Magic Tricks

Not being familiar with the creator in question, I was a bit
worried about getting another book test. However, there are
some really good ideas in this.

The dictionary test has two phases. In one phase, the
participant thinks of any word on a page (as opposed to the
first or last word) and is asked to write down that word
plus any other four words. For the second phase, the
participant looks at the last word on a page and then writes
down three words that can be associated with the thought-of
word. Naturally, the performer is able to reveal both
words.

I find these concepts quite unique and have not seen these
before in dictionary tests, especially considering that
there are no electronics. The methodologies are not new,
but the thinking is what really impressed me. They're
different.

On the other hand, I do recommend that you look past his DVD
presentation as I found it rather weak. He has both
participants look at the two words and then waits until both
have written their words. That's way too much dead time. I
did perform this and after I had one participant look at a
word, I instructed that person to write down his words.
While the first participant was busy, I now dealt with the
second who chose a word and received instructions. By the
time I finished so was the first participant. And so I
turned back to the first person and revealed the word. Then
revealed the second participant's word. I also reversed the
phases, but I'm not sure yet if that was best. I'm still
working on that.

The dictionary used is an ordinary one. I use a vest pocket
dictionary, but any dictionary can be used in whatever
language you need it in. You just need to make sure that
the participant can read it, of course. There is some
slight preparation involving the dictionary for one of the
phases, but it is a one time set-up and there are certainly
alternate methods you can use. I definitely used an
alternate method, but that's because it fit my style.

The DVD contains detailed instructions and performances.
The original language is Italian but there is an English
voiceover. I really liked many of the ideas on this and I'm
looking forward to future releases from Max Vellucci.