talkmagic.co.uk

I am not one to be critical usually, and this certainly isn't intended as a put down on Jay, as he is an exceptional magician.....but it really suprises me when "paperclipped" is mentioned when it comes down to the best card tricks of all time.

Is it just me or is the method just so obvious to everyone else. It seems a bit basic especially when you compare it to some tricks out there.

I suppose this is just a semi-rant on the hype more than the trick because at the end of the day it still is a good trick..

BeerForDolphins...

This effect is rated as one of the best card effects because it has all the elements of real magic...

1: A deck of ungaffed cards
2: A totally random selection
3: Spectator's signature on the selection
4: The prediction is in full view the whole time
5: The magician never interferes with the prediction
6: The deck is tabled and the prediction and deck are separate at all times
7: The prediction is always VISIBLE - i.e. not in a wallet, envelope, aardvark
8: The effect ends CLEAN

I can't recommend this effect enough. I first read about it in the original form (named something like '@!@£*%£@£$@') and I was also quite shocked.

But the handling, the prep, the simplicity - it's quite easily one of my favourite card effects.

I am certainly not knocking the trick as...erm...a "trick" because I can imagine that done well this absolutely floors the audience.

Practising magicians, which I am not as such, have the advantage of basing how good a trick is not only on its technical aspects but also its entertainment value.....unfortunately I am not at that stage to sometimes fully appreciate the effect that a trick might have to the audience, even if I think its a bit weak...

As always, I appreciate the insight Siege...

...I still can't imagine that Jay has made much money for it selling it as a trick though...cause it is still obvious regardless!

Indeed, it IS an obvious trick... but only if you know the 'ingredients'.

To the layman, even FINDING their card in the deck is a feat that only a magician can perform... being able to FIND their card, FOLD it and seemingly TRANSPOSE it with a paperclipped card which has been in constant full view is just breathtaking to the audience.

Performed one-on-one, this is staggering. Performed to a gathering, this effect has some of the strongest reactions I've seen.

It's virtues lie in it's cleanliness, it's simplicity and the extremely visual and memorable way the final result is achieved.

But I can also understand your point of view.