You will not be able to perform the effect as shown in the demonstration and neither can Jan. As a
clue, look for where there are cuts in the video and that's where the performer needs to do
something cagey (not difficult but possibly revealing) and another where you need to direct a
spectator to do something specific and a bit awkward. The result is something that is a bit more
cumbersome than what was advertised.
Either of those might raise questions. Both increase
the odds of somebody thinking you are doing something that isn't as fantastic as what we saw in the
demo video.
I guess some would say removing the missing steps from the presentation wasn't
that big a deal. A reasonable response would be to ask why they were removed? If this was demo'ed in
one of those old time magic stores I wouldn't expect the shop owner to ask everyone to close their
eyes for 10 seconds while he does something that if they saw it there's less of a chance they would
buy the effect.
Otherwise, it is a reasonable presentation (though not as clean as shown)
for an old method. Don't get me wrong, if you are the type of performer that draws people in with
the sound of your voice (and who doesn't miss Eugene) then it can still be extremely effective.
Beyond that, the explanation is a bit... plodding. You can save yourself a bit of time by
starting 14 minutes into the explanation and a bit of money by not getting it at all.
45 of 50 magicians found this helpful.
I knew immediately the principle involved here from Bob Hummer, Patrick Redford, and Green Neck.
What I couldn't figure out was how exactly Jan was accounting for something that you need to know.
Now I know--editing. LOL
OK, the video isn't fair, but I loved the presentation. I've
never used this plot before because I didn't like all the unexplained procedure. Jan has that all
figured out so that it makes sense. And while his approach to that other "thing" is bold and cheeky
or requires p******, I find that it's much easier to remember what you have to do. You have to
focus--and practice--but Jan's way is much easier.
I understand the dilemma here. If
Penguin didn't edit the video at a crucial point, then folks like me with an understanding of the
underlying principle would be replaying it and figuring it out. I get it. Even though I knew how
this went, I still think that for the small price, Jan's excellent presentation and subtleties are
worth it. And if you don't know the classic method, this is a must if you are into impromptu
mentalism.
9 of 11 magicians found this helpful.
Great trick with a great method. Ive done this to a few friends and family so far and they all
usually catch my methods since they know what i do.
In this case i had one person realise part
of the method (its mentalism so of course you get a peice of information first) and caught me
getting that peice of information ) but even with that , theres so much trockery going around that
they couldnt wrap their head around how it happened after.
The only downside is just
that... The method of getting the info, i had to watch the video twice because the method is
explained in about 2 seconds without detail. You can get the whole method and understand it easily
but the very forst part of the method is brushed so quick you can miss it. And then there are no
outs given if caught like i was. Also reviewing his performance you can see he dosent even use the
method himself adding to the confusion when the explanation comes in.
Still great trick
and it works great. 4 stars because i would of liked a bit more info on that method (as well as an
out when caught) and would of liked to see him actually apply it in performance wich leads the whole
performance part to look like a setup , the "victims" already know whats goin on and its staged.
2 of 2 magicians found this helpful.
So absurdly deceptive to the spectator and performer (at least to this performer) The video
instructions are so crystal clear and detailed that you doubt your own sanity until you try it and
it works. Every time! You follow the instructions and it works. I'm still stunned and haven't a
clue why it works. It just does. A serious tool for the mentalist
1 of 1 magicians found this helpful.
I enjoyed Jan's take on this effect.
I learned the basic principle 20 years ago from a
friend who'd independently reinvented it, and I remember how hard I struggled with learning it.
Jan's teaching is better than I had then, although I think a slightly different approach might help
some learners (the more analytical ones).
I've taught an effect with this principal for 15+
years, and I realized quickly: the instructions you give are absolutely critical ... more so than
for any other effect I do. For me, since I recognized the technique, my purchase was motivated by
a hope that I'd learn from a professional how to handle problems. (Indeed, watching one of the
demos, you can see a point where a major problem *almost* occurred.). But, it lacks that. Sure, I
have outs for a lot of effects. But I haven't put the time into thinking about a good one for this
effect (and, the out would vary from when you use the technique for playing cards vs. words), so I
was disappointed not to find one here.
1 of 2 magicians found this helpful.
Much too complicated for the response we receive. There are many other methods that achieve the
same results.
1 of 2 magicians found this helpful.
Jan is a really clever thinker, and has taken this effect to a level where it is impossible to back
track. If you like your magic to kick them hard, then get this. You won’t be disappointed. It’s a
really nicely shot video and great little effect to add to your repertoire.
Nice to do for smaller intimate table magic, although there is a lot of audience management and
instruction which can take a little fun out of an otherwise great effect.
The mathematical principle is well known, but this mentalist effect can add some very nice touches.
Combined with some elements of showmanship it can increase the impact. Well done.
I haven't tried this yet but it looks very good and I will be trying it soon. I have seen similar
effects, and I like very much his presentation angle as one who is able to read peoples voices