Many of our crew enjoy the self-working kind of magic, and for them Fortuity by David Jonathan may be worth a look. The plot is loosely based on the classic Duel Match type effect – but the method and detail have been changed – leaving an easy to do prediction effect. £34.99

But we never forget that we started out as a sight entirely focused on playing cards for magic. So here’s a heads-up on some rather good looking cards. The Whispering Imps are a striking set of cards which would work particularly well in any gambling-themed routine. They feature a minimalist back design, and dual-orientation indices. As well as the Red and Black versions (£10.50) which have been available for a while, the Green Limited Edition deck is now available individually (it was previously only available in a wooden collectors box set) for £37.50.

I have a significant birthday this month, so am going to indulge by mentioning a whole shelf-full of wonderful magic books.

Nick Trost’s Subtle Card Creations series have been ram-packed with wonderful magic, often requiring little sleight of hand. So volume 6 is a must read. £38.99. Anything with Robert Neale’s name on it is also worth reading – he has an incredibly creative take on story-telling magic and his books always stimulate ideas. Why not pick up Magic Matters ready for some ideal holiday reading? Like Neale, but often more provocative, is Jamy Ian Swiss. I loved Shattering Illusions so have no hesitation recommending Preserving Mystery without even having laid my hands upon it. [UPDATE – we have now read and done a full review of Preserving Mystery – it is Superb!]  [And if anyone wants to buy me something for my 40th then this beautiful collectors edition of his complete works would be a nice idea :-)]

And last, but not least, here’s a welcome re-release. Marc Oberon’s Bang On has always been, to my mind, one of the best solutions to the thought of card in envelope plot. I have seen many variations over the years and have performed several, but there is something about the direct simplicity of Marc’s version which makes it very strong. It’s been re-released on Bicycle stock, and I gather there may be a few other refinements – though I haven’t picked up a copy yet. £96.50

That’s all for now. Have a great month, and check back in for a stack of new reviews – including the latest Bannon DVD – coming soon…

The post Trick of the Month – May 2017 Edition appeared first on Bicycle Cards.

The first one is a little unusual – in that it is a pack raising money for charity. Mail Chimp have partnered with Theory 11 to produce these attractive cards – with simian elements creeping in all over the place – to raise money for a charity helping child survivors of war in Atlanta. We think it’s a great cause and really like the smart back design (in red and black editions) and the fun monkey elements. Why not splash out? £9.99

Theory 11 are also behind the beautiful Medallion Signature Playing Cards. An already elegant design has been improved by some beautiful embossing on the tuck case.

In contrast to some of the rather more elaborate back designs, the Whispering Imps have a minimal approach featuring a ‘WI’ logo on anotherwise plain back. These seem to have been designed with game players in mind slightly more than magicians, and have an interesting approach to the indices.

The Chameleons Playing Cards on the other hand have clearly been produced with magicians in mind (also available in Red and in Blue). They come in Mnemonica order (I’m always surprised that more card manufacturers don’t do this) which means you can perform some great effects from a new and sealed deck (if you’re familiar with the Mnemonica stack, that is!).

The Expert Card Co who print these have used top quality stock which should mean they handle beautifully for faros and more advanced card manipulation. Currently waiting on more stock but well worth a look.

The first thing that struck be about the gorgeous Number 17 Playing cards was the effect of their elegant back design in a fan. And the more you look the more interesting they become. The classics geek in me loves that there is Latin text around the (extraordinary) court cards. They come in Bicycle branded and unbranded versions and I think they are absolutely fabulous! Check them out!

That’s all from us for now. Let us know which of the latest Bicycle Cards available is your favourite and why – perhaps there are some we’ve not yet seen. Let us know!

The post Latest Bicycle cards appeared first on Bicycle Cards.