Magic Tricks

Rick Lax has done it again, this time with "Reverse Psychology." It's a card trick that's not really a card trick. Yes, it uses cards. But they are personalized in such a way that the suits, colors and values are neither the focus of the effect nor relevant.

What I like most is how easily it's personalized. Anybody can make it their own, even with minimal creativity. And there is also plenty of room for ad-libbing, if that's your gift.

For magicians, buying magic is like buying an off-the-rack suit--just about everybody does it. But nobody wants it to look that way. Some effects lend themselves better to tailoring than others, and this is one you can put your name all over.

Finally, kudos to Rick for giving credit, openly and prominently, to the giants on whose shoulders this effect stands upon. While he definitely adds something new that is well-worth the sticker price, he's not shy about giving credit where it's due. And that's refreshing in today's magic world.