Shenanigans is the latest ebook from the prolific Liam Montier and contains 3 effects which cards, explained in his usual chatty yet very clear style. Let’s take a look at each effect in turn.
In3D
This is a nice little routine where (to a patter story about marked cards) the spectator is able to identify the 4 aces whilst wearing some ‘3D glasses’. In fact, as everyone else can see, the backs of the Aces have magically changed colour, and at the end of the trick they revert to their original back colour and can be examined.
It’s a fun idea and as Liam observes, ties in well with the current trend for 3D movies etc. The clever use of gaff cards keeps the sleight of hand down to a minimum and an alternative version with extra gaffs and even fewer sleights is also described. The final change is a real surprise and I think this could play really well for a group and get some laughs.
Anagram
Here’s another unusual plot with a strong visual element. You write your name on a playing card and then in a flash the letters re-arrange themselves into another order, and then again into the spectator’s name! I really like the concept here – and as someone who loves playing around with words this makes a lot of sense to me. You will need to be able to do a convincing Colour Change to make this work (the Erdnase Colour Change is briefly described) – but if you don’t already do one, this trick is a good reason to learn it! Great fun and really visual.
The Hyrdra Routine
This is a 3 phase routine that builds nicely to a strong climax. A spectator chooses a card which is lost in the deck and appears on your forehead. The same thing happens, even more fairly with a second selection, and then in an Anniversary Waltz style climax the two signed cards fuse together into a single double-faced card.
This is probably the easiest routine to perform of all 3 and yet packs a load of magic into a very short space. I think you’ll really enjoy playing with this and it should really fry a lay audience.
Liam is thorough in crediting sources and influences – the only thing which might have been helpful would be some other references for the Erdnase Change if his brief description wasn’t enough (you can find it in The Expert at the Card Table or in Card College Volume 3 under the name of Houdini who apparently invented it!).
But that’s hardly a deal-breaker – and for a mere £7.99 this is a great value collection of strong, do-able card magic. Available direct from TrickTastic.com (who kindly provided our review copy).
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