Dual Edge
This is an old idea, mixed in with a Blackjack theme, and a kicker ending to make it stronger. Essentially two random selections swap places with some prediction cards and the rest of the deck turn out to be blank.

If I’m honest, of all the Rus Andrews effects (this is actually a collaboration with Mark Bendell) we’ve looked at recently this strikes me as the weakest. Positively, it is pretty easy to do and I am sure that the multiple ‘kicks’ would be impressive for a layperson.

But there are a few downsides. I feel that the process is somewhat contrived (only in a magic trick…) – rather like other more impromptu versions of this effect that I have seen. You also ideally needs a table to perform it. And the re-set would take a minute.

The Black Jack (Pontoon) theme of the effect has potential with the right audience. Although ironically, my supplied cards didn’t actually make a winning Black Jack hand! But you could perform it with a different theme (or else the cards are easily replaced).

Rus also teaches an impromptu variation of the effect. It naturally has fewer kickers – and requires one extra move. But it is still usable. For me, there are stronger impromptu effects around.

As ever the video production is good, though I was amused that the ‘Charlier cut’ was titled the ‘Charlie cut’!

I think this could work in the real world, especially as a one off. But I’m not sure it will make it into my strolling set. £12.99 from MagicTao.

Evolution
If you spend any time in pubs or clubs (or anywhere there are beer bottles floating around) then you really need to have a look at this. It’s a really clean cap in bottle routine.

And there’s really not that much more to say.

It is nicely routined and easy to do. There is an impromptu version (which is strong) and a ‘gimmicked’ version which is stronger. Instant re-set and using everyday items. This is a real worker.

£15.99 from MagicTao

[NB – I haven’t used any other cap in bottle routines, so have no idea how this relates to other products on the market. The credits are quite long suggesting that it owes something to the work of others (as any good effect does) – as does the name when you come to think about it…]

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