talkmagic.co.uk

Hi Guys

I wondered if you could held with a card question I have and a question about magic clubs.

I was at a Christmas party recently where they had a magician. He was excellent, and I had a word with him afterwards and told him I had recently started to learn magic again – going back to basics and learning the techniques rather than going for the ‘packet trick’ approach. He was very encouraging and suggested that one of the best ways to learn is to join a club, which I am going to enquire about. He suggested I contact him with regard to coming along to a meeting. He said there would be a simple ‘audition’ I’d have to perform. Is this standard practice in Magic Clubs? What sort of level do clubs expect you to be? or does it vary?

Anyway, he showed me a great routine with “4” Jokers. One was face down, then after some counting, there were two face down and so on, until all face down – and the final kicker was they all turned into Aces – single cards.

I just wondered if this was a well known Elmsley count routine that I could learn – with a palm towards the end to remove the other cards? Does anyone else know what I mean? Is this something, someone would be willing to teach me, or point me to a source. But, is asking for help this way a) disrespectful to the magician that showed it me or b) are we not allowed to discuss actual mechanics?

I’ve just about mastered the Elmsley count from Richard Kaufmans Basic Card Technique DVD, and am using it in Twisted Sisters – but I’d love to learn one of these morphing routines. Any suggestions?

Many Thanks,

PS - unrelated I know, but I've got to dash - THE GRAIL, as reviewed by Tom L is fantastic - well worth the money (See Review Section).

a great routine with “4” Jokers

= NFW! by Gary Freed. Mindblowing stuff as long as you can do the EC!

(PS More info @
http://www.talkmagic.co.uk/ftopic1091.php&highlight=nfw
http://www.talkmagic.co.uk/ftopic2126.php&highlight=nfw
http://www.talkmagic.co.uk/ftopic53.php&highlight=nfw )

Hi LastDeck - indeed as Mandrake mentions the effect you were showed is very likely to be NFW. A great trick.

As for your magic society questions, I wouldn't worry too much about the audition. Yes it can be a little intimidiating performing in front of other magicans, but in my experience they are more likely looking for a level of dedication rather than competence. They want people who wish to join the society to have a genuine interest in magic and not just be looking to learn a few secrets to dazzle their friends before moving on to another hobby. Obviously there are exceptions to this, the Magic Circle for example do indeed require their members to be a certain standard, but on the whole I would say that anyone with the determination (and sheer guts) to stand up infront of a room full of magicians and perform for 6-8 minutes deserves to be a member of any club.

there have been other discussions on magic societies that you may be interested in.
Magic Clubs
Initiation Ceremonies

and for a list of all magic societies in your area see...



From a personally point of view I have gained a great deal from joining a magic society. New friends, new skills and more opportunities to perform...




there have already been several discussions on the "Audition".

there IS a version of NFW that is entirely ungimmicked... so it may have been that which you saw

I have also seen that trick once, but it was a very long time ago... sweet one though!

Do you guys have any idea of where to buy a book with the instructions to the ungimmicked one or where to find them?

Shad0w

I have come accross a description of an ungaffed nfw, but it is quite complicated. so i stick to the gaffed version. If anyone wants me to point them in the direction of it, then pm me.

I have never seen NFW (I sorta have an idea what those three letters stand for tho ... ) but is it something like the Gambler vs. Magician effect?