by bananafish » Dec 18th, '05, 00:06
There are just so many magic tricks that get a great reaction, a lot of it depends on the people you are performing to.
Table hopping with kids present, then a simple effect like the magic bunnies can't be beaten.
CMH is also always a killer effect, I've never had anything short of a great reaction with that.
I frequently end my table hopping act with Sankey's "In a Flash". That has everything, plus the advantage that your cards are ruined which gives you good reason to finish as well.
Another great closer for table hopping is Peter Marucci's "Anytime Card to Wallet". I start my set by placing a card under the salt or pepper pot (or anything on the table) saying it is my emergency card. Then, when the signed card from the closer effect can't be found, I suddenly seem to remember this card that has been on the table the whole time.
When they see that it was their signed card, that had been sitting there the whole time - well I tell you, that's the closest I get to L&L reactions.
Sometimes the simplest effects really are the best and it adds a certain amount of continuity to a routine, and I like that...
Other really strong effects I would include, Shuffle Bored, OOTW, and Bannons Degrees of Freedom. I also love effects using Aronson's undo principle.
The strongest reactions though probably comes when doing a mentalism set. I wouldn't like to give a "best" effect, as I feel that to get the strongest reactions with mentalism it's simply down to the presentation. They ALL can be really strong.