This 7 dvd set was voted #1 on the magic cafe as being the BEST set of magic dvd's to own, with On the Loose coming in at a close second. The teaching is superb as you get to sit down with Richard and Jim Sisti as they go over not only the method of the effects, but also the psychology of the effects (ex. Why do the effect this way as opposed to this way, or why the audience assumes you’re doing one thing over another, ect.). I've been performing magic for over 13 years and in those 13 years I have bought a lot of material. I have dvd's from Dan Fleshman, to Bill Malone, from Greg Wilson, to Lennart Green, and so much more that it would be too much material to list here. I am proud to say that this 7 dvd set is THE BEST SET IN MAGIC to own. Let me say that again, the...best...set...in...magic. What makes it the best is 4 factors:

1. EVERY trick fooled me.
2. EVERY trick was a killer and fooled the audience.
3. EVERY trick can go into your act.
4. THE GIMMICKS ARE NOT EXPENSIVE.

Now even though every trick fooled me, and every trick killed the audience, there are a few tricks that just stood out from the rest that are worth the whole price of the set and those will be bolded and underlined. Now at the end of each dvd, there will be a conclusion of the overall material in it, with a rating. I will also be talking about some of the effects in length instead of just typing in the description and giving a quick summary of each. So ladies and gents, here is Richard Osterlind's Mind Mysteries vol. 1-7.

Mind Mysteries vol. 1:

Bank Night: The performer shows 5 envelopes marked 1-5, claiming that one of them has a $100 bill inside and if someone happens to have it they get to keep it. With each spectator freely choosing each envelope, all the envelopes get passed out except for the last one that wasn't chosen, which becomes the performers envelope. One by one each spectator who chose an envelope opens it and all they have is pieces of paper inside. The last spectator opens theirs to find 4 lottery scratchers tickets instead of paper, and the kicker ending of the performer having the $100 bill.

My thoughts: This is a great opener and it gets peoples attention right away because it involves money. With the kicker lottery tickets at the end, you instruct the last spectator to give each participant a ticket for helping out, which is a great touch to this effect. The spectators can freely choose any envelope they want which is the cool part. Very good trick 9/10.

The Perfected Center Tear: This center tear is so fair and so clean looking that you swear the performer can't see anything. This really is the perfect center tear. You can gain ANYONES information without looking like you're doing anything fishy at all. The spectator folds the paper in half and it looks like you just tore the paper up and placed it in their hands. A VERY POWERFUL MOVE 10/10.

My thoughts: This move is perfect. You can use this in so many effects, the possibilities are endless. In the effect on the dvd Richard tells the spectator to think of somebody important to them, but someone who's not in the room. He then tells her to right their name down, fold the paper up, and to hand it back to him, all while his back is turned. Richard then goes through the routine telling the spectator to visualize the person as a picture, and then he reveals the name of the person she's thinking of. This is just one effect you can do with countless more possibilities.

The Radar Deck: The performer takes out a deck of cards and asks 4 spectators to think of a card. He fans the deck to each spectator and tells them that when they see a card they like to think of it and hold it in their minds. After all 4 spectators have a card picked, the magician then asks a few questions about their cards. Then the magician begins to name each persons card out loud and then for a kicker, he tells the last 2 spectators the cards they almost thought of.

My thoughts: This effect is greater than the invisible deck IMO. You involve 4-5 people instead of 1 and not only do the spectators not have to name their card, but you tell them the card that they almost thought of as well as the card they did think of. This effect is so strong it can be a closer for any act. Richard explains it very well, and even tells you how you can make your own Radar Deck which was extremely helpful to me since I didn't know where I could pick these up. This effect kills every time, just a few questions, and boom, you know their card. I give it a 10/10.

Watch Routine: The performer takes out his business card and tells the spectator to think of any time they want and to write it down on the back of his business card. He then takes out a blackboard and says he's going to write a prediction time. He places the blackboard face down off to the side then takes a watch of another spectator and starts turning the pin, which is now changing the time on the watch. He tells that spectator to turn the pin without looking at the watch itself and whenever they want they could stop, and push the pin back in. The performer then asks the first spectator what time they wrote down. He then grabs the blackboard and his prediction time matches the spectators time. But if that wasn't enough, he tells the second spectator to turn over her watch to show the time she stopped on, and it matches the prediction time as well.

My thoughts: This effect just floored me. A freely chosen time, gets predicted by you, THEN by random chance the second spectator stops their watch on that chosen time BEFORE it gets named out loud. This effect made the audience go nuts and made me laugh with delight. All you need is a blackboard, a borrowed watch, and a business card. Nothing is gimmicked, and that's what I like about this set of dvd's is that it doesn't use a lot of pricey gimmicked props. The advice Richard gives about the business card in this routine is just brilliant. This effect is a real gem and can once again be a closer. A definite 10/10.

Thought Scan: The performer hands out a bunch of index cards and pencils to the audience and tells them to write down personal information about themselves (favorite car, date, ect.). He passes out envelopes and tells the audience to place their cards in the envelopes. Next the performer takes out a pad and starts writing down impressions of the spectators and their thoughts and he tells them that he will inform them of what he's picking up in his mind. Then while he's doing this he starts naming all of the personal things the spectators wrote down piece by piece, naming stuff all over the place until everything is answered.

My thoughts: This is basically a Q and A question and answer routine. The way Richard performs this looks absolutely impossible and looks like pure mind reading to the whole audience. He doesn't just start with one spectator and names all of their thoughts and moves on, he starts off that way, but skips around the room naming things in pieces (ex. drivers license #'s). It involves the whole crowd and is very, very strong. Richard does use an expensive gimmick however, BUT since this particular gimmick is no longer being made, he explains how you can do this routine WITHOUT USING GIMMICKS. You literally walk into the show cold, and whenever you want to start this routine, you can just get into it WITH NO PRE-SHOW WORK. This routine is even stronger because you involve the spectators personal life, and you essentially reveal that to them. That's what makes this effect so strong. I give it a 10/10.

Magazine Test: The performer takes out his blackboard and writes down a prediction and gives it to another spectator to hold face down. The performer then takes out a magazine and asks a different spectator to place the magazine card anywhere inside to choose a page. Once the page is chosen, he then instructs her to put the magazine behind her back and to draw a circle about the size of a dime, halfway down the page. He then asks her what word is in the middle of the circle, then grabs the blackboard from the other spectator and it's the word she freely chose.

My thoughts: This routine WAS Richards closer for a long time and once you see this effect, you will know why. This effect just kills everyone. After they draw the circle behind their back they have a choice of about 5 or 6 different words to choose from that are either touching the circle or are in the circle and that makes this effect 10 times more impossible. The way Richard instructs the spectator in order to achieve the effect is genius. And not only do you reveal the chosen word, but they see another word crossed out on the board and that was in fact the other word they were going to choose. This all happens BEFORE the effect starts, the audience sees you write down something on the board, then they see you hand it to someone else in the front row (nobody sees the other side of the board of course), and when you reveal it, the audience sees the words for the first time and they just go nuts. Again, this is strong enough to be a closer, and it was in fact the closer for Richard in his show. I give this a 10/10.

Linking Finger Rings: The performer takes out a pencil and borrows 3 wedding rings from different people in the audience. He then LINKS all 3 rings together, and calls each spectator up to verify that their linked. The performer then proceeds to unlink each ring seemingly more magical than the first and hands them back to the spectators.

My thoughts: This is another killer. The 3 rings are really linked together, and what’s really cool about this is that Richard lets one spectator verify that they're linked, then has the second spectator verify that his ring is really there linked to the other 2, then has the third spectator hold the rings in their hand. All before he unlinks them. There is only one prop used and depending on where you find it, it won't be too expensive. Again very strong and since it's something not everyone has seen before, it's also very different. Again 10/10.

Overall Thoughts: That's the end of vol. 1 and as you can see everything in here is just a killer. There is not one effect on this dvd that the audience won't love. Everything is so strong, and so well throughout by Richard that you can just tell right off the bat that he's been doing this for over 30 years. But we're just getting started.

Mind Mysteries volume 2:

This dvd is Osterlind's breakthrough card system and I've got to tell you that once you know this system, you will never look at cards the same way again, EVER.

Card Calling: The performer takes out a jumbo deck of cards and cuts them multiple times. He then fans the deck towards the spectator and tells them to take out a group of 8-10 cards at once. The performer then tells them to shuffle the group of cards and when finished to fan them towards themselves. The performer then turns his back and proceeds to name each card, and asks the spectator to hand it to him as he does so, until all the cards are named.

My thoughts: This is just one effect you can do once you know this system. It looks like pure mind reading and the audience just can't believe it. It can be done on stage, as with a lot of these effects in this series, and the reason this effect can be done on stage is the use of the jumbo cards. Very strong effect. 9/10

Two Cards in Pocket: The performer talks about playing blackjack and asks a spectator to cut a deck of cards multiple times, then without looking to place the top card in his right pants pocket, then the next top card in his left pants pocket. Then the performer takes the cards back and places them back into the card box and closes it up. The performer then names both of the cards but as a kicker, the spectator names the pocket that each card is in.

My thoughts: An absolute KILLER, KILLER, KILLER. This effect really is that clean as it sounds. Yet another trick you can do once you know this system. The spectator handles the cards 99% of the trick, all you do is pull the cards out of the box and place the cards back in the box and it looks soo super clean. Can this be your closer? I don't know if I'd go that far, but the overall effect is great and fools everyone badly. I give it 9/10.

Challenge Mind Reading: The performer takes a deck of cards and hands them to a spectator. He then turns his back and tells her to think of a card, then tells her to spread the cards in her hands and find her card in the spread. Once found, the performer puts the cards back into the box, and tells her to keep thinking of her card. He then names the thought of card out loud.

My thoughts: This is basically invisible deck, without the deck. The only difference is that the performer never touches the deck while the trick is taking place. The only time the performer touches it, is to put the cards away. Again, this looks like pure mind reading, and it blows people away. A sure 10/10.

Corinda Effect: The performer hands the spectator (who is sitting at the table) a deck of cards and instructs her to cut the cards multiple times. Then he tells her to hold the cards under the table out of everyone's view, including her own. He then tells her to cut the deck a few more times, then tells her that she can take either the top or bottom card and turn it face up and place it in the middle of the deck. To make sure that nobody sees the card accidentally he tells her to bring the deck out from under the table face up. Once the deck is brought out, the performer tells her to cover the deck with the card box, all of this happening while the magicians back is turned away. Then the performer names the chosen card out loud, the spectator spreads the cards, finds her chosen face down card, turns it over, and it is in fact the card that the performer named.

My thoughts: This is another great effect you can do with the breakthrough card system. What's great about it, is that nobody knows what the card is, not even the spectator handling the cards. So when you name the card for the first time, everyone will be saying to themselves, "there's no way he can know that card, nobody saw it". So when you have the spectator turn over the named card, and everyone sees it for the first time, it looks like you predicted the future. Again the performer never touches the deck. This is very strong, it may not be one of the best out of this series, but as a stand alone effect, it is very good. I give it 8/10.

Blackjack Demonstration: The performer selects 4 spectators for a game of blackjack. One becomes the dealer and the other 3 become players in the game. As the cards are being dealt by the dealer, the performer is predicting each hand before the cards get turned over. Not only does the performer predict each hand, but also each card that comes up when a player takes a hit. Then at the end of the game, he predicts the dealers hand, and the dealer busting, and everybody wins.

My thoughts: This is also a great effect you can do with this system. It's a real shock to the spectators when you know the hand they have and what hand they're going to have. Again, this looks like you're predicting the future, but this time in a blackjack game. Beware, people will want you to come to the casino's with them after this effect. Once again, not the best in the series, but on it's own, it's very good. Gets an 8/10.

Overall Thoughts: This dvd is fantastic, the breakthrough card system truly is a breakthrough in magic. Once you know this system, the effects you can do with it are endless. This is only a handful of tricks you can do with it, and as you can see, all of them are great. You very rarely have to touch the cards, the spectators do most of the handling, and that by itself is very strong. Plus if you want to you can give the deck away as a souvenir at the end to prove that you're not using trick cards, AND YOU'RE NOT. That's the cool part. Overall this gets a 10/10, great dvd. But we're not done, we still have got a long way to go.

Mind Mysteries volume 3:

Sweeter and Lower: The performer takes out 3-4 sweet N' Low packets and has the spectator choose one to write their name on. Then with their signed packet, the performer rips the top off, and pours the contents of the packet into his fist. Once the packet is empty, the performer places the rest of the torn packet into the fist as well leaving nothing behind. Then with a slight blow, the performer opens his fist and the signed sweet N' low packet is restored, leaving no sugar, or pieces of any kind.

My thoughts: This effect looks very clean and as fair as it should be. What I like about it, is that the packet is signed to prove that it is the same packet and of course you give it back to them after the trick is over so they can take it home and tell the story. That's what makes this effect stronger, IMO. The gimmick that Richard uses, is a gimmick that every magician should have, and you probably own one right now. He also uses this same gimmick in a number of other effects on these dvd's which I'll discuss later. Another great thing about this effect is that you can get sugar packets anywhere, or find them anywhere. So minus the prop you've got to carry, this effect is basically an impromptu miracle. This is borderline as far as being one of the best in the series, or just being a good trick in the series, and IMO it's not as strong as the others in here, but it's very flexible as far as when and where you can perform it, and it's pretty easy to do. So overall, I give it an 8/10.

Change of Mind: The performer takes out a pad of post-it-notes and a pen. He then asks a spectator for a large amount of change from their pockets. Then he asks the spectator to split that handful of change with another spectator beside them. He then instructs them to put the change into their own pockets. The performer has the first spectator sign their name on one of the post-it-notes, and the performer writes down a prediction on that note and folds it up. He does the same thing with the second spectator. Then the performer signs his own name on a post-it-note, and writes a prediction on that note as well. Then the performer asks the first 2 spectators to each pull out one coin and set it on the table. He then tells the third spectator to pull out a coin from his own jacket pocket and place it on the table as well. Then without any funny moves, the performer unfolds each note that was signed to reveal that the predictions match the coins that were taken out of the pockets.

My thoughts: This effect is good, but it just didn't do it for me. The gimmick itself is very easy to make, and it's hidden in plain sight. The overall effect is good with them signing their names on the notes and you not only predict the coins but also the date on each coin as well. So the effect itself is strong, it just didn't hit me that hard as a lot of the others did. Some who see this effect will probably disagree, and that's fine, but for me, it just didn't have that big of an impact. Overall a 6/10.

Spoon Bending: The performer takes out a spoon and places the handle on his palm. The handle then begins to bend in the palm seemingly by the power of his mind. The performer then shows the spoon and the audience can see it clearly bent. Then the performer places the spoon back on his palm and the handle begins to curl inward and bend more. Once again the performer shows the spoon to the audience. Then the performer holds the spoon openly towards the audience and with seemingly an unseen force of nature the bowl of the spoon begins to droop downward right in front of the audience as the kicker.

My thoughts: This literally looks like you're bending silverware with your mind. It really looks like a special effect off of a TV show. The bends are so visual, especially the bend at the end with the bowl. Richard like always goes over everything in great detail and talks about all the little touches that make this effect that much more magical ( where to place the hands, how to reveal the spoon, ect.). It's impromptu, all you need is spoons, that's what's great about this effect. However, I always carry my spoons with me if I plan on performing this routine, simply because other people might feel uncomfortable with you bending their silverware. But overall this is another gem in the series, and a 10/10.

Radio Sum Total: The performer passes out a bunch of index cards with pencils to the whole audience. He claims that he's going to try a radio effect, in real life. He then shows an index card with a bunch of numbers on it. The performer then claims that there is over 100,000 combinations that are possible with this group of numbers, so to start off the performer tells everyone to write down a "1". He then has a spectator pick 5 "callers" in the audience and the performer instructs them all to think of a number between 1-9 but to avoid them picking the same number, each number gets written down, then eliminated. This in turn, forms a 6 digit number say "164,728". The performer then goes back to the index card with bunch of numbers on it, and he tells the audience to write down these numbers as the spectator says them out loud. They end up writing down 5 rows of 5 numbers (25 numbers total). The performer then tells the audience to add these numbers up, like a math problem, and after all the numbers are added up, the total ends up being the seemingly random 6 digit number in the beginning.

My thoughts: This is another great effect, and seems totally random to the spectators, and it involves the whole crowd which is a plus. However, it just seems like a lot of work that everybody has to do, with adding numbers, ect. and that to me takes away from the overall magical experience. These people aren't in math class, they're at a magic show, and they should feel like they're in a magic show. The ending of this trick is good, with the final numbers adding up to the 6 digit number that was formed in the beginning, but to me it feels like everyone's at school vs. everyone being at a show. So overall I give this effect 6/10.

Uncanny: The performer riffles through the cards and has the spectator see one in her mind. He then spreads the cards all over the table face down, and seems to accidentally turn the thought of card over. He then has a second spectator see a card as he riffles through, goes through the deck and takes out the card that he thinks is her thought of card. The performer holds the card face down up at the fingertips and with no funny moves of any kind, the card slowly and magically turns face up in the hand to reveal her thought of card.

My thoughts: This routine is strong. It doesn't use any short cards or breaks of any kind which is a plus. Both reveals look great in their own way but the nice find in this routine is the reveal of the second card. The way Richard gets this card to turn over is just amazing, and he uses no special gimmicks at all, but the effect looks like the card is turning over with the power of your mind. You can use this one move with many other card effects that you like, and that's what I ultimately like about this routine. Overall I give it a 8/10.

Lottery Effect: The performer says that he wants to play a game that would simulate a lottery drawing. He then writes down a prediction number that's going to be revealed later. He asks a spectator to see the ball in their mind shooting up and asks them the number, lets say it's "3". He asks a second spectator the same and she says the number "8", and the last spectator says the number "6". The performer then shows the prediction number and it matches their chosen numbers.

My thoughts: This is a great trick and really fooled the audience badly. It uses one prop every magician should own, and if you don't, you can pick it up here at penguin or any other magic dealer, and it should be in stock. It's not expensive, but if you wanted to you could get a more expensive one, but Richard doesn't use an expensive one, and a cheap one is all you need anyway. What's great about this prop is that there's so much stuff you can do with it that the possibilities are endless. The next effect uses this same prop as well which I'll get to in a moment, but overall this effect fools people badly. Very strong, a 9/10.

Cell Phone Effect: The performer asks a spectator to call up a friend or a relative on their cell phone. The performer then writes down a prediction on a note pad while they're waiting for an answer. When the spectator gets them on the line he tells the spectator to ask the friend to think of a number between 1 and 1,000. The spectator names the number out loud and it matches the prediction.

My thoughts: WOW, Richard has taken this prop to a whole new level. This effect is so strong, it's almost too strong to even perform for people. When you turn over that piece of paper showing the predicted number that the people ON THE OTHER END OF THE CELL PHONE picked, the audience will just go crazy. This effect is so simple, uses the same prop as the lottery effect, the only difference is that this effect is 100 times stronger. It's the difference between asking someone in the audience to think of a number between 1-1000 and calling someone and have THEM pick a number between 1-1000. Now Richard also explains that he doesn't like to do the trick this way, but rather let the trick happen. Meaning he waits for a cell phone to ring during the show, then if/when that happens he stops what he's doing unless it's a crucial part of the trick, and he turns to the person with the phone, has them answer it, then goes into the routine from there. Reason being it makes it look more spontaneous. I don't care how you do this effect as it is just a true killer, and absolutely mind blowing. A true 10/10 gem.

Bill in Cigarette: The performer asks the audience if they have a smoke. He then takes the cigarette and drops it on the floor in the middle of the room. The performer borrows a big bill, and has it signed and also has the audience memorize the cereal number. He then folds the bill up and places the bill in a small envelope for safe keeping. He then borrows a lighter and burns the envelope up to where there's nothing left but ashes. He then walks towards the cigarette and openly breaks it in half. As pieces of the cigarette fall to the floor the performer begins to twist a bill out of the cigarette, he then unfolds it, and it is in fact the signed bill with the cereal number a perfect match.

My thoughts: HOLY GOD, this effect is one of the coolest, most strongest effects you can possibly perform. It's one thing to perform bill in lemon, or bill in Kiwi, or bill in orange, but bill in CIGARETTE? Now THAT I've got to know. Not only does this effect use minimal props, it is also very easy to do. You can borrow the bill, the lighter, the ashtray, AND YOU CAN BORROW THE CIGARETTE all you need is the little envelope to put the bill in, and the extra prop which again all magicians should have already. This effect is another closer and it's going to be my closing act right now. It's THAT GOOD. Also the way Richard has the audience memorize the cereal number is great. He involves the whole crowd in this trick and that's another reason why this plays so well is because everybody’s involved. I would almost go as far as to say this trick is worth the whole price of the set. It's just so strong, and so easy, and the props are so cheap, and you get a miracle. Fantastic 10/10.

Overall thoughts: Once again this is a great dvd with a lot of really strong material combined with a few killers. Notice how each dvd so far has had 2-3 really powerful effects in them, with a lot of other strong effects built in around them that you can use in your shows, and this dvd is no exception. It has everything, from cards, to spoons, to predictions, to money, it has it all. One of my favorites of the entire series, and we're not even half way done.

Mind Mysteries vol. 4:

Glass of Water Production: The performer shows a folded up paper bag. He unfolds it and shows it completely empty. He then calls up 2 spectators and hands one of them his watch and the other his jacket, then he rolls up his sleeves. He tells them to put the watch and jacket on, and to hold the bag open. Then the performer tells the spectators to each grab a hold of his wrists. All of a sudden the performer reaches into the bag and pulls out a full glass of water.

My thoughts: This trick is very shocking, and very different. It's something you don't see every day, and it kind of reminds me of the bowling ball from bag trick, only with a glass of water instead. I never did the bowling ball from bag gag, but this trick is I will do, because it's much more practical, and a lot easier to handle. How Richard keeps the water from spilling is very clever and you should be able to do this routine without fear of that happening. Also the little moves he uses showing the bag empty to both spectators and the audience is genius. This isn't closer worthy IMO, but it is definitely repertoire worthy and something you will use.

IMP Pad: The performer points out a spectator in the crowed that he claims to have talked to prior to the show. He tells everyone that he had the spectator draw a picture on a pad, and had him wrap up the picture in tin foil and place it in an envelope. The spectator confirms that everything is true. The performer then asks if he still has that envelope with him and to confirm in no way, that he ever touched the pad or could have possibly known the drawing, and to also confirm that he let him keep the pad as well. Once again the spectator confirms everything is true, and brings out the envelope from earlier. The performer places his hands over the envelope without touching it, seemingly trying to see the picture through the foil and the envelope. Next the performer grabs his blackboard, and begins to draw the picture, and when done, has a second spectator hold the board face down. The performer then tells the first spectator to open the envelope for the first time to reveal the drawing (Lets say a clown). Then the performer grabs the blackboard, turns it over, and it matches the duplicate drawing.

My thoughts: Pure genius of an idea. This IMP pad is a revolution in pre-show work. This IMO is better than any clipboard or another pre show device you can buy. Richard goes into great depth (like always) with how to make the pad. This was the first thing Richard ever invented for his shows, and it's not expensive to make at all. Once made you might as well throw all of your other pre-show devices away because this just destroys them all. The effects you can do with this are endless and this effect really hits the spectators hard, because of how impossible you make it sound. And Richard shows you how you can even give them the pad right after they write down the word/drawing/ect. So when it's time to perform, they have everything with them when they sit down, and you bring all of this up in your show. This makes this particular effect seem impossible that you could know that picture, and that's what makes this routine so strong to the audience. This gets a 10/10 just for the pad.

Marked Coin in Bottle: The performer asks for a penny, a dime and a quarter from the spectator. He then takes out a sharpie and tells them to initial the quarter. The performer then brings out an empty glass coke bottle and tells the spectator to try and place the dime in the bottle. It goes in but barely, then he asks to try to push the penny in as well, which won't go. The performer then takes the quarter and pushes it through the mouth of the coke bottle and the audience can hear loud clinking sounds. The performer then has the spectator check inside to make sure it's the same quarter with his initials, and he confirms it is. Then the performer takes out a plastic freezer zip lock bag, places the bottle in the bag, seals it up, and breaks the bottle with a hammer. He then opens the bag back up and very carefully grabs the quarter to hand back to the spectator.

My thoughts: This is very visual, and I love the presentation with this. By emphasizing that the dime will go in, but not the penny, then you just know that the quarter's not going in and that's what the audience will be saying also. And when you put the quarter in the bottle the audience can hear very clearly and see the quarter rattling around inside the bottle. I absolutely love the touch of bringing out the freezer bag to break the bottle to get the quarter back. It leaves no evidence behind and the audience is left with a real mind blower. With all of this said however, this trick takes a lot of work to prepare. It is a pain and you will hate doing it, but once you prepare say 10-15 bottles you'll be set to go for that many performances, and it's all worth it because this effect kills. IMO it's a more practical quarter in soda can, the only differences being that you're using a bottle instead of a can, but you also don't have to go outside to pour out the can, or waist a soda, or get drops on the floor, ect. Sinful beats this trick, don't get me wrong, but this trick flows smoother in your act because you don't have to leave the room, and it's more visual IMO. I give this an 8/10 simply because of the work involved other then that, a definite keeper.

Signed Torn and Restored Post-it-Note: The performer tells a spectator to sign their name on a post-it-note pad. The performer then takes the pad and pulls the paper from it. He then rips the note up into pieces. The performer then asks what's the 2 ways to destroy paper? They say by tearing or by fire. The performer then pulls out a lighter and lightly burns the paper. Then all of a sudden he slowly unfolds the paper, and it's completely restored to show the signature.

My thoughts: This is fantastic. It packs small, all you need is a post-it-note pad and a pen, and it plays big. It almost reminds me of a torn and restored card, but only with paper instead. And the lighter is a nice touch because it seems like the pieces fused together because of it, and that's very strong. What I also like about this is that you don't need anything extra on you, just the post-it's and a pen and you get this amazing little miracle. And did I mention that you end clean? A plus, plus effect. 9/10.

Spike Bending: The performer takes out several long steel spikes and shows them to the audience. Then by the power of the mind, the performer bends one of the spikes. Then the performer takes a second spike and bends that even more then the first one. Everything then gets handed out for examination.

My thoughts: This is a cool effect. It's more metal bending but with spikes instead of spoons. IMO, you don't need to perform this one after you perform the spoon bend, and also this effect seems unpractical. Like you're really going to be carrying around spikes in your case. The actual effect is great, and fools the audience, and you can give these out at the end. But this one didn't do it for me because of the impracticality. Overall a 6/10.

S.O.S. Pseudo-Psychometry Bag: The performer takes out a large black cloth bag, and instructs the audience to place at least one personal item in the bag while the performers head is turned. The performer then takes out the items one by one, and not only reveals who gave him the items, but tells why the spectator got the items in the first place.

My thoughts: This trick is another personal type of effect that really hits the spectators hard because it involves their own personal items. I'm not familiar with this prop so I don't know if it's expensive or not, but it doesn't look that way from my point of view. I like the overall routine, and I especially like how Richard reveals the personal things about the belongings right before he gives them to the correct owner. This effect wasn't for me, but it's still a good effect and it will fool the audience when you use it. I give it a 7/10.

Signed Torn and Restored Newspaper: The performer takes out a full newspaper and has a spectator pick any page that they want. He then has them sign the paper on that page they selected. Then the performer tears the paper in half, then in half again, then again, until he has 32 pieces. He then puts all of the pieces together, then slowly unfolds the paper and the paper is fully restored and it is indeed the same signed paper. The performer then hands it to the spectator to keep, and is left completely clean at the end.

My thoughts: I'm just going to say this right now, this effect is worth the whole price of the series. There is just so many TRN effects out there that cost over $100 and this version is not only practical, but very cheap, requires minimal set up, and since you have the paper signed, this just beats any TRN on the market. And what's more is you END CLEAN AT THE END and you can GIVE THE PAPER AWAY. This is a true closer and just worth the whole price of the set, bar none. A 10 doesn't do this trick justice. It's easy, it's brilliant, minimal set up, end clean, can give the paper away, ect. Everything you want in a magic trick. And by the way it leaves the audience breathless. A 100/10 absolutely phenomenal.

Overall thoughts: Once again a very good dvd with a lot of worker material. The TRN is the star of the dvd and the set, and from these first 4 volumes if you just added the TRN, the bill in cigarette, the cell phone effect, the radar deck, the watch routine, the magazine test, the spoon bending, and an effect from the breakthrough card system, you've got a completely mind blowing act right now. And we still've got 3 MORE VOLUMES OF MATERIAL. How much more can this man give us? Well let’s find out.

Mind Mysteries vol. 5:

Ultra Board: The performer has a blackboard with 3 clips on it. He then writes down a prediction and covers it up with an envelope. He then asks a spectator to think of a person dear to them that's not in the room, and to say their initials out loud for all to hear. The performer writes the initials down right below the envelope signifying that prediction. Next the performer asks another spectator to think of their birthday as he writes another prediction down and covers it with another envelope. He then asks what the birth date is and he writes the date below the second prediction envelope. He then asks a third spectator to grab some change in his pocket (approx. 3-4 coins).

The performer then tells him to hold his hand up in a fist holding the 4 coins as he does so, the performer writes down a third prediction and covers it up with a third envelope. The performer goes back to the first spectator and reminds everyone the person that they chose. Then he unclips the envelope above the initials and the prediction matches the chosen name. Then the second spectators envelope gets unclipped to show that their prediction also matches. The performer goes to the third spectator who still has his hand with 4 coins above his head. He then tells him to count the coins to see how much change is there, and the performer writes down the amount below the third prediction envelope. The third envelope gets unclipped to show that the final prediction matches the change total.

My thoughts: This routine is awesome, and uses a non-gimmicked board. It just looks like pure psychic powers to the audience. It's super easy to do, and the method is genius. A definite add to your show, 9/10.

Spoon Bend: The performer takes a spoon and openly lays it on his palm. Then with no cover, the spoon handle begins to bend. Then it bends more and more seemingly by the power of the performers mind. Then the performer shows the spoon bent, and holds it straight up and down by the handle. Then with no cover, the bowl of the spoon begins to droop foreword seemingly by the performers mind. The spoon is then handed out as a souvenir.

My thoughts: This looks absolutely sick. The method is the same method used in vol. 3 but with a few MAJOR handling differences. You actually see this spoon bend in the open palm and it looks like pure mind powers. You can do this surrounded, and right in the spectators face. It looks like something Criss Angel would do, it's that freaky looking. Both bends are great, but this one by far is the better of the two. The method is so simple, and to make it look like it's bending in your open palm is even more simple and easy to do. This routine is a stunner, and a true 10/10.

Fork Bend: The performer shows 3 straight forks to the audience, then with no cover, all 3 forks bend downward in the performers hand.

My thoughts: This is a great follow up to the spoon bending routine. It's a surprise when they see all 3 forks bend at the same time and again looks like you're bending metal with your mind. The method is of course harder than the spoon bend because you're using 3 forks instead of 1 spoon, but the effect still looks the same to the audience. I don't like this as a trick on it's own, I like it as a pure follow up to other silverware bends, however like I said, it all looks the same to the audience so it really doesn't matter when you want to do this. Overall a 8/10.

The Very Modern Mindreader: The performer passes out a bunch of index cards to the audience along with pencils to write with. He then asks the audience to write their names on the top of their cards. Then he asks them to write down anything they want that's important to them (car, names, numbers, addresses, pets, ect.). Then after they get done, the performer passes out small brown envelopes and tells the audience to place their cards in the envelopes and to lick them shut and to hand all the envelopes back to him. Then the performer picks a spectator and asks him if they've ever met before, and they say no. Then he tells them their name. Next the performer begins to reveal everything that the spectator wrote down in his card. Afterwards the performer takes out their card from their envelope and hands both back to the spectator. Then the performer continues this until every spectators envelope is done.

My thoughts: This routine is an act on it's own. It lasts a good 10 minutes if you get every spectator, or it can last a little less depending if you want to do every envelope. You can make this routine last as long or as little as you want depending on the details you give out each spectator. It takes literally 2 seconds to make the gimmick and the method combined with this simple gimmick, just makes me smile. I can't believe how simple this method is. With just a few index cards, and a few envelopes you can literally perform this mind reading masterpiece. It will build your reputation as a mind reader, this trick does what is promised on the description of the dvd case. It is so strong, you really can't go anywhere from here after you perform it, just stop the show and say good night. A masterpiece in mentalism, a 10/10.

Digital Feedback: The performer takes out a scientific calculator and shows all of the various buttons on it, and also shows that there's nothing in the memory. He then divides the audience into 2 teams and asks a spectator from the first team to type in any 2 digit number. Then he asks them to hit the multiply button, and asks another spectator to type in another 2 digit number and hit the equal button. The performer then asks them to remember that number, and to hit the off button. He does the same thing with the second team. The performer then writes down a prediction number on a piece of paper and folds it up. Then the performer starts naming each digit from both sets of numbers, and adds all of it up on the blackboard for the audience to see. Once both totals are added up, then both numbers get added up together to make a whole new number. The performer asks a spectator to open up the prediction and it matches the totally random number.

My thoughts: The trick itself is amazing for the audience. Unfortunately it is a lot of work to prepare this gimmick, and this is the first expensive gimmick that you have to buy and reconstruct yourself. Plus another thing I don't like about it, is that the spectators once again feel like they're in Algebra class. At least that's how I felt after watching the performance. Maybe when others see this, they'll feel differently about it, and think it's great. But me personally, this is the first trick of the series that I don't like. It did fool me badly, but it just seems like too much work to do in order to do one trick. I give this a 5/10.

Inside the Fold: The performer shows a folded up business card, and asks a spectator to think of a number between 1-100. After she does, the performer then asks her to name her number out loud. Then the performer hands her the business card to read out loud, and to everyone’s amazement it matches her chosen number.

My thoughts: This trick uses the same gimmick as the cell phone effect, and the lottery effect, the only difference is, Richard teaches you how to use this with a folded up business card. This is just genius and really fools people badly. What I like about this is that the spectator doesn't just read the number, they read "you will say ??" which is what is wrote down before the effect begins. IMO it's stronger then the lottery effect, but weaker then the cell phone effect. But the method is what makes this trick so cool. Once you know this all you need is this gimmick and your business cards, and you can literally perform this miracle. A true 10/10.

Stainless Steel Blindfold: The performer calls up 2 spectators to help him on stage, and brings out a stainless steel blindfold and some large band aids. He then tapes his eyes shut with the band aids, and places the steel blindfold on over his eyes as well. The performer then asks a spectator in the front row, to hold out their index finger, and to not move. Next the performer slowly walks to the spectator with his index finger, and they touch fingers. He then asks 2 more spectators in the audience to pull out an object that's personal to them (say a photo, and a key). The performer then asks a third spectator to write down a word on a piece of paper. Next he tells his 2 assistants on stage to get the 3 items and to bring them up. He then tells them to hold the 2 personal items in their open palms but not to let him touch them. Then the performer names both items in detail. Lastly the performer tells one of the assistance to hold the piece of paper with the word on it, in their open palm, and the performer gets the word right as well. Then with no funny moves, the performer slowly takes off the blindfold and band aids to show that his eyes were completely covered the whole time.

My thoughts: This trick is powerful to witness. It's almost like a magic stunt that you would see someone perform on TV. It's a really fun routine for the audience to watch, and it's really fun to perform. However, you need to buy a gimmick that you can only get from Richard in order to do this effect. IMO however, you don't need to use the gimmick Richard uses, as any gimmick you purchase should get the job done. The only difference with this routine is that the audience can examine the blindfold, with others that may not be the case. The trick itself is strong, you just can't do it until you get a certain prop. Overall I give this a 7/10.

Penomenally Psychic Control: The performer takes out a bic pen and a salt shaker and balances the pen on top of the salt shaker. Then without going near the pen, the performer clinches his fists and moves the pen back and fourth seemingly by the power of his mind.

My thoughts: This trick looks spectacular and completely impossible. Once again you need to build a gimmick, and have a different gimmick separately. The gimmick you have to make is a pain. Needless to say you will not have fun making it. The other gimmick is also hard to find, but with a little searching, you should be able to find one. Once you've got these 2 gimmicks however, the effect is awesome. I give this a 7/10 just because of the work involved.

Stopping a Watch: The performer borrows a spectators watch and places it on the table. The performer then claims that he's going to make the second hand stop. Then without going near the watch the second hand stops, then after 5-10 seconds it starts going again. The performer then goes to the spectator who gave him the watch and asks what time is. The spectator says the time, then the performer places the watch in their hand and asks again what time it is. The spectator notices the time has changed. The performer repeats this with multiple different watches. Then the performer borrows one more watch only this time, he makes every hand on the watch start spinning out of control then with seemingly by the power of his mind, stops everything in its tracks. This is repeated with a compass as well.

My thoughts: This trick uses the same gimmick as the penomenally effect. With this one gimmick you can stop and start watches. In order to make the watch go crazy, you just have to run into those certain types of watches but when you do, it looks incredible to the audience, but you can't show it to the owner of that watch. Also with this method, there's so much more you can do with it as the idea is very universal and flexible with other objects. Me personally I don't see myself performing this, as watch stopping really isn't my cup of tea, but others of course will see differently. Overall I give this a 8/10 just for the method.

Overall thoughts: What a shock, another good dvd. It's not the best in the series but you will still get a lot of mileage out of the material on here. The spoon bend method is great, and the very modern mindreader steals the show, along with inside the fold, ect. Once again you will find material that will go right into your act, and I for one am going to add the very modern mindreader, along with inside the fold, and ultra board to my own act. Now because of the digital feedback routine I can't give this a 10 or a 9, but 8/10 is still very good and I highly recommend this dvd as you have to get it just for the very modern mind reader routine alone. Having fun yet? Well we're almost done.

Continued....

Mind Mysteries vol. 6:

Miracle Flying Cards: The performer takes out a deck of cards and shows that they're all mixed. He then has 3 spectators each pick a card and has them sign their name on the face. The performer gathers the cards back, shuffles the deck a few times, then sets the deck down on the table and places the sharpie back inside his breast pocket. He then claims that he's going to show the audience exactly when magicians do their magic move with their cards. Then the performer claps his hands together and says done. Next the performer reaches into his breast coat pocket and pulls out two index cards that has a playing card stuck between them, and it is in fact one of the spectators signed cards. Next the performer reaches into his inside breast pocket and pulls out a small envelope that is sealed. He rips the envelope open and pulls out another playing card and it is in fact another spectators signed card. Last the performer goes into his breast pocket, grabs the sharpie and pulls off the cap. Then he twists a playing card slowly out of the cap to reveal the final signed playing card. The performer then hands back each card to their respective owners.

My thoughts: This is one of the best cards to pocket routines EVER. Because that's what this trick ultimately is, are 3 signed cards to 3 different pockets. But the only difference is, is that the last card ends up inside of the sharpie cap that's been sitting on the table the whole time. This routine is a KILLER, and when I say killer, I mean that some people might actually die of shock after they see you perform this. The set up is simple, takes about 30 seconds give or take a few, and afterwards you can do this miracle. Once you have this 30 second pre set up done, you can basically use your deck of cards for different tricks and whenever you want to, you can perform this routine. Now you want to talk about strong, well it doesn't get any stronger than this. This is called Miracle flying cards for a reason, because it looks like a true miracle to the audience. One of the best tricks on the set, a 10/10.

Spirit Writing on Card: The performer takes out a lighter, and 2-3 index cards. He then hands them out to be examined. Next he asks a spectator to name a shape (let’s say triangle). He then takes his lighter, lights it, and slowly rubs the flame across the index card forming a big burnt mark. Then he tells the spectator to rub their finger across the mark, and all of a sudden the mark rubs away revealing their chosen shape.

My thoughts: This trick really isn’t that visual, but it gets a great reaction from the spectators of their involvement with the routine. The set up is simple and quick, and this trick offers one more thing you can do with your lighter. Richard also adds a nice touch by making the flame of the lighter go down, then rise back up to its normal height just before the trick begins. To me this trick wasn’t as strong as a lot of the others, but it still gets a good reaction and that’s all that matters. Overall, I give this a 7/10.

Multiple Key Bending: The performer borrows a bunch of keys from the audience. Then asks a spectator to come up on stage and to hold the keys in their hands. The performer instructs them to squeeze the hands together tightly around the keys as tightly as possible. Then when the spectator opens their hands all of the keys are now bent.

My thoughts: This trick is great. It involves the whole audience and once it’s over, you get to hand back an unbelievable souvenir. Now you have to ask the spectators beforehand if they have keys that they don’t need, which 9 times out of 10 you won’t be able to borrow any because most likely every key that’s on their key ring is one they need. But when you do get a group of keys, this method is the best method for bending the keys while you’re doing a stage show. The only reason why this isn’t a 9 or 10 is because there’s a little more work involved, but not much. Other than that, this trick is very visual, and very engaging with the spectators. Overall a 8/10.

Clip Line Deluxe: The performer takes out a fairly large envelope and from that envelope he takes out a group of smaller envelopes, a piece of paper with a prediction written on it, and a strip of a want ad newspaper. He then shows all of the smaller envelopes emphasizing that each one is empty. The performer takes the larger envelope and places the prediction back inside and seals it. He then passes out the smaller envelopes to the audience. The performer then takes out a pair of scissors, then picks up the want ad. He runs the scissors up and down the strip and asks a spectator to say stop and the performer then cuts where the spectator says stop. He then takes the piece and places it in the spectators small envelope and has them seal it.

This is repeated with all the spectators who have envelopes. Once done, he then tells the spectators to pass them to one person and to mix the envelopes up behind their back. The performer then has the spectator pick one of the envelopes behind his back and to open it up. He instructs them to take out the clip of newspaper and to pick a side to use. Then he tells them to read the top line of the chosen side (say “property management”). Then the performer picks up the large envelope and opens it up and takes out the prediction piece of paper to reveal the chosen words “property management”.

My Thoughts: This routine is slow and requires the audience to pay attention. The original Clip Line was done using just one cut and was a lot quicker than this one. However, this one is fairer and the circumstances seem way more impossible. There’s a time and a place for long, drawn out effects like this one that require a lot of focus from the audience, but with that said, the climax is incredible. Once again, it’s pure mind reading to the spectators. What I like about this is that the props are not complicated at all, and the set up is very simple, though it takes about 5 minutes to prepare. You can only do this once in your show of course but this is so clean and fair looking that it’s worth doing only once. I give this one a 8/10.

Amazing Memory Demonstration: The performer takes out a large clip board and picks a spectator to hold the clipboard. While standing far away from her he then asks her to name an object in the room and to write it down and give it #1. He then asks another spectator to name another object but this time it could be any object they want. This also gets written down and numbered accordingly. This is repeated 20 more times. Then the performer asks the spectator with the clipboard to name any number they want and the performer tells them the object at that number.

Then he tells the spectator to just start naming numbers in any random order and to check mark each one after it’s named. The performer remembers every object at every number. This is done about 6-8 times. Then as a kicker the performer tells the spectator to name the numbers starting with 20 and go backwards. He tells them that not only will he get the objects right, but will also be able to tell them which ones are checked and which ones aren’t checked. The performer gets everything right until the whole list is done.

My Thoughts: One word, genius. This method is pure genius and amazing. My whole life, I’ve been taught ways to remember things whether for school tests, or certain tricks that required a memory system. Well this memory system is so clever that once you learn it, it’s like a power you didn’t even know you had. There really is no tricks with this as you are literally doing what you say you’re going to do and that is memorize everything on the list. This looks like what a mentalist is supposed to do, no funny business, no trick props, just pure mind powers. Now is this system hard to learn? And the answer is NO. You do have to memorize the system, but once you do, everything else involved with the routine kind of falls into place. From the random naming of numbers, to going backwards, to remembering which ones were checked. It all just comes to you and you remember it. This is a 15 minute act by itself. It involves the whole audience and you look like a genius afterwards. Not only will this system help you with other mental miracles, but it will also help you in your everyday life when it comes to remembering things. This is a true 10, a masterpiece.

Steno ESP: The performer takes out a spiral mini notebook and asks a spectator to think of an object. He then writes something down and asks a second spectator to think of an object as well. He then tells the whole audience to clear their mind and claims that he’s thinking of a 2 digit number. He then writes it down and tells the audience to think of a 2 digit number as well. Then he reveals his number and it matches a few spectators though of numbers. Then he asks the first spectator what object they thought of and he flips the page to reveal their thought of object. Then he asks the second spectator the same thing, and the performer turns over the next page to reveal their thought of object as well.

My Thoughts: This is basically a 3 part mental epic effect. The preparation takes 2 seconds and you’re ready to go. The method is old but proven for getting the objects, and the method is really old for getting the audiences thought of predicted number. Now you won’t get more then 2-3 spectators numbers correct but you don’t have to get everybody’s thought of number because you can’t since you’re only writing down one 2 digit number. What I really like about this effect is it uses a standard index card spiral notebook. You don’t need any expensive ESP boards that cost you hundreds of dollars, all you need is this basic tool that you can get at any Wal-Mart. So for that reason alone, this gets a 9/10, a real money saver, and it’s a great effect as well.

Out of Hand: The performer talks about playing a game of poker with his friends. He then takes out a deck of cards and deals himself 5 aces. Realizing this won’t fly, he places an ace into his pocket, but when he counts the cards he still has 5 aces. This is repeated 2 more times. Then the performer takes 2 aces and places them in his pocket and once again he has 5 aces. He then takes 3 aces and puts them away and he still shows 5 aces. Then he takes 4 aces and places them in his pocket leaving one ace left. Then he still shows 5 cards but instead it’s a royal flush, and if that wasn't enough, he turns the cards over to reveal each card has a different back design.

My Thoughts: This is a fantastic 6 card repeat effect. What I love about it is when you count the cards, you’re counting them towards the audience so that they can see the faces of the aces and the royal flush at the end. It really picks up when you start taking 2 cards, then 3, then finally 4 and the audience totally doesn’t expect the royal flush which is a total killer and something different for magicians who’ve done this type of effect before. But I really love the kicker of the different backs at the end. That to me just puts this trick over the top. You can do this on stage with jumbo cards if you want and no matter who you perform this for, it will get a very good reaction and play very well. A 10/10 gem.

Industrial Strength Link: The magician calls up a spectator and takes out a coat hanger with a spring on it and places it behind his back. He then brings the hanger back out with the spring off. He places the spring seemingly back on with no problems and asks the spectator to do it. When he can’t figure it out, the magician openly takes the spring off the hanger. This is repeated 3 more times with each time being more impossible than the first.

My thoughts: The linking and unlinking of the spring is visual and gets a great reaction from the audience when they see how hard it is when the spectator tries. That said this one didn’t work for me, although it still got a good reaction as with all of the effects on here. But since I don’t have a spring and since it doesn’t fit my style, I don’t think I’ll be using this one, but everyone is different so they might want to try it out. It’s still a good looking effect, just wasn’t for me. 5/10.

Coin Snatch: The performer calls up a spectator and places a half dollar on the person’s hand. He then explains that he wants them to close their hand as fast as they can before his hand grabs the coin. But try as they might, they can’t seem to close their hand fast enough around the coin before the performer can take it.

My thoughts: This routine doesn’t really have a method to it as you are really doing what you say you’re doing. It takes practice of course to get the quick hand to eye coordination down, but when you do, you can perform this little stunt anytime you want during your act as a demonstration of the hand is quicker than the eye type of thing. Me personally this wasn’t for me because I’m not into such stunts being performed, but it is a nice effect on its own and really sells the idea of the quick hand skills you have. Overall a 6/10.

Original Inside Out: The performer takes a cards and folds it long wise and length wise creating four quarters. Then the card gets folded face down and with a simple wave of the hand the card turns face up while still folded. This is repeated more slowly than the first time. For the kicker the performer places a paper clip on the card while it’s folded, and once again the card magically turns face up with just a wave of the hand.

My thoughts: This trick is very visual and easy to performer. The preparation takes all of 5 seconds and that’s all you need to do, after that you’re done. What I like about this is that you look so super clean during the whole routine as if what you’re doing is effortless. I’ve already put this into repertoire and it gets very good reactions. The people just flip with the final phase of the paper clip. The coolest part of all of this, is you can hand the card out to keep at the end which is just superb. I give this a 9/10, very good, powerful effect.

Overall Thoughts: Well that’s the end of volume 6 and once again you get a lot of jewels to practice and master. For me Miracle Flying Cards steals the dvd in this one. But coming in very close seconds were Clip Line Deluxe, Out of Hand, and Amazing Memory Demonstration with Original Inside out coming in right behind them as well. Once again this dvd delivers impact material and once again offers material that you will use on an everyday basis. Well guys this is it. You've made it this far, but now we're down to the last volume. Let's see if Richard goes out with a bang. I hope you like it.

Mind Mysteries Vol. 7:

Question and Answer Act: The performer passes around a bunch of small pencils for the audience to write with. He then passes out a bunch of small paper slips that are perforated and have a side to write down a question. He then takes out a pencil bag, and tells the audience to write down a personal question to them and to tear the paper in half, fold their question in half, and to put the folded question side into the pencil bag. He then notes to the audience that the other half has a number on it and he asks them to remember their number when it gets called. From there the magician calls out a number, and asks the spectator who has that number to stand up. Next the performer seems to know everything about them and their question in full detail and answers their question as accurately as they wrote it down. This is repeated throughout the whole audience.

My Thoughts: Right off the bat you get a routine that is arguably worth the price of the series. This Q & A act is by far the best I've ever seen and it is the most simple one of ever seen. The method is just pure genius and the props needed for this are extremely common. You don't have to use the laminated cards, you can just use pieces of paper and cut them into slips, and write question on one half and a number on the other half and tell them to tear those in half if you want to which is exactly what I do. This routine is so strong that you can't go on after you perform it. There's just nowhere to go, you just can't beat this. This is an act all by itself. It lasts 15-20 minutes depending on if you use the whole audience or not and on how much depth you get into with each participant. This is so good, that a 10 doesn't give this justice but it will have to do in this review. A masterpiece 10/10.

Test Conditions 2: The performer takes out a deck of cards and shows it to the audience. He shuffles the deck a few times and has a spectator cut the cards and complete the cut. He then has another spectator select a card and has them remember it. He then hands the spectator the deck and tells them to place their card into the deck and shuffle it. He then takes the deck back and goes through it and takes out one card. He asks the spectator what card he picked (say the queen of hearts), and the magician turns over his card and it's the exact same card the spectator picked (queen of hearts).

My Thoughts: This is a sequel to the first test conditions trick, only this one is even stronger. This is yet another effect you can do with the break through card system learned in vol. 2 of this series. When you let the spectator shuffle the cards multiple times after they themselves place it in the deck it really takes away any suspicion of you doing anything funny. What’s even better with this routine is you can give the deck away to the spectator to keep, just to prove that not only are you not doing anything funny, but you're also not using a marked deck as well. You don't have to give the deck away of course but a lot of spectators ask for it as a souvenir to remind them of you, which I think that's great so why not give them the deck. This trick is short and sweet and it kills. A definite 10/10.

Tribute to Tarbell: The performer has a deck of cards and asks a spectator to shuffle the cards. He then quickly flips through the cards and has a spectator quickly see a card and remember it. He then spreads the cards and asks another spectator to place their finger on one card and to take it out. The first spectator names their card they thought of and the second spectators chosen card matches the thought of card.

My thoughts: This routine is very strong. There is no set up, no key card, no nothing. The deck is all mixed up and nothing is forced, yet you're able to perform this anytime anywhere miracle. This trick is short and the method is so simple, but don't let that fool you into thinking that it's not very good because of how easy it is. Once you see this and perform this live, the reactions are incredible and you will absolutely love doing it because of the ease of use. A 10/10.

Psychological Impossibility: The performer takes out a deck of cards and has a spectator shuffle the cards. He then calls another spectator up and asks him to check his right hand jacket pocket to make sure it's empty. He then tells the first spectator to cut the deck into 2 piles. He asks a third spectator to think of a number between 1-10. The performer then asks her which pile she wants to use and the performer picks up that pile and fans them towards the spectator. He tells her to remember the card that their number falls on. Next the performer spreads the second pile on the table and asks the first spectator to slide a card out.

Then without looking the performer places the chosen card into his right hand jacket pocket. He then goes back to the third spectator and asks them what number they thought of (say . The performer takes their chosen pile and has the spectator hold out their hand and counts down to the 8th card. She turns it over and it is the wrong card. Then the performer asks what card she thought of (say 10 of diamonds). The performer then goes into his right hand jacket pocket and pulls out the card from the other pile. It gets turned over and it is in fact the 10 of diamonds.

My Thoughts: This trick is a lot like strange travelers but you don't need any gimmick cards. The spectator thinks of a number 1-10, another card is placed in your pocket, and it turns out that was the card that they picked out of the first pile. It's just mind boggling to the spectators and looks completely impossible. What I like about this is you seem very fare and open the entire time and all you need to do is one sleight to make the effect work. It's very strong and very effect and once again you can hand the deck out. There is no heat on you what so ever, so even a beginner can do this trick yet still blow people away. Awesome effect, 10/10.

Matchbook Prediction: The magician takes out a deck of cards and shuffles them. He then asks a spectator to choose a card and to place it back inside the deck. The performer then takes out a book of matches and a pipe to smoke. He lights a match and places the matchbook on the table closed up. Then he just looks down with his eyes seemingly to tell the spectator to pick up the matchbook. When he does, the spectator opens it up to find their chosen card printed inside. Then the performer takes the matchbook back and shows it to the audience. He then closes it up and sets it back on the table and has the spectator pick another card and have them return it back to the deck. Then once again the magician just looks down with his eyes as if to say pick up the matchbook again, and the spectator opens it up and their second card is printed in place of where the first card was.

My Thoughts: This trick fooled me so bad, it scared me. When you set the matchbook down on the table you don't go anywhere near it especially for the reveal of the second card. For the second card it literally looks like you close the matchbook, place it on the table, have the spectator choose another card, and unbelievably the second card is inside the same matchbook. When I first saw this I myself said "what?" when Richard gestured towards the matchbook for the second reveal thinking, "if that second card is in that matchbook, I'm going to freak out." And sure enough it was. I had to stop the dvd right there to find out the explanation and not only is this trick one of the most hard hitting, magical effects in this series, but it is also one of the easiest to perform in the series.

I've performed this multiple times already and the first reveal doesn't get a great reaction, but they do think it's cool how I knew the card. But when they see the second reveal, then I get fantastic reactions, because then it's not just that I knew the card, but now the card on the inside of the matchbook changed, and both times I'm nowhere near the matchbook. They get to open it up, which just adds to the effect. I can honestly say, that I've never been more fooled in my life. I was just as shocked as the audience on the dvd and that was a great feeling. This dvd is worth the price just for this one trick. A true 10/10 gold mine.

ESP Stack: The performer takes out a stack of ESP cards, a folder, an envelope, a sharpie, and a spiral notebook. He pulls the cards out of the envelope and mixes up the cards and explains ESP to the audience and what the ESP cards are used for. He then calls up a spectator and has them sit down next to him. He places the folder between them to obstruct both of their views and mixes the cards again and hands them to the spectator. He then takes out the notebook and the sharpie and explains that he will try to predict the shapes in the correct order that they fall in, and will write them down as they appear. With that said the spectator begins to turn over one card at a time, pausing each time for the magician to write down the shape. After the cards have been dealt, the folder is removed from between them to show that the shapes were written down in the exact order the spectators cards were dealt.

My Thoughts: This trick reminds me of the movie Gostbusters where Bill Murray has to shock either the man or the women if they get the card wrong, and he lies for the women, but keeps shocking the man. Well this trick is the opposite of that funny moment in the movie. You are the one who reveals the cards that the spectator deals vs. the other way around. This looks so close the real thing, that people would swear that you’re doing this for real. When you remove the folder from between the two of you, you get a nice reveal of what you wrote down on the notebook, and what the spectator dealt in her own sequence. That said, this trick wasn’t for me and I don’t think I’m going to be using it. However, this is a very good trick and I know a lot of you will probably use this once you see it. Overall, I give this a 7/10.

Osterlind Design Duplication System (ODDS): The performer takes out a pack of blue index cards with words of objects written on the back, 2 notebooks and 2 sharpies and calls up a spectator. He explains that he wants her to pick one of the index cards and to remember that word. He then tells her to go to the other side of the room and to draw the picture of the word she’s thinking of. While she’s doing that the performer is drawing a picture at the exact same time. After she’s done she brings the notebook back up, and the performer reveals his drawing and it matches the spectators thought of object.

My Thoughts: This trick is cool and it looks like you have real ESP. What I like about this is the final reveal of the duplication. Also you’re way ahead of everybody before the effect gets going which means you can really build up the presentation and make this seem even more impossible. People aren’t expecting an exact match because how could you know what she drew from across the room? Well you do, and that’s why this effect gets a great reaction. This is definitely a worker, and one that you will use a lot. A 10/10.

Ashes on the Arm: The performer calls up a spectator and writes their name on a post it note. He then tells the first spectator to think of someone close to them and to write their first and last initials on the paper and to fold it up. The performer then takes the paper and rips it into pieces. He then takes out a lighter, and tells her to burn the paper. The performer then takes the ashes of the paper and places them on his palm and rubs them into his palm. Then slowly the ashes turn into the initials.

My Thoughts: This trick has been around for years, and years, and years, but it still always gets a great reaction. Richards handling of this effect takes this from an effect that you have to prepare to one that you can do on the fly and the method for that is genius. I always loved doing this effect but I hated to go to another part of the room to prepare my arm or palm. But with this method, you can literally do this on the fly, in your act anytime you want. You only need one prop which you can find anywhere and you’re ready to go. I’ve done this to several people already and this always kills them. Stigmata beats this IMO, but you can’t go wrong if you choose this one. Overall, a 9/10.

Pen Paddle Move: The performer takes out 3 flat pens with a logo printed on one side. He then shows the pen as having one side blank and the other with a logo. Then with a flick, the performer shows both sides with a logo, then another flick to show both sides are now blank. He then gives the pen out for examination and proceeds to do the same thing with the second pen. This is repeated for all 3 pens, and they all get handed out for examination.

My Thoughts: This move is one of the oldest moves in magic, but the way Richard does this routine, it looks absolutely impossible to the audience. I never thought this one simple move could look so good. This routine is visual, pure eye candy. Just by a few hotrods and you will be surprised at the reactions you get with this routine. It’s so simple, it’s not even fair. A true 10/10.

Dad’s Favorite: The performer takes out a deck of cards, and explains he’s going to show the first trick that his dad taught him. He shuffles the deck and has the spectator cut the deck into 3 piles and to place the top cards of each pile on any of the other piles they want. From there the performer tells the spectator to mix the cards all over the place by seemingly random cuts and top card replacements. Finally the spectator is left with 4 piles of cards and is instructed to turn over the top card of each pile, and it turns out to be the 4 aces.

My Thoughts: When I first saw this it looked pretty boring with all of the cutting and replacements of cards. But when the final reveal of the aces came, I snapped to attention and my jaw dropped. What really like about this effect is that you never touch the cards. The spectator just does what you say while you seemingly sit back like you don’t care where the cards end up only to reveal the four aces. This looks totally random and totally impossible. It’s a very quick set up and you’re ready to go. This isn’t something I would use every day in my working repertoire, but it’s still a killer effect and totally unexpected. If this is totally unexpected for me, you can imagine what this will do to a lay audience. Overall this gets a 8/10.

Haunted Key: The performer takes out a skeleton key and places it on his palm. Then with a seemingly unseen force the key begins to slowly turn over in the magicians palm.
My Thoughts: This trick has been around for years and I’m sure a lot of people own one. With that said Richard gets a lot out of this effect. What I really like about this is that there is no tricky movements, so much so, that it literally looks like the key is being turned over by the power of your mind. You can do this right in front of the spectators eyes, and afterwards you can hand the key out. This is perfect after a spoon or a fork bend. I give this a 8/10 just because of how visual it looks.

Solid Ghost: The performer takes out a white folded handkerchief and places it on the table. He claims that he can grab imaginary objects and make them real. He then plucks an object out of the air and places it in the hanky. Then slowly and visually the hanky begins to move and form a round shape almost as big as a baseball. Then it keeps growing into the size of a softball. The performer proves it’s real and taps the object with a spoon and the audience hears the spoon clink off the object. Then the magician slams his hand on the object, opens the hanky and it vanishes completely leaving nothing there at all.

My Thoughts: This trick never gets old for an audience. It’s powerful, it’s strong, and what’s cool is that the audience never actually sees the object, yet one has materialized and dematerialized right in front of them and that’s the coolest part of the whole effect. You’ve done nothing, yet you’ve done the impossible. You can either buy this prop or make one yourself but either way get one and you will blow people away with it. I especially love Richards patter with this routine and it really sells it for the audience. Very cool, very visual, a 9/10.

Overall Thoughts: Well that’s volume 7 and Richard definitely went out with a bang. The Q & A act is worth the price of this dvd and steals the show by far. But the Matchbook prediction, the Ashes on Arm, Psychological Impossibility, and Tribute to Tarbell are all right up there with the best on this volume. Once again Richard offers material that you will use every day of your life and the information he gives not just with these tricks but with all of the tricks on this series is just invaluable advice. I highly recommend this dvd as a must have for your collection.

Final Thoughts of the Series: Well guys this is the end and I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this review as I have writing it. I sincerely hope you buy this 7 dvd set because as you can see, I wasn’t lying when I said it was the best set in magic to own because you get so much material that you will never need to buy anything else. If this set of dvds is all you have, then that’s all you will ever need and you will make a very good living. Lets recap the tricks that stand out in the entire set:

The Perfected Center Tear
Radar Deck
Watch Routine
Thought Scan
Magazine Test
Linking Finger Rings
Card Calling
Two Cards in Pocket
Challenge Mind Reading
Spoon Bending
Cell Phone Effect
Bill in Cigarette
Glass of Water Production
IMP Pad
Signed Torn and Restored Post-It Note
Signed Torn and Restored Newspaper
Ultra Board
Spoon Bend
The Very Modern Mindreader
Inside the Fold
Miracle Flying Cards
Clip Line Deluxe
Amazing Memory Demonstration
Steno ESP
Out of Hand
Original Inside Out
Question and Answer Act
Test Conditions 2
Tribute to Tarbell
Psychological Impossibility
Matchbook Prediction
Osterlind Design Duplication System (ODDS)
Pen Paddle Move

That's 33 show stopping effects which is an entire act by itself, but if you go through the review agian, you will find that even though some tricks aren't underlined and bolded, they still rank up to an 8 overall so those are still good. There was only a few that I didn't care for but other magicians might and all of them fooled the audience. As you can see there is so much material on here that it's mind blowing. Like I said before, this is all you will ever need to make a living. This set is expensive at $205 after shipping fees but ever cent is worth it. I most highly recommend this set of dvds as they have changed my magic life for the better. Thank you so much for reading.

I agree. Best set in magic. I need to go buy the volumes i'm missing. I think i'm missing two of them.

Also Easy to Master Card Miracles with Micheal Ammar i would consider a tie for the best dvd set in magic.

INCREDIBLE review. I will definitely have to pick up a few volumes of this. THANK YOU!

-JT

GREAT REVIEW! I completely agree; this entire set is gold. The first DVD is by far my favorite. This review has made me want to go back and watch some of the other DVDs. Thanks

Now all we need is a review of the entire On The Loose series.

All I can say is WOW! Thanks for such a detailed review! I really need to put this at the top of my dvd wishlist.

Hotsauce review. I use Osterlind's Breakthrough Card System on a daily basis.

Hey if you get a chance could you post a more detailed review?



Just kidding...that was an amazingly detailed review. Thanks for your efforts!

Love this stack....

I PM'd Richard on Facebook to take a look at this awesome review.

WOW guys thank you so much for the kind words, they mean alot. And thank you Akirafist for emailing my review to Richard himself as that was a totally unexpected suprise. And Richard if you're reading this, THANK YOU sir for putting out these dvd's. They are the best on the market and a set that every magician should own. Your opinion means so much, as does everyone elses. Thank you.

Hi guys, I just wanted to give a quick update on this review and some of the material in it. I've performed alot of effects from this series already but there are a handful of effects that have just totally transformed my show, and just totally blow people away in the process that I just have to share them with you. The effects I'm going to talk about are the following:

Bank Night
Watch Routine
Cell Phone Effect
Signed Torn and Restored Newspaper
Bill in Cigarette

1.Bank Night
I've opened with this routine 4 times now in my shows and I'm changing my mind in saying that this trick should be bolded and underlined in the review because it is magnificant. Does this blow people away? And the answer is no, but this trick is a blast for the audience. What I've notice about this trick is that in the biggining when you're performing it, the audience doesn't believe that you really have a $100 bill in the envelopes. Then when you reveal the bill it's shocking, and you can see them almost thinking back and second guessing themselves and smile. Also, when the last spectator finds the lottery tickets, it just adds a super nice touch and once again the spectator is left with another choice at the end. This is going to be my new opener from now on because it gets people in the mood for my show, and it's a super fun routine for the audience to watch.

2.Watch Routine
This has also gone into my act, as with alot of the material in this series. However I haven't been just doing this routine in my shows, but I've also been doing this routine every chance I get where ever I go. What I've discovered is this routine is impromptu as you can borrow everything you need to perform it. The watch, the business card, the pen, and a piece of paper for the prediction time. And I'm pleased to say that this trick kills at my show and everywhere in between. The first time I tried this outside of my show was at a bar.

Someone knew who I was and wanted me to show thier girlfriend a few tricks that night. Long story short after I did this routine, she gasped and held her hand over her mouth in awe. What I've notice about this routine is that when you reveal the prediction time, the audience and people in general laugh with delight and are really suprised. However, when you turn over the watch and show the time they stopped on matches the prediction time as well, then they become literally speechless. They just don't have words for what their thinking at that moment. They know you couldn't have done anything as they turned the watch and pushed the pen back in themselves yet it matched the prediciton time by another spectator all before it got named out loud. Well that's just totally impossible and completely unbelievable. I'm telling you right now, and I'm serious when I say this, be carefull when you perform this because it might just be too strong. This is one of those effects that the people will be talking about for years after. I can't recommend this effect enough.

3.Cell Phone Effect
Like the Watch Routine, I've performed this outside of my shows for people and I have to say that it doesn't get any stronger. It just completely destroyes the spectators mind. I've done this one on one with people calling their friends and showing the final number, and I can't even discribe to you the reactions I've gotten. I had one women drop her phone, I had another one scream from the top of her lungs. But the best one for me was a man in his late 50's, who after just witnessing this effect, looked at the predicted number in his hands, then looked up at me with his jaw dropped and said "you're the devil". Now the people on the other end of the cell phone don't believe it of course and the reason I know that is because the people I just did it for try to convince them saying things like "no, he got the number right", or "I swear to you he wrote it down before you said anything" ect. It just leaves one of the strongest lasting impressions you can give, because they get to keep that paper with the number on it. I never thought one simple gimmick could accomplish so much. You just have to try this out.

4.Signed Torn and Restored Newspaper
I've done this trick multiple times already and this fools both laymen and magicians alike. When I performed this for the magicians, they told me the first thing that got them was when they could freely select a page. Then the second thing that fooled them was having them sign the page they picked. Then the third thing that got them was me being clean after the paper was restored. Then the final thing that floored them was when I gave that same page away to keep. So to a lay audience, this just lookes incredible and just kills their mind. It is so fun to perform and watch from a audience purspective. When I said this was worth the whole price of the series I meant every single word. I would pay $207 just for this one trick, I'm not joking. It's just that good and worth it. You have to know this trick, you've just got to perform this.

5.Bill in Cigarette
Once again I've performed this outside of my shows as well as in them, and the reactions are the same, just total chaos. Other then the envelope and the gimmick you need, everything else you can borrow. I've done this with bills ranging from $1's to $100's and it makes a huge difference believe it or not with the bigger the bill you use. The reason being is that the people you're performing this for get much more interested when you're using a higher bill, especially a $100. When you start burning their big bill, they aren't liking it to say the least, and the poeple watching are just laughing wondering how you're going to get out of it.

Then when you reach for the cigarette, everyone says the same thing, "that bill's not in my cigarette" thinking there's just no way. Then when they see the bill getting slowly twisted out of the cigarette then they say, "oh my God", and when you finally reveal the cerial number and the signature everyone just can't believe their eyes. Now I've had a few people try to pick this effect apart, but what they can't seem to get past is that I showed my hands empty the whole time. They're thinking it had to come from the cigarette because his hands were empty. This trick is just a masterpiece, and just totally blows people away.

Well that's the update so far and I hope you enjoyed it. I'll be writing more updates on more effects on this series and my experiences with them if I feel they need to be shared. Once again, this is the best magic dvd set on the market and I highly, highly recommend you pick these up as they will change your life.

Hi guys, hope everyone had a merry christmas and here's another update for everyone. The tricks I'm going to talk about are the following:

The Radar Deck
Linking Finger Rings
Card Calling
Two Cards in Pocket
Marked Coin in Bottle

1. The Radar Deck
I've actually performed this in every show since the original review and all I can say is this trick destroyes the audience everytime. What I forgot to mention in the review is you give the deck to a spectator after the trick is over to examine and that is very important to this trick. What happens is when the trick is over, the person with the deck starts explaining to other people who weren't there what happened with the deck he's holding. Saying things like "he spread through these cards, and told us to think of one" spreading that deck as he does so. It's a really cool moment and really sells that you're a mind reader. Another thing I want to mention is the reactions to this during and after the show. I haven't done this routine as a closer yet, but I've noticed the reactions are closer worthy. And after the show I ask people what was their favorite trick and they always at least mention "when you read my mind with the cards, that was amazing". This just proves that this dvd set is gold, because you know you've got a golden dvd set when you can't decide which trick to use as your closer.

2. Linking Finger Rings
I've done this effect only a few times since the review as it took awhile to get down smoothly, but I'm going to be doing it alot more and that's a fact. There was yet another thing I forgot to mention in the review, and that was Richard invites each spectator up and verifies to the whole audience that their ring is there and linked to the other two. Not only does that fool magicians but it just drives home the fact to the audience that you are really using their rings. My favorite part is in the biggining when I reveal that the rings have linked. You hear a gasp from the entire room and alot of people in disbelief. That's why this routine is so strong because when the spectators tell the crowd that their ring is there and linked it really sells the fact that this is real and not an illusion. I've hear people asking the spectators who went up "was your ring really linked?" and they of course always say "yes it was". That's why it's very important to call the spectators up to verify their linked finger ring because people will be asking about it later. That little touch really makes this trick a staple in your show and a must use every time you perform.

3. Card Calling
I've done this both in my shows and outside my shows and the reactions are so much better in my show. I really love the use of the jumbo cards for this effect. I didn't own a jumbo deck before I got this set, and afterwards I bought one just for this one trick and boy I'm I glad I did. I just LOVE the touch using the jumbo cards for this effect. The audience can see very clearly what I'm doing and which card is being called and I just love using the cards in general, I hope that last part isn't too weird . Anyway, this trick is really special. It is my favorite (so far) to use with the break through card system because of a few key factors.

First, the magic lasts a little longer then the rest of the effects on volume 2 because you're calling out 6-8 cards instead of maybe 1 or 2 cards. As you're naming through the cards taking them as you do, each card you name is magic for the spectator. Second, the spectator that's helping you is just laughing histarically because he's wonder "how on earth does he know these cards?". It's a really fun trick for the audience to watch the spectators reaction, plus the actual trick itself taking place. Last but certainly not least is the ending. The ending really gets them and the spectator helping is always stunned by the result. Just a perfect way to end this trick. If there's only one trick you perform from volume 2 then this is the trick to use.

4. Two Cards in Pocket
I haven't used this in my actual show yet, however I have used this outside of my show and it just floors all who see it. This is a trick that goes over well whether you're doing your show or not. I've done this mostly one on one for people and I've got to say, it's very powerful for them. One guy was so amazed he just had to book me for his Christmas party. The obvious moment here is when the spectator names the cards that are in which pockets. Now the times that I haven't gotten that to happen, I just say "well here's what I'm predicting, the 7 of hearts will be in your right pocket" and you get the idea. But 9 times out of 10 they name the card in the right pocket which just totally turns this trick from cool to impossible looking.

5. Marked Coin in Bottle
This is another trick that should be changed to bolded and underlined in the review because I'm changing my mind on this one. This is one of the coolest effects you can perform live. It's a completly impossible site seeing that signed quarter in that coke bottle. I don't care how hard the prep time is for this effect, do the work, and add this to your show RIGHT NOW. It's like doing a quarter through soda can with a clear sealed can of water. They would be able to see the coin go through the can and see it floating around inside the clear can before you pour it out. That's the best way I can describe this. The audience knows right off the bat, that the quarter will not go in, yet they see it go through the mouth and then they hear and see it inside the bottle before you break it open to get the coin back.

Like I said before in the review, Sinful beats this trick because of the impromptu aspects and the versatility, but the marked coin in bottle is more VISUAL for the spectators to watch. Yes the preparation is a pain, but even still I LOVE performing this trick in my show. I prepare this trick with a big smile on my face knowing that it will all be worth it once I perform it that night. And speaking of which, I've only performed this twice in my show just because I've been lazy and I didn't feel like doing the prep on alot of bottles. But the 2 bottles I did prep and use the audience was just in awe. On both occasions every and I mean EVERY spectator in the audience wanted to look inside the bottle to see the signed coin. It wasn't enough them hearing and seeing it from a far, they all wanted to look through the mouth and see the signature. Which as you all know you can show them that. After they see the coin in the bottle being the same signed coin, some people still don't believe it until you break the bottle to get the coin and the spectator confirms it's his. Which brings me to another point. I know this has already been said in the review, but the added touch of the freezer bag just makes this effect look so much more professional and clean looking and really makes you look like a pro. Also with the bag being clear, the audience gets to see the coin inside the bottle for the entire effect. From when you put the coin through to when you break the bottle to get the coin back out, they see everything the entire time and that is just too cool for me as a magician. This is without a doubt a 10 out of 10.

Well guys I hope you enjoyed this update and I hope you all have a happy new year. I'll post another one in the future. Thanks again for reading.

Great reviews mate. I will have to agree with you 100% with most of them. I do the card calling, radar deck, 2 cards in pocket and also the corinda effect like....hmmm....ALL THE TIME!!!! its truly truly fantastic. BCS is the best method ever.

I too did not own jumbo cards before this, but now goes with my case everywhere, setup, ready to go!