In this 2 hours, 33 mins lecture, Eric Jones performs a selection of mainly close-up material,
entirely with coins and cards. Roughly a third of the lecture focuses on gimmicks (magnetic flipper
coin with shell, as well as Erics own Twizted card gimmick). Another third of the lecture is
dedicated to moves that arent stand-alone routines. In my opinion, the lecture suffers a bit from
a lack of fully-routined, impromptu (or, no-extra-purchase-necessary) material. It doesnt help that
following his 3-Fly routine, Eric wanders away from the explanation and never returns. By finishing
the magic portion in under 2 hours, and focusing a considerable portion of the lecture on tricks
that rely on not-your-everyday-average gimmicks and including filler type material, this lecture
is underwhelming. Moderated by Dan Hauss.
Includes the following:
1. Fingertips pt. 1
(also referred to as Oxy-Clean Coin Routine) Standing 3-coin Production and Vanish. This is a
pretty and magical sequence that relies on aforementioned gimmicked coin as well as a clever and
simple hold-out that you can make for about . The gimmick is for use with short or rolled sleeves.
2. Bare-Handed 4-Coin Assembly this routine is performed on a close-up mat on the floor,
with spectators looking down. It features a clever palming technique that is as clean-looking as it
gets. The first 3 coin transfers are great, but the last one-to me-looked like he was doing exactly
what he was doing.
3. Various tricks using the Twizted card gimmick This gimmick is
available for purchase ().
4. Passless Pass This is a sleightless card control which
relies on a spatial discrepancy. While Im sure this flies by many people, I also believe some
people can see right through it. Further, as Eric says himself, it fools the spectator by confusing
him. I dont agree that this is a good approach.
5. Oil and Water In this version, by
Woody Aragon, the separation of mixed cards is self-working. Eric directs the spectators to push
card packets together, themselves; colors then separate. This is a very clever idea. It should be
noted, however, that a crimp is necessary, and the crimp is noticeable during the routine.
6. Marionette Coin Count In this false coin count, 3 coins effectively masquerade as four. The
handling is very natural, and when positioned properly within a fully orbed trickas it is in Audio,
available separatelycan make a marvel of a routine.
7. 3-Fly Performance only.
Unfortunately, and contrary to what the first reviewerMagic Tia, from Italywrote, this is NOT
explained. Eric opens by telling us this is a favorite and teaches it in every lecture. However,
after the routine, he seems to get sidetracked by a request to cover a flourish featured in the
routine. Eric goes on to teach a single coin roll (down the arm). Unfortunately, he does not return
to 3-Fly.
8. Quarter/Penny Transpo (Scott Robinson) This is a simple, impromptu,
in-the-hands transposition that doesnt need any extra coins. Cute, quick, not mind-blowing.
9. Card Translocation Trick This trick packs a wallop and seemed to stun the audience.
Basically, a card is selectedbut not removed from the deckthrough a bit of procedure (think
Overkill, by Paul Harris), then cleanly vanishes from the deck. Selection appears face-up, in packet
spectator has held from the beginning (before the card was selected), which the performer has NEVER
touched. This is a very strong moment, and will fool laypeople and magicians alike. However, for
lay-audiences there are simpler methods for achieving the effect of a card or cards appearing in a
card-packet held by the spectator. I would choose Paul Harris Las Vegas Leaper, which generates a
similar response, but which can be done impromptu. Erics trick requires a (common) gaffed card and
simple set-up.
10. Absolutely Brilliant Group Participation Card Trick Without a Name
This trick (again, by Woody Aragon) was the gem of the lecture, for me. In fact, its probably the
only thing here that I would use, but I would use the heck out of it. Each person in the room
chooses 4 cards. The cards are fairly mixed, torn in half and mixed further. 1 piece is set aside.
The remaining pieces are mixed, traded among friends, thrown in the air and lost until only 1 piece
remains. The piece each person ends up with matches the piece put aside at the beginning. This could
be gold for a stand-up performer, as you can involve every person in the room. Easy to apply a
motivational theme, company concept, tarot, holiday, anything.
11. El Cambio Nada Card
color change from Extension of Me/Theory 11. Pretty, done at high chest level, with performers face
in the frame. Drawback is that you have to handle a single card with two hands.
12.
Eclipse Card control. Very nice control inspired by Harry Loraynes Ultra-Move (which I dont
know, so I cant compare.) With angle issues on both sides, this move is only meant for audiences
head-on. This restriction aside, it is very clean-looking.
13. Elevator Cut Flourishy
card cut, based on Karrel Foxs Butterfly Cut. Pretty. Not a false cut, although Eric shows how one
can adjust for a false cut.
14. Enigma Change Copper/Silver coin transformation. In the
hands, chest-level transformation for a head-on audience. Nice little move.
In conclusion,
although Eric is a fine magician, he held back on this lecture. Considering the lack of fully
formed, no-extra-purchase-necessary routines, I feel Audio should have been included and 3-Fly
should have been taught. The strongest material was straight from Woody Aragon's new book, which is
probably what I should have bought. On the other hand, if you own or are interested in the magnetic
flipper coin and shell, and Erics Twizted card, then this lecture will be more valuable to you.
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