talkmagic.co.uk

The Ascanio Spread Book -
John Racherbaumer

Cost - £10 approx

Difficulty - 3
(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)

Review

Firstly, let me just say that this book is worth it for those people who think they know the spread, and are performing it without actually reading about it. Chances are there's something not quite right about your spread.

This isn't a big book by anybody's standards, but it does contain a lot of information, some of which I already realise is invaluable. I'm a big fan of the so-called 'small packet' effects, and this book provides the basis for the performer to invent lots more.

The basic move itself is taught well. John Racherbaumer outlines a technique, and the original Ascanio handling is taught, all with photographs showing you exactly how you should be holding the cards. It's worth spending time on this, as you want the move to look smooth, like you're not trying to hide anything from the spectator. The whole point of the move is to look like you're just casually spreading 4 cards out, with nothing to hide.

The tricks described in here are what I enjoyed the most. My personal favourites are The Upturned One, and Ladies Sing The Blues. The end results to both tricks are quite visually stunning, and it's such a simple concept you'll be surprised.

A couple of the tricks described require gaffed cards, such as double backs, double faces, and different back patterns. But any good magician should have a ready supply anyway!

The Ed Marlo tricks teach his alternate handling, and in The Upturned One, you learn that the move can be used to replaced The Ghost Count in displaying a pack of 5 cards as 4. In fact, you can display any number of cards (Ed Marlo's Superspread), 10 cards as 9, 5 cards as 4, 3 cards as 2 etc...

Overall

I'd give the book 9/10... definately worth the investment. I guarantee you'll use one of the tricks taught in your own routines.

Nice review, Mark - looks like I'm going shopping!!!

Touche Demitri... looks like I'll be buying the Paul Hallas Small But Deadly book from your review too.

Cheers!