TerryC wrote:I was reviewing the comments on Penguin relating to the Brainwave deck. Curiously, people were somewhat negative because it is so strong, some spectators guess it's in the cards and want to examine them.
I have a packet trick that somewhat uses the Brainwave trick. I use an Elmsley to show four blue backs. I got to thinking--surely, if I were simply showing spectators that I had four blue backed cards I would merely spread them, and not use a most unusual counting method. I haven't had an issue (yet), but I wonder if anyone has been challenged on why they used "a funny count method."?
I've been doing this a long time. And I can tell you that no trick is 'too strong' there is a 'Too Perfect' theory that has been floating around since the advent of sliced bread, but it doesn't hold a lot of water.
People don't ask to examine a deck or a prop because they can't figure out how else the trick is done, nor do they ask to see the prop because that is the only possible solution.
The lay person suspects for a few reasons.
1. The prop was mishandled, or at the very least handled with a different 'feel' then the rest of the routine.
2. The performer drew the wrong type of attention to the prop.
3. And most common. The performer did not really show a magic trick to entertain the audience, they showed a trick/puzzle to fool the audience and the audience naturally took up the challange and thus the prop becomes suspect.
An audience that has been drawn in and entertained by the effect doesn't really question how an effect is done. In fact in many instances you can leave the prop out in the open and nobody will even touch it because the magic they just witnessed is enough. The routine is/was complete and they are left satisfied.
If one is getting questions about the props. Don't look at the props, or the trick or come up with excuses, (and that is what they are) about how too perfect it is, or that the trick sucks. Instead take a good long look at your handling, how you perform and your thoughts on magic and what it really is. Find a performer you like and respect, who actually performes and ask for help in this matter.
Most will be more than willing to help in this situation as it shows that the person really wants to perform. To entertain, not just be a trickster.