#murphys magic

AM/FM Deck - Michael Breggar - A Review

Deck and Online Videos & PDF

This is the Ad Copy

The perfect forcing deck for working pros and a few cons.

The spectator calls a number and deals down to that card... it is the card you predicted! Or, they just start dealing until they wish to stop. It's the predicted card. Or... well, you get the point.

Here's the thing.... they call the number, they remove the deck from the box and they start dealing. It ends on the force card. And then, you show that any other number would have brought them to different cards.

No static at all. It's Michael Breggar's "AM/FM Deck"

My Thoughts:

I don't normally preface a review with a comment about the creator. But.. I'm a fan of Michael Breggar. That doesn't mean I'm a fan of every single effect produced by Michael.. but I'm certainly a fan of most. That said.. I'm a fan of THIS one. Brother.. that little fact makes my life so much easier..

To quote Michael...

"I cannot believe I am the first to come up with a configuration like this, though I have not seen this deck construction and general handling together. In a way, its family tree could be traced to the Svengali, Mirage, Pop-Eyed Popper, etc. gaffed decks of the golden-oldies era. Nods to one-, two-, three-way forcing decks and their ilk."

AM/FM Deck is not a trick. It is a tool. It is an intriguing way of forcing a card or producing a card from a named location in a deck. If you watch the video, you get a good notion of just a couple of the productions you can achieve. This is much more than a.. "..deal down to a number and there's your card.." effect. It is a series of effects made possible by being able to know, in advance, the identity of a card at a predictable location... AND... being able to convince the spectator the deck is a conventional deck, full of different cards. It's not. But that's the secret behind AM/FM Deck.

I don't like to comment on reviews by fellow reviewers. It's not nice.. and I try my best to be a nice guy. That said.. A very popular reviewer recently reviewed Michael's deck and did his best to classify it as nothing more than a Svengali deck. It's not. It cannot be used as a Svengali deck, as the math doesn't gee-haw. Yes, there's a number of the same cards in the deck, but, as Michael says, the " deck construction and general handling " is different from a Svengali deck.. as well as some of the other popular forcing decks. You are paying for the madness behind the method.. and there's plenty of madness to go around. I promise...

AM/FM Deck was created using a variety of psychologically motivated moves. Michael furnishes buyers with two separate videos.. one 18 minutes long and one 30 minutes long.. detailing the why's and what for's. All the steps are explained and justified. Ultimately, his philosophy is..'don't let the forcing deck become the center of attention. Bring it into play.. let it do its thing.. then take it out of the spotlight.'

Aside from forcing a card, its very basic purpose, Michael teaches a zoom show method, where a prediction card is mailed days ahead of time to the host.. for the grand reveal during the zoom meeting.

Video two, titled - More, Better, Other Tricks with the AM/FM Deck - features a variety of effects that do not rely on simply forcing a card, but expand the concept. One.. the Happy Birthday effect, begins with the spectator's birthday serving as the numerical location. The spectator is then given a birthday card with the same card dealt to - found printed or attached to the inside of the birthday card. Another effect uses six dice to decide on a location within the AM/FM Deck. Yet another revelation uses a giant card concealed under your mat as the final reveal.

One of my very favorites is based on the classic Out For Lunch, probably by William Larsen Sr... but maybe Edward Bagshawe.. The notion is very visual and surprising.. and happens in the spectator's hands.. always a big plus. And finally, Michael has devised a compelling use of the AM/FM Deck to reproduce an Invisible Deck effect.. except it isn't an invisible deck effect.. much to the chagrin of the poor magician(s) who were on the edge of busting your measly carcass.

AM/FM Deck is available in Red or Blue backs.. (Bicycles) The video, although filmed in Michael's office, I assume, is a very good production, using multiple cameras and picture-in-picture technology. The sound is ideal and everything is up to Murphy's Magic standards.

There is also a PDF included with the videos, giving you an overview of most of the effects taught in the videos. All the basics are discussed, including the deck layout should everything become displaced.

Remember, when you purchase AM/FM Deck, you are purchasing a tool. You are given tutorials to seven or eight different effects, some which could easily be sold as stand-alone effects. Honestly. I am going to recommend this to my friends and readers. It is well worth the time and effort, and your magic will grow exponentially...

$29.95 .. From Murphy's Magic and their Associates..

https://www.murphysmagic.com/Product.aspx?id=69968

The Vault - The Ogawa Opener by Shoot Ogawa A Review

Video Download

The Ad Copy:

Magic Moment With Shoot Ogawa

Ogawa Opener: One of Shoot's professional routines that he uses to this day. Magician freely shuffles a deck of cards and then asks the spectator to tell him when to stop as he riffles through the deck with his finger. The magician honestly stops at the spectator's chosen location and then splits the deck into two different piles. The magician then magically reveals four aces in the blink of an eye. This is pure eye candy and a self working effect with little sleight of hand required. This is a great opener into any card routine and one that any magician would use for the rest of their lives from the living room to the board room. It will elevate your magic overnight.

WHO IS SHOOT OGAWA

SHOOT OGAWA was born in Tokyo, Japan, where he discovered his love for magic at the age of 10. By the time he was 17, he had traveled to the United States and won the First Place award for Stage Magic at the St. Louis Magic Jubilee.

Since that time, Shoot has performed on television in all 7 continents; won the Magic Castle's 'Close-Up Magician of the Year' twice, making him the youngest person ever to win that title; named the most popular Japanese entertainer in America; awarded the Magic Castle's 'Parlour Magician of the Year' two times; and awarded the Magic Castle's 'Stage Magician of the Year' twice.

Shoot Ogawa performs all over the world every year and audiences delight in his flawless presentation of magic.

My Thoughts:

This is a very quick magic trick. It is a four Ace production that occurs immediately after a spectator selects a location in a thumb-riffled deck. I have seen all kinds of Ace productions, some I can perform, and some I can't. Thanks to Shoot.. this is one I can add to the 'can perform' list!

No lie... you can perform this after about ten minutes of practice. Nothing gets an audience's attention quite like an Ace production.. and I'm sure that's why someone of Shoot's status would open his routine with this flourish.

Rather than offer a long-winded description.. I encourage you to click the link and watch a real-time performance of The Ogawa Opener. Watching will give you a precise idea of what you're getting for ten bucks. Again, I appreciate performers who charge a modest fee for a one-off effect. This is so affordable that, if you enjoy Ace productions, you can't afford NOT to buy it.

Production wise.. everything is typical Murphy's Magic quality. I can't say I've ever bought a Murphy's product that was poorly produced. The video and sound are both quite adequate. No, they didn't go overboard for a ten dollar effect.. but I wouldn't expect them to do so. You will have NO problem learning and understanding The Ogawa Opener.

The tutorial is approx. 16 minutes in length, and begins with a singular performance. Shoot then goes into detail to teach the specifics. Immediately after, he is joined by three participants, who are taught the handling in real time.. and you can see just how long it takes to actually learn. Everything is followed by an eight minute cartoon featuring Bugs Bunny and Ala Bahma. I kid you not...

Again, watch the video and see if this is something you would like to add to your repertoire. If so.. buy it now. It's an instant download, and you can be performing this is fifteen minutes. No gaffs. No alterations. No real sleights.. although there IS a flourish used to produce one of the cards. (This is where the ten minutes of practice comes in..) Regardless of your skill level, you CAN do this.!

$10.00 .. From Murphy's Magic and their Associates.

https://www.murphysmagic.com/product.aspx?id=70613

The Vault - Illusory by Ziv - A Review

Video Download

They won't believe their eyes! Illusory is an incredible new system that makes vanishes and appearances look like a special effect only seen in movies!

Level up your social media channels with effects that look truly impossible!

Make playing cards and other objects vanish into thin air and at whatever speed you choose. Illusory is under your control at all times.

Easy to perform.

Easy to make.

Limited only by your imagination.

My Thoughts:

This is different.. When I first watched the demo video I was sure it was simply black art. Cards are disappearing and reappearing against a dark background, and I've been around too long.

I'm not familiar with Ziv.. but he seems like a dedicated young man, willing to step out with a new method of performing old magic. He has, I assume, created this effect himself using something other than black art. Without giving away too much.. black art IS a factor in the vanishes.. but not actually the central point.

Playing cards, held in front of ones chest, vanish and reappear at the control of the magician. This is a very simple method, but not a common method. Something some might consider 'high tech' is used to facilitate the vanish. It's actually a product normally used for another purpose.. but is being repurposed to achieve the magic.

That's all I can tell you.. without giving away too much.

I have to admit, in all fairness to my readers, I have not performed ILLUSORY for a social media audience... which seems to be the target market. I did not perform this beforehand because I did not have the secret sauce. I AM familiar with the secret sauce.. and have no doubt that, under the right conditions, it WILL work. The 'stuff' needed for a successful performance can be purchased on sites like Amazon for around $17.00 for enough material to create a number of gimmicks... and the gimmicks can be used over and over. So, your initial purchase will last for a long time.

I'm confident enough in my knowledge of the secret material I was willing to go ahead and write the review. I have used this material for it's intended purpose, and I know it works as promised. That said... no promises in the world of magic.

The video is filmed on an iPhone. It is also filmed with sub-titles, with English being the language in print. Generally, I am not a fan of sub-titles, but the secret to this effect was revealed rather quickly and I didn't have a problem following the instructions.. which were just over 6 minutes. Truly, it's all about the secret. Handling and secondary instructions are clear watching the promo.

I think it's safe to say you're paying for a secret. Watch the video and see if it's for you.

$15.00 .. Download at Murphy's Magic and through their Associates.

https://www.murphysmagic.com/product.aspx?id=69988

Summit - by Abstract Effects - A Review (Gimmicks and Online Instructions)

This is the Ad Copy:

From the minds of Patrick Kun, The Other Brothers & Abstract Effects --comes a thought of card to Sharpie unlike anything you have EVER seen!

Even includes a routine and method for ONLINE performances.

At last, a thought of card to Sharpie that has NO card switches, NO sharpie switches, and a PRACTICAL yet mind-blowing method.

Your spectator THINKS of a card. You hand them a sharpie to write down what they are thinking of...but to their surprise, the sharpie doesn't actually work.

You take the sharpie from the spectator, and WITHOUT ANY MOVES, and while keeping the Sharpie IN VIEW THE ENTIRE TIME...you open it up to REVEAL a card rolled up inside.

The spectator still HAS NOT SAID, OR EVEN written down their card.

Then the spectator is asked to name their card. With NO switches or moves of ANY kind, the card is turned over and is the EXACT card the spectator named - EVERY TIME!

NO card switches or sharpie switches!

The gimmick is designed for easy use with a super practical method and ability to keep the gimmick on you wherever you go so you're ready to blow some minds at a moment's notice.

Summit comes with everything you need to perform right out of the box, and can be reset easily so you're always ready to perform! Great for beginners to workers & pros!

My Thoughts:

Don't you love it when you get a REAL effect in your hands! There are so many downloads and videos it feels really good to get your hands on something tangible. In this case, something that is truly magical and unique, something that enables you to do a bit of magic unlike anything you've probably performed before.

I don't want to get all mushy on you.. but I DO want to express my pleasure with SUMMIT and The Other Brothers.

I'm not going into detail about The Other Brothers and Patrick Kun.. if you are reading this review, you should be familiar with all three of these very talented magicians and some of the many effects they've created the past several years. Also, I don't know who did what or who came up with this or that. I only know all three are credited and the Other Brothers present the video tutorial for Summit.. which runs almost fifty minutes.

The premise is explained very well in the ad copy.. and everything in the ad copy is correct. I have a tiny issue with one phrase and I'll talk about it in a moment.

A spectator is asked to merely think of a card. There is a bit of directing on your part, but if done as taught the spectator will never realize they didn't have a complete choice. When the magician and the spectator have narrowed the selection down to  less than a dozen cards, the 'magic' happens..

The spectator, without naming their final selection, is given the Sharpie to write down their answer. Unfortunately, the Sharpie doesn't work. The magician tells the spectator the Sharpie sometimes gets clogged.. and proceeds to take it apart, VERY openly, and reveals a card rolled up insiide the barrel of the pen. The spectator is THEN asked to name their selection.. and the rolled up card is revealed to be a match. The ad copy says "..with NO moves of any kind." There is a slight move, but it is not visible to the spectator. It's not a point of contention.. but I didn't want you to think the card 'magically' transports to the Sharpie, or is in the Sharpie beforehand.

HOW it gets in the Sharpie is the masterful aspect of SUMMIT. Tools are used. But.. they are minimal and unobtrusive. I think THAT is what makes this a unique effect. The 'tools' themselves are also unique. I am not aware of anything similar.

A couple of other side notes... The gimmick is made with a real sharpie. Should your gimmick ever go south.. you can create another gimmick on your own. The video is typical Murphy's Magic quality. This is not a highly stylized video.. but it doesn't need to be. It will convey everything to you a good tutorial should. This is rated as an Intermediate level effect. It uses a few basic moves to keep the audience focused in the right direction. Although I'm confident an advanced beginner can perform Summit successfully.. you will not perform this straight out the box.

You need to run through the handling and patter a few times to avoid hiccups. There are also a couple of minor moves you need to perfect behind the scenes to make everything copacetic. Would you try to perform a mercury fold for the public with no practice? No. But.. once practiced.. it's not difficult. Same here.....

Is it worth $55.00 bucks? If you use it.. it certainly is. This is something that will become a staple in the routines of a number of performers. It's easy to set up.. and only requires you to slip a little something in your pocket beforehand. If you visit the link below and watch the demo.. you'll get a very good idea of exactly what YOUR audience will see.

I am recommending all my friends and readers buy this. If I get one email condemming me for recommending this product.. it's OK.. because I'll get ten more thanking me for recommending it. So there....!

$55.00  ..  From Murphy's Magic and their Associates. https://www.murphysmagic.com/Product.aspx?id=66618

Transit (Red) by Ron Salamangkero - A Review

This is the Ad Copy:

The audience will freak out when you allow them to examine before and after you perform Transit. They can watch closely... there's nothing to catch.

Ron Salamangkero is proud to present his latest creation. A variant of the traveling hole illusion.

The magician punches holes in three corners of a playing card using a puncher. A ribbon is tied through one hole and the ends knotted together. The card now hangs from the ribbon. With no dodgy hand or finger movement, the magician moves the ribbon from one corner hole to another by sliding it through the space between the holes. He does it twice.

It's visual magic that looks unbelievable even when seen up close! The magician the hands everything to the spectator for examination. Transit comes with a gimmick card and a step by step in-depth video instruction

My Thoughts:

Seems like I've reviewed a number of items recently that employ gimmicked cards. This is another such effect. Ron Salamangkero (Creator of The Answer & Face Off) has created a nice gimmick for guys and girls to use in close-up situations.

The basic handling is this.. The performer has a spectator select a card. The card is shown about, and the performer uses a hole punch to punch three holes in three different corners of the selection. A ribbon is tied through one of the holes.. and the magi guides the ribbon from this hole to the second hole.. and then to the third hole, appearing to defy the laws of solid objects. This is similar in appearance to a moving hole effect.. except the ribbon moves instead of the hole.

I'm going to offer up a few initial thoughts..

Thankfully, all the DIY has been performed by Ron. All you need to do is provide a hole punch. If you don't have one, you can pick one up at most dollar stores. The gaffed card and the ribbon come with the effect.

A twelve minute instructional video has been posted online. Although the video quality is good, I think perhaps the script should have been practiced a time or two before being recorded. This is NOT a deal breaker.. just an observation. Everything you need to know is taught.

The gimmicked card itself CANNOT be passed out for examination. A card is freely selected beforehand.. and this is the card the audience will handle afterwards. For this reason, I am not sure this is an ideal effect for a beginner. Depends on your definition of 'beginner'.. I suppose. You do need to be able to handle the initial selection, and switching in the gimmick. This is taught in the video.. but just be advised.

This effect should be performed with pace. It will not only look better.. but you will be less apt to 'flash' any component of the gimmick.

If you like the moving hole effects.. you'll really like TRANSIT. This is a sharp gimmick that actually does most of the work for you.. although you WILL have to practice the moves. You'll not perform this ideally straight out the package. Like most of the hole effects, finger placement is important.

I do wish TRANSIT were a bit less expensive. If you use it, I can see it being a very good investment. Perhaps the price-point could be justified if two or three gimmicked cards were included. As is, there is only one, and I can see it wearing out over time. Perhaps Ron will give you a deal on replacements.??   

  TRANSIT is made with Bicycle cards.. and is available as either Red or Blue backed gaffs.. your choice. As always, I encourage you to visit the Murphy's link below and watch the demo. It gives you a great idea of the visual.

$29.95  .. Available at Murphy's Magic and through their associates.

  https://www.murphysmagic.com/product.aspx?id=69386

Skymember Presents Isolated Red -  by Mr. Xuan - A Review. (Gimmicks and Online Instructions)

The following is the Ad Copy:

In 1950s, David Berglas created the "Holy Grail" of card magic, known as "The Berglas Effect".  The Berglas Effect:

The performer shows a shuffled pack of cards, then a spectator is asked to think of ANY card in the deck. Next, the spectator is asked to name a random number between 1 and 52. Amazingly, the randomly thought of card is found at the exact number the spectator had thought of. In later years, this effect was known as "ACAAN" and is still regarded as one of the most impossible card effects in magic.

Skymember Presents is proud to introduce you to Isolated, the very first instalment to our PRO SERIES.

This ultimate version of ACAAN was created by Mr. Xuan. He will be going over every detail on not only how to perform this super-clean effect but also goes into the psychology, patter, and routine structure.

With Isolated, you can perform multiple imperceptible mind-blowing routines that under insane fair conditions.

PRO SERIES:

Have you ever wondered why; when some magicians perform an effect, they seem so professional? Or maybe they always get standing ovations? Or maybe they just have "that special thing"? Have you ever wondered how can YOU overcome these uncertainties? Well, now you can. Therefore we have decided to release our PRO SERIES!

Many things are to be taken into account when designing a professional routine. It's not just about the moves and techniques... there's psychology, patter, routine structure and so much more. We'll shed light onto all the minute details from start to finish. Isolated is not just a trick, it's a masterclass, come on inside for we have so much to share... in isolated.

Features: 3 powerful routines. Designed for TV and stages. Perform like a Master in no time. An hour Masterclass. Taught expertly by Avi Yap, Ryan Goh and Zach Ng. Available now worldwide.

My Thoughts:

Every now and again a new effect comes along that truly stretches the borders. I consider ISOLATED such an effect, and am very pleased to be in a position to review it.

No, everything is not perfect. It is not a 100% sure fire winner.. which, unfortunately, is true with most advanced Any Card At Any Number (ACAAN) effects. There is always an element of danger, as I group most ACAAN lovers/performers with sky divers and race card drivers. I think it's safe to say most of the best ACAAN performances I've ever seen were on video.. (except Charlie Frye's performance at a SCAM convention in 2008). Don't take that statement wrong. It's just that it's much easier to 'clean up' a video.. and real time ACAAN's can be finicky. I've seen more than one well-known magician have to back up an punt during performances.  

Yes, there are a few performers with flawless ACAAN's.. but they are not generally marketing their effect. Most of the effects that DO make it to market are not magician foolers, which shouldn't be a consideration... but it is.

Enough negativity! I am a BIG fan of ISOLATED.. and it's time for me to tell you why...

ISOLATED is complete with two video tutorials and four different effects. It uses a gaffed deck.. a VERY gaffed deck.. and a fair amount of psychology to accomplish about as fair an ACCAN, from the audiences' perspective, as you'll find on the market.

It is well taught, in a 50 minute tutorial, by Avi Yap and Ryan Goh (creator of Anarchy). Both are well versed and very articulate, and explain everything you need to know in an impressive manner. Unfortunately, the second video, which covers only one of the four effects, is not as clear, as it employs sub titles, fast sub titles, but provides enough clear visuals you should be fine. This isn't a sticking point.. just an observation.

If you're a lazy magician, ISOLATED probably isn't for you. As with most well-constructed effects, the performer has to be able to control the deck AND the spectator. This is not an extreme.. just being able to prevent them from turning cards at the wrong time and maintaining your own deck orientation to prevent revealing moments that are unrecoverable.  

ISOLATED has a number of gaffed cards and regular cards.. and requires a one-time setup. Despite the setup, the deck can be table spread and shuffled as a real convincer. After the spread and shuffle, the magician again spreads the cards, face down, and asks the spectator to point to any card. They do... but this is a moment that requires spectator control. There are two small areas, about 5-6 cards each, that the performer needs to block via the spread. If performed as taught, you should pull this off the vast majority of times. It's a small blip, but a consideration, in an otherwise superb effect.

The performer shows the spectator the card they picked. It is buried and cut into the deck. The performer ask the spectator to name a number.. and the magi fairly deals down to that number. The card is turned... and revealed to be the spectators card. An acrylic card sleeve can be used to deal the cards in a super-fair manner.  There are so many convincers used along the way, despite the construction of the deck, the spectator, (magicians included), are left to ponder the impossible..

A second effect with the same setup, referred to as a Russian Roulette type effect, is extremely effective in it's own way. Six piles are dealt after the spec selects a card, and the spec slowly eliminates each pile, and is shown its content in the process.. until one is left. He then selects one of the remaining cards.. and it is his selection. Pretend the piles are potential  spikes, and have the spectator slam their hand on individual piles.. avoiding the one 'spiked' pile that contains their card.. Good stuff...

A third effect also uses the same setup and a Mexican Turnover (taught) to again find the spectator's card... which matches a card given to him beforehand by the performer. It is a very good prediction effect and looks quite good on video.  

An additional portion of the first video is a masterclass type production, displaying various ways to use ancillary devices to strengthen the effects. Card dealer/sleeves and tweezers are the two primary examples.

The second video, the Lottery effect, stage version, is similar enough to the Russian Roulette effect you shouldn't have a problem with the sub titles. I also noticed a commercial rights clause that prevents the effects from being used on TV and web shows without permission. I am not a fan of these clauses.. but it is what it is...

Quickly put... ISOLATED is roughly an hour and ten minutes of instruction . Both the video and sound are typical Murphy's Magic quality. Everything works.. aside from the sub titles on the second video, which scroll too fast for these eyes to follow. (Again, I don't mention this to disway you from purchasing Isolated..)

In all.. I think ISOLATED is a very sharp, very intelligent use of gaff cards to achieve one of the classics of magic. The additional effects are icing on the cake, so to speak, and add to the value of this specialized deck. I definitely recommend ISOLATED to all my readers and Roadshow subscribers. I realize forty bucks is a serious purchase, but I believe it is well worth the price if you, like me, are a big fan of ACAANs.

$39.95  ..  From Murphy's Magic and their associates. https://www.murphysmagic.com/Product.aspx?id=66680

The Magic Warehouse is the right place to buy Murphys Magic. We also offer Tabary Elegant Rope Magic Volume 2 by Murphy's Magic Supplies.

The Magic Warehouse is the right place for beginners who want to learn magic tricks. You could also try out our magic tricks among your friends circle the next time you go on a trip or are with them in a boring house party.