In addition to the jar itself and a few extra bits which may be of use in different routines, you are also provided with a DVD which teaches all you need to know.

Garrett Thomas introduces Kozmo who’s idea it is and in discussion they explore the development of the idea and teach various routines.

The first main routine taught is a card routine. Briefly, a folded card is placed in the jar; a spectator chooses and signs a card which is placed in the card box; a 2nd spectator chooses a card and loses it in the deck. In an instant the 2nd card is found in the card box and the 1st card, impossibly, is found trapped in the jar. This is a great routine with lots of magic. A brilliant feature of the way this routine is put together, is that if you’re scared of a Mercury Card Fold you can do it right out of sight! (You could easily apply this thinking to any other ‘impossible location’ effect you perform). 10 minutes of explanation covers all you need to know about this routine. You will need to supply a deck of cards and a duplicate.

A simple Confabulation routine is taught. This is the classic routine where multiple pieces of information are predicted in advance. Scott Tokar teaches this and it is nice to see his performance in a trade show setting. The explanation is brief (about 8 minutes) but covers the basic routine and some nice subtleties which strengthen an already great effect.

The third major routine is a Coin Routine by Garrett Thomas. He emphasises that this is more of a starting point than a fully formed routine. It is a series of moves where coins travel to and from and through the jar. There are lots of ideas here to get you started with, but I much prefer the mentalism and card possibilities. Whatever floats your boat.

The rest of the DVD spends time exploring the jar itself and principles (10 minutes) and a series of variations on the ‘switch’ (16 minutes). The method means a certain ‘unnaturalness’ in unavoidable – however there are some very innocent ways of doing this, and they discuss the various possible ‘problem’ moments. A further 7 minutes explores possible other uses. There are a few good ideas here which may stimulate further thoughts.

Anything that jars?

The jar itself is extremely Innocent looking and (with very tiny restrictions) is examinable. It is more or less angle-proof and easy to use. As a walkaround performer, I would have to carefully assess the amount of pocket space it would take up. However, you could, possibly, put other props in the jar and even carry it separately and place it on the table as you arrive.

There’s lots I like about this, but the bottom line for me is do we actually need another switch device? If you’ve got no similar devices then this would be worth a look. I does feel a little bit pricey for something you could fairly easily put together yourself. But on the other hand, the size and shape of the jar is quite carefully chosen to work well for what it does.

I do like this, and I really like the routining of the card effect. The real selling point for me is that it is a recognisable (and so innocent) item which may raise fewer suspicions from your spectators. Probably worth a punt.

The Jar is available from the Merchant of Magic for £48.99 (at the time of writing).

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

Kozmo Magic – The Jar – review

3.8 / 5 Reviewer

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The post Kozmo Magic – The Jar – review appeared first on Bicycle Cards.

First up is Ox Bender. We haven’t yet been able to get our hands (well, I suppose technically hand!) on this – but Ox Bender sounds to deal with one of those central issues with a coin bending routine – that historically have pretty much all needed two hands to do the ‘magic’.

As we’ve written elsewhere there is little more powerful in close up magic than making a spectator’s coin bend in their hand – and it also leaves you with an amazing souvenir of the magic. Well worth a look when it ships in a few days. £97.72

We haven’t focused on many new decks for a while, so allow us to indulge our love of a new deck of cards with several recent releases.

The Makers Playing Cards by Dan and Dave are exactly the kind of deck I love. They ooze luxury and I love the custom court cards and bold pips, gorgeous detail on the back design and impressive tuck case. £14.99

I think the Lost Wax Playing Cards are appealing at the moment mainly because I’m so cold! As I write the fan heater is trying desperately to keep my body temperature above zero but the Lost Wax cards bring associations of Africa and warmth in their beautiful orange and gold colour scheme. Ideal for collectors and art enthusiasts alike. £14.99

The Magic Notebook Deck is ideal for magic nuts like me and collectors alike (since each colour is a limited run of only 1200). It is a very minimalist solid colour back design and the tuck case contains a quote from Dai Vernon – in whose honour the cards have been produced. The bold-coloured solid Ace of Spades brings interest. £7.99

We love mentalism here at bicycle-cards.co.uk so we’re always on the look out for new utility devices which can be incorporated into our performances.The Jar is just such a device – but doesn’t just have applications in mentalism – it would make a fantastic card to impossible location effect – and just looks so innocent. Lots of possibilities here I think. £48.99 (PS this link is for the US version – though I suspect that is only related to a ‘special’ coin included – which could easily be replaced with a UK coin if you wanted it for that particular application – we’ll update the link as and when a UK version is here).

And finally, here’s a book which will make you think. We love good magic books – and over Christmas increased our own personal collection by three weighty tomes. In Grips Lines and Looks Marc Oberon has written a book which will help you think about the way you perform your magic and how you can make it more powerful. Who wouldn’t want to do that. It also includes a DVD. £40.99

We hope this gets you off to a good start to 2017. Do keep checking in to read all the latest magic reviews. Happy New Year!

The post Trick of the Month – January 2017 – New Year new magic appeared first on Bicycle Cards.