Folks,
A while back I posted a question about flags (ftopic42979.php). The effect I was devising was to be part of my 11-year-old son Adam's competition routine in the Under-18 War of the Wizards competition at the Edinburgh International Magic Festival.
The competition was this morning and Adam was announced the winner.


He started off with the flag trick, talking about the Olympics where athletes from England, Wales, N. Ireland and Scotland all compete as part of Team GB. He placed each of the 4 national flags in turn into a bag and then ripped it open to show the Union Jack.
He then went onto a sponge ball game (not part of the Olympics "yet") culminating in his spec being given a red ball to hold and opening up her hands to show red, green, yellow, blue and black balls to match the olympic rings. He then produced a medal for her as she won the game.
He then brought out a photo of himself looking at the Magic Festival programme, which he folded and had signed. He explained that it was a magical photo and whatever you did to it, the magic always won. He tore the photo into 4 quarters before restoring it out-of-order (Shawn Farquhar) explaining that with so many shows to choose from he was all mixed up.
He finished with a card effect. Adam chose a mystery card, invited spec to hold it face down and pick a card of their own which was signed. Adam then cut to the Aces, placing the first two either side of the mystery card in the spec's hand. He then cut to the next 2, which were shown to have switched places with the ones in the spec's hand. He then revealed the Aces and that the mystery card was the spec's signed card. (John Guastaferro).
After my flags question a lengthy PM and email exchange with Allen Tipton ensued. I really must express my appreciation for all of the suggestions and guidance Allen so helpfully offered. In my experience his forum posts (insightful, informative and ever helpful) are only a small part of Allen's contribution to this online community. Thank You Allen, from me and from @WeeMagicAdam (who is still somewhere on cloud 9 and will be for some time).
The photo is Adam with MagicFest's Artistic Director Kevin McMahon.
Ian
(a very very proud dad)
