme. There's so many amazing effects out there, it's hard to choose just one. Right now, Higher Mentality is getting my vote.

I think an Ambitious Card routine with 20-30 different revelations would be variation enough. Around 2 or 3 different revelations for each spectator.

Marvell wrote:

beetlejuiceecis wrote:Probably Buyer's Remorse as it's so simple but gets a killer reaction.

Where is the source of this fine trick of which you speak?

Ooh, er... I'm not sure
It was taught to me by my Dad. I'll ask him!

Twins by Bro. John Hamman. It is one of my favorite effects to perform. A real gem!!

If I could only do one card trick for the rest of my life, it would be about one more than I'm doing now!

Seriously, I don't do that much card work but I would do my Holmes and Watson. It combines extremely funny patter, puns, and solid magic.

A solid color changing deck.

I really like Knepper's version- ballsy enough that it's exciting to do every time, strong enough to be a reputation maker, and technically very, very easy.