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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It’s hard to describe Trauma succinctly.  4 blank cards are shown and one placed in a spectator’s pocket.  Spectator imagines that they are actually four of a kind and chooses one of them.  Then the remaining three blank cards turn into the rest of the set with the card in their pocket turning into their chosen card.

Some simple sleights are used which will be familiar to most card magicians.  They are explained on the DVD – though if I am honest I have seen clearer explanations of both of these.  To be fair, Rus does point you to other resources for more details on the moves, but if you are an absolute beginner there might not be enough detail for you here.

I haven’t ‘used this one in anger’ yet (though hope to later on!) – so it is hard to comment on how laypeople would react.  It is fair to say that the final effect might be slightly different each time, with some outcomes slightly weaker than others.  But there is a good amount of magic happening – and the plot is straightforward and easy to follow.  Re-set is straightforward though not instantaneous.

If I was being really picky I would have liked to see a couple more credits since it obviously bears a family resemblance to a number of existing tricks, but I like this and think it would be a useful addition to your repertoire.  For £12.99 you can’t really go wrong.

Available direct from Magic Tao.

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The effect looks like this.  A spectator looks after an envelope with a prediction in it.  Then they choose a number, deal down to that number in a pack of cards which the performer doesn’t handle at all, and the cards match.  It’s that clean.

In almost all variations of this kind of plot there is some limiting going on somewhere – and without wanting to give too much away, it is fair to say that the choice of number isn’t completely free.  On the other hand, if you perform it well the spectator will believe that it is – and that is all that matters.

The handling is very clean.  There is only one prediction card in the envelope and the performer is truly hands off with the deck of cards – the spectator can do all the handling.  It is exactly the type of magic I enjoy – which employs devious yet simple cunning to create the effect of real magic.

If I had one criticism it is that the explanation is slightly laboured – but to be fair that means that is it thorough – it probably just means I am a bit impatient!.  It is certainly very clear and there is no ambiguity.

The DVD includes a pdf which explains the original routine and several variations – gambling, tarot, two deck, etc. etc.  Some of these are very intriguing and will certainly set your mind working about how to utilise this clever routine in a way which suits your style.  There is also an ebook explaining Rus’s original ‘psychological’ handling – which is not 100% guaranteed but will provide a stunning result if it works!

All in all there is a lot to like about it.  It has simplicity of method – though does requires a little memory work.  It all takes place in the spectator’s hand.  It resets instantly.  Good instructions and explanation.  And at £15.99 over at MagicTao it seems like a bargain.

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