Well, I don't have any questions concerning the trick. Your teaching is generally very good and I didn't have any real issues with learning Gradual. So, I'll just break down my thoughts on the individual phases.
The first phase was nice, I like the general sequence. However, I don't like the use of Lennart Green's Top Shot as the first production. That's more of a personal preference, but it feels like more of a "stunt" than a magical moment to me. Other than that, the first phase is fine. Second phase, I'm having some trouble with the spreading of the 3 cards after the first vanish. It feels like something that will just take practice, but it feels a bit knacky. Overall, the vanish of the first card is smooth and makes sense. However, the color change that follows the vanish doesn't make much sense to me in terms of plot but I doubt the spectator would read into it that much. The changing of the reds to the blacks is a nice change, but it was a bit confusing like the first color change in the sense that it sort of defied the plot a bit. Again, this is just a pet peeve that I have as a magician. Last phase, probably my favorite phase. I like the vanish; I usually use the Be Kind Change during my performances. The production in the end is my favorite bit, and I added some changes to that as well.
Overall, the sequence of events flows nicely, you perform things well, the routine is fun to practice and perform, and it's good food for thought. I prefer these sorts of downloads from you, similar to Fontaine where there is a fully developed card routine as opposed to just ideas with certain sleights. Nice job.
- Patrick V.
