Magic Tricks

The best effects in this booklet are those combine other well-known principles of mentalism with the l---c p-----s inherent to non-gimmicked "which hand" effects. "Vice Versa," "Verbalist 2.0," and to a slightly lesser extent "Velvet" are standouts in this regard, precisely because they use a combination of subtleties to minimize the "logic" aspects of the routine. Other effects are more logic forward, and are comparable to Mark Elsdon's "Tequila Hustler." In many cases, Karsakis opts to give the spectator instructions (put the coin here) rather than ask questions (is the coin here?) as in Elsdon's method. Whether this is a superior approach is more a matter of style than substance. The only dubious effect is the original "Verbalist" routine, which risks a scenario wherein the participant can out himself as a liar "too soon." Fortunately, the revised "Verbalist 2.0" obviates this problem, and is a personal favorite. If you are relatively new to "which hand" effects, this is probably the most cost-effective entry to the subject now offered on Penguin. Performers already familiar with the work of Banachek, Elsdon, Brookings, and Elizalde (all cited within) will no doubt find less novelty, but might still find themselves pleased with the presentational ploys of "Vice Versa," "Verbalist 2.0," and "Velvet."