talkmagic.co.uk

Here is my new video. This one I'm hoping will weild some good constructive criticism because I've only performed it twice and it went down great but I can't decide whether it's any good or not 'cause I always have the feeling I could do it better.

Anyway, critcise please, I know my Vernon S********* T******* was dodgy and I dropped the last card during my Orion Count (which didn't matter) but other than that it seemed pretty good to me. Also, my apologies for occasionally going out of frame, I zoomed in too much so you can see the cards. I promise, if you don't know how it was done and you're trying to figure it out, nothing got ditched or changed off screen.

That being said...LET THE GAMES BEGIN:

Chris Randall's "Ashes" by David "The Evmeister" Evans

Video is really dark for me - I can't see anything.

Anyone else have this problem? I know it's a little dark but the faces of the cards should be very clear.

Pretty good. Smooth handling and nicely done. Two things:

1) You spelt Ashes wrong in the credits lol.

2) I'm assuming a slight gaff is required?

Yup, the lighting was very dark (good job you weren't using Black Tigers!) but the routine was clear enough and well performed. In some parts the packets of cards went off camera while you were showing that the Ace had vanished but that's just one of those niggly things which happen. Nicely paced, not too long or drawn out so full marks for that. One small point, isn’t this also known as MacDonald's Aces?

Thanks for the comments, guys. Well spotted on the spellng stevebo. AS for the gaff question - it's a secret, lol (I think you know). And as for it also being "McDonalds Aces", I'm not sure. Chris Randall describes it as his "signature affect" and doesn't credit it to anyone else, only the A**** T**** (for those familiar with the method). The rest I think he claims to be original. Anyone seen explanations of both versions to make a comparison?

The handling may be his own, but this is definitely McDonald's Aces. I must say the method is a nice one - making the effect smooth and moving at a nice speed.

Good job.

since my name is being used here i would like to add a few comments. first of all i was not the one who deemed this my signature effect it was the top card guys in the world who kept saying that my version of the ace assembly was the best they had ever seen many of these guys have published this statement in their notes and books. about the credits i do credit lee asher, ted anneman, and many others i never claim originality once. i also say that its mcdonalds aces thats obvious. i put the moves of others together to create a very visual ace assembly. the only thing i claim originality on is doing lees twist at chest level and no im not doing the mclintock twist im doing the asher twist at chest level. i hope this clears up some confusion. just another thing if something is your signature effect it doesnt have to mean you invented it like the pendragons with the subtrunk or lance with birds or michael ammar with the cups and balls. on a side note guy barret rocks he is one clever blok a gentleman, and a amazing builder im a big fan.

It's a pleasure to hear from you Chris. Thanks for your comments. These "top card guys" are certainly right with it being such a brilliant Ace Assembly. One which I took to immediately after watching it on your DVD "Sweet". I've tried a fer versions of McDonald's Aces and whilst there are some fantastic versions I keep coming back to this one for it's sheer practicality.

More than anything I'm glad I found your video just for learning the Orion Count. I hate the Flushtration count and am glad to have an alternative that is nice to watch, is practical and visually convincing. I know you didn't invent the move but it's become a much used sleight in my Arsenal since I learnt it.