talkmagic.co.uk

JINX by Andrew Normansell
£12.99 from http://www.alakazam.co.uk


What they say
"Imagine a prediction effect that is totally baffling, is completely hands-off, gives the spectator absolute freedom throughout! Works in cabaret or close up and is always correct….sound good?

"It's also 100% self working!

"A deck of cards is freely and thoroughly shuffled by a spectator, who then selects a totally random card whilst the deck is in their own hands. The selection is then revealed to match your prediction….that has been on FULL VIEW throughout!

"Very easy to do!

"The most UNBELIEVABLE prediction EVER!"

What I say
Well, it's certainly very easy to do, in theory - the last claim is pushing it a tad, mind! Jinx is certainly 100 per cent self-working and once you've handed the deck to the spectator you don't need to touch it again. They briefly check the deck, shuffle, then cut, possibly several times.
After they've turned over the top card, you reveal you predicted that card all along - either in an envelope that has been in full view throughout or, as I prefer, on the back of a removed joker or as a different coloured card left back in the box.


Difficulty
(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)

1 - Everything really does happen in the spec's hands.

Review
Okay, this one's a little tricky to review without giving away too much, but I'll give it a go.
Jinx is straightforward and a very nice, simple effect using an old principle. It WILL earn you some stunned reactions in the right setting.
There are, however, some obvious flaws. The main one being that, to pull it off with real aplomb (every review should have that word in it) you're going to need Lady Luck on your side. If she isn't - and she can be a cow sometimes - confidence and basic performance skills should get you through to the right conclusion.
There are ways, however, of modifying and tipping the odds slightly more in your favour.
It's not repeatable - but what do you expect for your £12.99?
One final minor quibble is that, in my deck, the gaffing is a little clumsy in a couple of places.


Overall
6.5/10

Well "spake" sir! You have beaten me to it.

I agree with you review 100%

Jinx is nice and simple and the imact should be very good.

It does rely on chance...a bit. That chance doesn't mean the trick has failed, it just means there are a couple of minor things to say and for the spectator to do...no biggie but that event could throw less confident performers.

There are suggested alternatives to the final reveal and I plan on employing one of them. It's an easy make but if you are all thumbs you can buy these simple little "somethings" at a relatively low cost.

Not bad for £12.99...not bad at all!

I'd say 7.5 out of 10

Excellent, looking forward to getting mine from Alakazam at Blackpool. Ill let you guys know what I think when I get back.

Just re-read this and Tom's right - having had some brilliant reactions, the mark should have been higher, I'm going for 7.5 as well.

As for the slight area of uncertainty, you could cover yourself with an ID or even Kollosal Killer. Not had to resort to that yet, but it's good for peace of mind.