No, this doesn't require a "stooge". This is advertised as a coding system, so I'm not giving anything away when I say that the method involves having a 2nd person subtly cue you with information. That's not what a stooge is. Amd if you call a cuing system "cheating", I suppose a double lift is cheating too, since you didn't really show the spectator the top card.

I like the thinking behind this, because it's a very simple system, and I'm completely confident that it will fly right past any spectators; the first or second time. This definitely isn't something you'd want to try too often in fromt of the same people, because eventually they're going to notice an odd coincidence that occurs every time you do the effect.

You should also be aware that this sort of thing isn't intended for performances. It's for a casual environment where you want to do something that will blow people away... and with the right helper, you definitely will.

This is so easy to learn, but you will never get caught because the secret is so casual and natural. There are so many applications for this effect that my head is spinning. The hardest part of this entire effect is waiting on the download. The video is approximately 9 minutes long, and you will feel comfortable with it after only one viewing. As with any coding system, you will have to work with a partner, but that is usually easy enough to handle. Hats off to Seidman for this little gem!

I always read reviews before a purchase and found a couple of these reviews uninformed, but I bought it anyway for such a low price and I'm glad I did. Why trash a trick's rating if you didn't do your homework? One person says you need a stooge, if it's my brother it's a stooge, anyone else - they are a partner helping you as the effect describes, so read the description with understanding - it says it's between 2 people. If $5-$10 is too much for an idea you should find another craft. I'd pay $1000 for something I will use for the rest of my life, $100 if I'm going to die soon. So before you slam a product or price, look deep enough so you know what you're talking about... By the way, the simplest ideas are sometimes the best and a dollar value shouldn't be applied based on something's simplicity. My 2 cents...oh, and buy this, it may open the door for other ideas as well - this trick is great!

it just doesnt seem like its worth as much as its being sold for. nice idea. but too simple