This is my first Max Maven trick and I can see why he's so popular. He takes a very intelligent and competent approach to teaching. I can tell that he is a true historian... as he explained different grips and moves, he was great about explain who created the moves, as well as WHY one move was chosen over another.

Most intermediate (and even some beginner) magicians will be able to figure this trick out or at least get close. But I definitely recommend this trick for at least beginners. There are some moves here and principles that are foundational in nature.

The nice thing about this trick is that there is no prep time, no gimmicks, and you really can use a borrowed deck. (Which I've always thought was funny... I mean really, how many people have you ever met that happens to be carrying their own personal deck (unless you're at a magic convention or poker event)?) This is as impromptu as it gets... and knowing this trick will enable the beginner to get more and more comfortable with basic sleight of hand.

Get this if you're a noob! If you're a kinda noob, consider it. If you're experienced, you don't need this... but if nothing else, Max's voice will help just about anyone's blood pressure go down 10 or 20 points. :-)

If you’ve watched the trailer you know how good it looks on camera. It looks the same in real life. No angles to worry about, just 4 cards are used. They can be borrowed, no gaffs, no gimmicks, no extra cards. You probably already know the move that is needed but Max teaches it in so much detail you’ll probably learn something to make it smoother and better.

At this price, to learn from the Maven there is no reason not to buy it.

I've been doing an Elmsley Count for decades but the tips on this video are worth far more than the price of this trick. This is a BEAUTIFUL bit of magical artistry. All non-essentials are stripped away. Exactly what you see and say is exactly what happens with no wasted movement. You and the spectators are left with pure magic. As a magician of 40+ years this is one of those rare effects where it is so pure, simple, beautiful and magical that I can watch it and be amazed at what happens, too! GET THIS! YOU WILL LOVE IT!

*review copy*

Well, as everyone else has said - it's Max!

This is a lovely totally impromptu routine with any pack of cards.
It's relatively easy (I'm not a card-guy and I don't foresee any issues with the necessary moves).
It uses spectator selected cards, it builds the magic very well to an "under the spectators finger" finale.

Solid BUY.

For everybody who likes this, buy Focus when you don't only learn magic from video. You will find Masque there and many other effects.

Its an awesome way to use an classic, simple move. Also, Max gives you another reason to never, ever, ever, question the genius of Dai Vernon. So its a great effect, and an excellent small history lesson. Add to that the low cost of this knowledge, and its an essential piece of magic to add to your routines. Just always my rule for myself: Don't just do magic. Perform it!

Max Maven is awesome. He really knows his history and does a phenomenal job explaining everything. That being said I feel like this is much too weak to go into my primary repertoire. It is amazing how Max worked everything but I'm left with the feeling that this is nowhere near as strong as the other tricks I perform. The display starts to look fishy after doing it a few times. Why not just show the cards normally? You definitely don't want the spectator holding onto the card when they have every reason to assume it's not the card you say it is. I do still plan on doing this trick for regulars who have seen my top 40 tricks already though so for that it's well worth it.

This is full of great classic moves that are explained well if you do not already know them. These explanations can make the final trick appear very difficult in the fact that you will have to remember many things. When, in fact, you do not. Once you get through the explanations, going to the last few minutes shows just how easy this magic can be accomplished but will require practice. I suggest that this should be in your repertoire. It can be done with a borrowed deck which can be very powerful.

Can’t wait for more from this creator such a cool trick.

A neat effect. Max gives a great tutorial on a classic sleight that is worth the price of this video alone.