This was another month where the first recommendation was going to be easy. Sucker Punch is a fantastic set of gaffed poker chips which will allow you to perform a wide range of effects. Think of it as an easy way to get into coin magic – as this set reproduces many of the coin gaffs which make so many strong effects possible – but at a much cheaper price point. Many routines and moves are taught via video instructions. Poker seems increasingly popular in the UK so I think this is a no-brainer. £38.99.

Now, call me an old romantic, but it’s hard to beat a classic magic text. And when you take a text that is as classic as Erdnase’s Expert at the Card Table, and then re-print it in a gorgeous pocket sized edition you can have with you anywhere, then you’ve got a real delight on your hands. Gilt edges, chestnut brown faux-leather. What’s not to like? £16.50

And, by the way, if you’re in a nostalgic sort of a mood, why not treat yourself to Limited Edition Expert at the Card Table Deck. This is a gorgeous thing, with a side-opening tuck case matching the colour of the original release of the book, and loads of lovely detail. £14.99

Whilst we’re on the subject of decks, here are another couple of releases that caught our eyes.

The Bicycle Old Parchment Playing Cards appeal to my love of aged looking cards. It’s a pleasing back design, but I particularly like the designs of the court cards which are highly detailed and the intricate custom pips. £9.99

I’m not so fond of the design of the Alloy Amethyst Playing Cards, but if you’re a collector they’re certainly worth a look since they feature – apparently for the first time – iridescent foil on the backs of the cards (as well as on the tuck case). Also available in a Cobalt (Blue) edition or a Copper edition. £19.99

And finally, if you’re looking to keep your deck in top-notch condition, you will probably want to get hold of a card clip. Dan and Dave have released a Classic Clip which is a beautiful example of style and simplicity. It is available in Silver or Black for £29.99.

That’s all for this month.  Let us know if you’ve seen anything worth looking at…

The post Trick of the Month – November 2016 appeared first on Bicycle Cards.

The original Screen Test used postcard-sized cards and featured online instructions. The Pocket Edition comes with cards which are more like ‘collectors’ cards’ approximately 6.5cm by 9cm – they’ve been designed to look just like the real deal and they fit easily in your pocket.  I think the original release was quite small enough to work as a close up effect (and big enough to play in larger venues too), but there’s no doubt that these will take up less of that valuable pocket space!

The teaching is actually exactly the same, but it has been put on a DVD which has certain advantages. The DVD version has an extra section which covers the ‘action pack’ release – an updated set of cards with action movies instead of ‘classic films.’ There are also a few extra ideas for ways of presenting the effect.

As Nardi suggests – you could actually add the Original set and the Action Pack set all together to make an even more fooling effect with twice as many choices. With the more or less playing card size of the pocket edition, you could even utilise a few card handling skills to enable other variations on the handling or even on the effect.

Alakazam, as with many of their releases, provide extra ideas, routines and tips etc. via their website. The DVD includes a code which enables you to access all that material for free (though you will need to set up an account with them to do that).

There’s not much more to say. I still think the combination of film and mind-reading is engaging, the original postcard size and this ‘collector card’ size are both convincing – that is, they don’t really feel like special props, but actually real things. The method is really subtle – and easy to do – allowing lots of room for you to focus on your job – which is entertaining.

Screen Test Pocket Edition is highly recommended and available direct from Merchant of Magic for £26.50 (at the time of writing).
(Or the Action Pack Edition is here for the same price)

Review copy kindly provided by Murphys Magic to whom dealer enquiries should be directed.

The post Steve Dimmer – Screen Test Pocket Edition – review appeared first on Bicycle Cards.