|
|
Paul Gordon’s Card Rarities DVD
Reviewed by Quentin Reynolds
At the Blackpool convention Paul Gordon showed me a card trick and I was
impressed and that doesn’t happen too often with me and card tricks. What I
liked about it was that a lot happens in a short space of time with a hit them
in the face surprise climax that will leave them stunned. In addition to that it
is perfect for strolling and table hopping. It’s visual and instantly reset.
The effect starts off by showing your collection of nine Aces of Spades, all
with cherry coloured backs which are mixed face up and face down, sorting
themselves out a la Oil and Water. With some witty patter this can be a fun
sequence. Just when they think you are finished comes the completely unexpected
climax. It turns out you have a full house of Spades and the other four cards
have different coloured backs.
This routine called Royal Flush Scam is based upon John Bannon’s “The Royal
Scam”, which in turn was inspired by Roy Walton’s “Cascade”. It is released with
the permission of John Bannon.
Technically you have a Hamman and a couple of Elmsley Counts. That’s it. You
might like to check out Tommy Wonder’s “Tamed Card” routine for a couple of
handling ideas on the Hamman Count (hint – his books and DVDs). The trick is
instantly reset and while you need a special set of cards, which you might be
able to put together yourself, they are available from Paul Gordon or from John
Bannon. Paul points out that the ending can be customized for Trade Shows or
special events. The cards can be left in the spectator’s hands as there are no
gimmicked cards involved and nothing to be added or stolen. If performing
strolling you will find your spectators have a drink in one hand. Rather than
have someone else hold their drink, use two spectators, each holding a drink,
and place the cards on their free hands. Even though the routine is fast paced,
that will ensure they can’t fiddle with the cards before you reveal the climax.
So what else is on the DVD? There is an excerpt from Paul’s lecture showing a
medley of six card routines, then he shows and explains thirteen tricks. Of
these I liked best the Bed-Sit Mystery, a fun story about the late-night
adventures of two guys and four girls, which lends itself to a raucous
presentation if you wish. If you like impromptu poker routines, then check out
Head To Head Poker which also appeared in Harry Lorayne’s Best Of Friends Vol 3.
Paul’s promo video is included and you see short snippets of the enviable
reactions he gets from laymen.
I predict The Royal Flush Scam will find its way into the working repertoires of
professional close-up workers.
www.paulgordon.net £17 or £23 with special cards
© Quentin Reynolds, May 2010