There are tons of versions of twisting the aces. Dai Vernon's original effect involved no gimmicks or gaffs.

Ah, that would explain it.

The version that I have comes with two gaffed cards. One of them is gaffed in a way that I didn't even notice when I was first looking at it!!

I just looked at the entire package for my Twisting the Aces effect.

Mine is this one here:
http://www.houdini.com/home.cfm?page=sh ... em_ID=2041

I got it in a package deal when I was at Houdini's in Las Vegas. They're a bit expensive, and I know they're a tourist trap, but they are what got me seriously interested in magic when I bought a few coin tricks from them a while back, so every time I'm there I try to spend some money and get some effects from them.

Well that explains it. I watched the video and can see how it is done as a packet trick.
I learned the Vernon version and after some considerable practice got it right.

I was deployed in Al Udied at the time and my friend and I were doing a magic session once a week.

You should have seen the cards I was practicing with, I wore the color right off the backs on several sets before I was done.

Twist

so in my estimation any effect that uses a small portion of cards and *does not call back to the deck for any reason* is a packet trick. There is a book somewhere that sets up a deck in a stack so you can do packet trick after packet trick until the deck is all but depleted. I do not have the book but I am sure it's out there.

adam

I might have to spend some time looking around for that...I absolutely love packet tricks, and if I could find a book that showed how to have an entire deck set up for all my tricks, that would be awesome.

I was just up in my magic room arranging things and I remembered that I wanted to mention something that one of my friends introduced me to.

If you want to protect your packet tricks get baseball card protectors.

I use the Ultra Pro Speciality Series with magnetic closure.
#81910 75 point (holds 4 cards)
#81911 100 point (holds 8 cards)
and
#81721 130 point (holds 12 cards).

I then use my label maker and ID each packet for quick reference.

Twist

That's a good idea!!!

I actually have a pretty nice packet trick wallet that I use to store several of my packet tricks in at once. It's nice because it allows me to perform several effects all from the same wallet. But the other one's that aren't in the wallet are all just strewn about in various spots...I'll have to get some of those baseball card holders.

I forgot to mention that they are great for long term storage and keep the cards from getting beat up. When you want to perform just remove them before your set or of course you could remove the holder and open in front of the spectators.

Twist

Try this...
http://www.penguinmagic.com/product.php?ID=447

Those are what I use for my card packets.

,,

I have also spent much time doing it because it is fun, visual and easy. But it is pretty well one sleight, and if you are sufficient at the sleight (Elmsley count) 2 easy block push offs, and 1 card displacement, it is a pretty easy effect. I think that effect is a big factor in which made me so efficient and the ghost count. But yes, I have have practiced this effect a considerable amount as well, but more for the ease and fun of it. It can be quite a strong effect if performed properly but very lame and boring if performed incorrectly. Like every effect I guess but this one is particular since it is not on my list of an astounding effect even to the lay.

I wanted to start a thread on the newer packet tricks, so instead of starting a new thread, I thought I might just bump this and keep everything together...

I wanted to hear your thoughts on my comparison of Alice's Revenge, B'Wave and Twisted Sisters. (4Queen tricks)

Now one of the points made to sell Alice's Revenge is: "Takes up where B'Wave and Twisted Sisters left off."

I totally disagree with this! Alice's Revenge is the least impressive of the three, since it really leaves the spectators wanting to inspect the last three cards! BW and TS shows the spectators the rest of the cards, leaving them satisfied that there were no gaffs involved. I would recommend B'Wave in jumbo cards for stage performances, and Twisted Sisters normal size for close-up.

On a side note... Maybe I even like Duplicity more for close-up than TS, cause it's in the hands of the spectator! (I know it's aces but...)

What do you think?

-Widding

P.S: Other packet tricks I consider great: NFW, Card Warp (How about you?)

get twist and turns by cameron francis or the dvd called the omega mutation shows alot of packet tricks in there

My top 3 favorite packet tricks are:
3 by Steve Valentine (this is a killer routine)
Ultimate Oil and Water by Anthony Owen

Number 3 is tough but I may have to go with NFW it is just to cool.