Hey guys, first off let me just address something. I know this particular effect has caused a lot of controversy on these forums, not only because some people claim it can't be done but also because some people just plain don't like the creator. Everyone was asking for a video (whether to see whether it was possible or how to do it is another question) or a reasonable review that isn't hyped up by a friend; well, now you've got one of those things and no it's not a video. I PM'd Mike about taking a look at the effect and reviewing it fairly to clear up a lot of the problems people seemed to be having.
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Effect: You meet a spectator (they can be a total stranger) for the first time and you show them clear evidence of destiny. How? They merely think of a card--this is a free thought, there is no forcing or psychological ploys--and you introduce a deck of cards. You spread through the cards or have them spread on the table face-up and the spectator removes their thought of card from the spread. You explain about the concept of fate/destiny and show that on the backs of the cards are names, all different. You remind them they could've had a free thought of any card, or could they? The card they thought of is turned over to reveal their own name on the back of their thought of card.
Difficulty: On a scale of 1-10 (1 = easiest, 10 = hardest)
3/10
Method: Well, this certainly is an interesting method but it makes for a very strong effect in the mind of the spectator and on top of that it's practically sleightless.
Yes there is a tiny little gimmick (if you'd even call it that) involved, but I'd wager most of you already have it and it's by no means hard to come by.
The deck is a regular bicycle deck - with the obvious exception of having names on the back
and you do not have to know the spectators name ahead of time. You do not need an assistant to do this and you certainly do not need to psychologically force a playing card.
You are given two methodologies one of which is easier than the other, but has the downside of looking a little suspect. The other requires the slightest (and I mean slightest) of memory work.
Extra Thoughts: Personally, I think I will use this effect, but sparingly. As is said in the PDF, this is not something you're going to perform everyday but it will serve you well if and when you do use it. It's an extremely powerful effect and Mike has offered a very simple way of doing it.
I think I'll be using my own personal method which allows for an impromptu performance. (meaning without the gimmick) But the gimmick gives a cleaner look.
F.A.Q.
Q: Is there a gimmick?
A: Yes, a tiny one but it won't be seen and you probably already own it.
Q: Is it a trick deck?
A: Nope it's a regular deck of your choice, just with names written across the backs of the cards.
Q: Can the spectator really turn the card over?
A: As Mike has stated, yes they can but it is rather bold and risky to do so.
Q: Is it a free thought?
A: Free as free, can be. If you were to think of a card now, that's how free it would be.
Q: Is there secret writing involved?
A: Nope! All the names are written on the backs of the cards ahead of time, once this is done this is your Destiny Deck and you're set to go.
Q: Do I have to use names?
A: Nope! You could use birthdays, animals, movies, "This card" - "Not this card". It's a very flexible concept.
Overall: Overall, I quite like this effect and I thank Mike for allowing me to take a look at it and review it. The effect described is exactly how it looks to spectators. Once you've written on the deck, you're set to go really. The memory work is not difficult by any means and can be learned as you're writing the deck or 6-10 minutes at most.
If there are any questions, ask away I will answer them honestly. Obviously please do not fish for the method or state that you've figured it out and expose it for everyone.
- Sean
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Effect: You meet a spectator (they can be a total stranger) for the first time and you show them clear evidence of destiny. How? They merely think of a card--this is a free thought, there is no forcing or psychological ploys--and you introduce a deck of cards. You spread through the cards or have them spread on the table face-up and the spectator removes their thought of card from the spread. You explain about the concept of fate/destiny and show that on the backs of the cards are names, all different. You remind them they could've had a free thought of any card, or could they? The card they thought of is turned over to reveal their own name on the back of their thought of card.
Difficulty: On a scale of 1-10 (1 = easiest, 10 = hardest)
3/10
Method: Well, this certainly is an interesting method but it makes for a very strong effect in the mind of the spectator and on top of that it's practically sleightless.
Yes there is a tiny little gimmick (if you'd even call it that) involved, but I'd wager most of you already have it and it's by no means hard to come by.
The deck is a regular bicycle deck - with the obvious exception of having names on the back
and you do not have to know the spectators name ahead of time. You do not need an assistant to do this and you certainly do not need to psychologically force a playing card.You are given two methodologies one of which is easier than the other, but has the downside of looking a little suspect. The other requires the slightest (and I mean slightest) of memory work.
Extra Thoughts: Personally, I think I will use this effect, but sparingly. As is said in the PDF, this is not something you're going to perform everyday but it will serve you well if and when you do use it. It's an extremely powerful effect and Mike has offered a very simple way of doing it.
I think I'll be using my own personal method which allows for an impromptu performance. (meaning without the gimmick) But the gimmick gives a cleaner look.
F.A.Q.
Q: Is there a gimmick?
A: Yes, a tiny one but it won't be seen and you probably already own it.
Q: Is it a trick deck?
A: Nope it's a regular deck of your choice, just with names written across the backs of the cards.
Q: Can the spectator really turn the card over?
A: As Mike has stated, yes they can but it is rather bold and risky to do so.
Q: Is it a free thought?
A: Free as free, can be. If you were to think of a card now, that's how free it would be.
Q: Is there secret writing involved?
A: Nope! All the names are written on the backs of the cards ahead of time, once this is done this is your Destiny Deck and you're set to go.
Q: Do I have to use names?
A: Nope! You could use birthdays, animals, movies, "This card" - "Not this card". It's a very flexible concept.
Overall: Overall, I quite like this effect and I thank Mike for allowing me to take a look at it and review it. The effect described is exactly how it looks to spectators. Once you've written on the deck, you're set to go really. The memory work is not difficult by any means and can be learned as you're writing the deck or 6-10 minutes at most.
If there are any questions, ask away I will answer them honestly.
Obviously please do not fish for the method or state that you've figured it out and expose it for everyone.- Sean
