Magic Tricks

But a masterclass in audience management.

It turns out that the secret here is not rocket science. But the power of the effect is in Dani's capacity to create an ILLUSION of spontaneity, even chaos, with maximum hands-on spectator involvement, while maintaining all the control of the cards he needs to achieve the outcome. Indeed, it is the spectators who set up everything, with Dani's deft guidance, and it is done so casually, almost frenetically, that they don't even realize that they are setting up the outcome, though it looks and feels like they are contributing randomness and disorder. Given the sweeping performance lessons to be learned here, you get more than your money's worth.

There are few caveats for complete neophyte. First, despite the name, the performer does handle the cards a bit, and for very specific and crucial reasons--indeed, this is shown in the trailer. Dani's teaching goes over how to do so deftly and purposefully while maintaining the illusion that the spectators do all the handling.

Second, like in most of his videos Dani assumes his viewers have some basic card handling aptitude and knowledge, and he glosses over some principles that are common knowledge to almost all of us but may be foreign if this is the first trick you've ever downloaded. But don't despair--the trick is still self-contained and you can still pick up everything you need by reviewing closely where he seems to rush.

Third, the borrowed deck version requires a rather bold move and, at least to me, does not seem nearly as straightforward or baffling. The gimmicked version (which is really very simple and can be quickly reset if you need to) stands on its own.

Fourth, you really need several spectator-assistants to create the pseudo-chaos and maximize the mystery. Dani doesn't discuss an approach with just one or two spectators, and I hope someone raises this and has some ideas in the private forum.

Finally, Dani has a heavy accent and at times moves quickly. I speak Spanish and am used to Spaniards speaking English, and even I had to double back in places to clarify what he was saying. But fear not--Dani's English is excellent, despite his accent, and listening closely and reviewing will be rewarded.

Overall, Dani DaOrtiz is a master cardician and you never go wrong investing in his work. This effect is no exception. It is especially a must-have for CAAN/ACAAN fanatics.