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I will try and keep this short as I do tend to ramble
I'm in the process of rethinking my style and like to put a lot of thought (and worry and doubt) into everything
I'm now moving more to story based effects as a combination of nerves and eczema riddled hands leaves most manipulation out (go with your strengths and all that) but would like your advice on a wee routine I'm working on.
The effect goes along a credit card theme... chosen spectator writes down a 4 digit PIN without me seeing of course. I introduce 6 blank credit cards face down on the table... They pick one and it is revealed to be the only one with anything on the reverse which turns out to be there chosen PIN.
My question is, do you think this waters down the reveal/mystery of identifying the PIN? This may seem simple but I always try to think of things from a spectators POV. and sometimes the "double whammy" isn't needed.
As always I respect your opinions.

The answer depends on the strength of the prior effects in the routine that lead up to the big finale.

Zero help, I know.

.robb. wrote:The answer depends on the strength of the prior effects in the routine that lead up to the big finale.

Zero help, I know.

I'm not a pro - I just get invited to a lot of parties because they know it'll probably end in magic so no full polished routine as yet. other effects being worked on involve a spectator adding together all the numbers across the front of a credit card and that number being revealed via a magic square - Bit of a credit card/electronic money theme being developed.
But I do appreciate your feedback.

in a way, it depends on the routine, and the way you handle the props prior to the reveal.

if you are 100% hands off, then the double whammy will be strong. if you touch the cards, or are holding them after they have chosen the number, it sets about a chain of thought in the spectators mind,as to a possible method.

consider the method, and The handling , then decide on the ending that suits.

best thing to do s get out there and ty it out. You never really know how specs are going to react until you preform for them. I've had some, what I though to be very strong finishers fall flat and some that I worried would be weak hit so so hard. See how the spcs react and refine it if you need to but to me it sounds like a nice little effect.

When you're going through a reinvention process like you are it's very easy to doubt yourself, and never get round to tackling the problems you need to, I did a similar thing a couple of years ago. My advice is much like Davey's - go out and try it, and see what works best. Every great piece of magic will have been roadtested hundreds of times to get the best out of it - don't feel bad about trying something that falls a bit flat, we all do it.

Best of luck, I like the bankcard mentalism idea.

Thank you. I'm affraid a long time ago I became so crittical of so many poor magicians passing themselves off as "pro's" I seem to have developed this inner beast who keeps telling me it's not good enough, keep developing it. But i think the advice you've given to get out there and just do it needs to be embraced.
Oh and Merry Christmas.