The effect

This is really the classic ‘bank night’ effect with coloured envelopes. A spectator mixes up four envelopes and deals them out. Yet the magician always gets the money. Or the funny message. Or whatever you want. It really is that hands off and that straight forward.

What do you get?

Two sets of coloured envelopes in two different sizes, and some blank card stock for writing your messages on. You also get a DVD which includes some pdfs for printing various possible messages you might use in the routine and variations, and about half an hour of teaching.

The teaching is very clearly shot though I had a few tiny lip-synch issues – this is odd more than frustrating! The whole thing is nicely packaged in a neat cardboard DVD sleeve.

The teaching

The DVD covers Steve Cook’s original routine, and variations by Peter Nardi and others. The principle is almost embarrassingly simple – but don’t let that put you off. The best ideas are always the simple ones.

The simplicity of the method means you can also easily come up with variations on the theme. The ideas on the DVD will get you started, but I’m sure you will quickly think of others. Of the ones on the DVD, I particularly liked the ESP variation which somehow adds a further level of obfuscation to the procedure.

Final thoughts

One of the nice things about Volition is that several of the variations taught avoid that common issue with Bank Night routines – where it turns into a bit of an ‘I’m cleverer than you’ routine where you get the big win. And as usual with Alakazam releases your purchase also gives you access to online updates and extra ideas. In this case, it already includes a couple of extra presentation ideas from Steve Cook.

I’m not yet certain I have the final presentation I will use on this, but think that with a little thought Volition could become a very entertaining and puzzling routine – just the kind of magic I love. So this is well worth a punt.

Volition is available from MagicShop.co.uk for £24.50 (at the time of writing)

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

The post Steve Cook – Volition – review appeared first on Bicycle Cards.

What do you get?

You’re supplied with a set of nicely printed ESP type cards with a few extra cards which give you scope for a couple of different handlings. The images on the cards are very boldly printed with vivid colours and with care should last a good length of time. You also get an ungimmicked envelope to contain your prediction and an instructional DVD.

The DVD is very straightforward – a performance and explanation all done on a sofa with Peter Nardi in conversation with Dave Loosley. It is clearly filmed and easy to follow – it loses a mark for not including a live performance for real people – but that is a small niggle. It runs just under half an hour and explains everything you need to know very clearly. In addition to the performance and explanation there are a few further ideas and slightly different ways to handle the prediction at the end.

What do we think?

This is one of the nicest effects we have looked at in recent times. It is a simple plot which is easy to follow for the spectator but leaves them with nowhere to go in terms of explanation. Steve Cook has taken an old idea in magic and used it in a very subtle way which makes it extremely strong.

Many routines of this kind require some kind of odd ‘counting procedure’ or else have a number of different outcomes, some of which are weaker than others. There is nothing of that in Symbol. All the outcomes are strong and there isn’t much memory work required on the part of the performer. The prediction is in full view from the start which is a massive bonus.

The performance you watch benefits from Peter Nardi’s confidence in adding dressing to the routine – you will need to think carefully about how to present this to make it an entertaining routine rather than just a puzzle. But I hope you’ll be doing that for all your magic!

It doesn’t take up much space in the pocket (and, by the way, will be going straight into mine!) and reset is pretty much instant. I’m finding it very hard to find anything bad to say about it.

Highly recommended and available direct from Merchant of Magic for £21.50 (at the time of writing).

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

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