Everything in the advertising is true. It is what is left out that is disappointing. I have no doubt
the effect is devastating, but frankly it would have to be a very, VERY special occasion for me to
assemble and perform this.
First of all you have to buy (at current best prices here at
Penguin) about $30.00 of special cards, so expect to pay more than the seemingly bargain price of
$15.00.
Next, you have a fairly intensive one time set up process of 4 decks of cards,
including (for subsequent ease of use, though stated as not required) marking 3 of the decks. Corner
shorting is encouraged as an alternative as well. Ouch. A potential source for a corner short cutter
is provided, price not provided. You gotta want it!
To perform you need enough pocket space
to have one deck in use and three on you and be ready to perform a deck switch.
Limited,
well-constructed fishing is required.
The second version that is taught uses just one
non-examinable deck switched in for a normal deck previously in play. This version requires that
you really have your wits about you and an equivoque is required.
Mentioned, but not
described is something called, "The Bammo Invertolator" from "The Bammo Card Walloper." If as I, you
don't have this and want to use it, whatever it is, you will have to buy that as well.
On
the good side, I learned a lot from the excellent, clear well written instructions and from the
crediting provided. To me, the techniques taught, including something new called the, "Equivoquod,"
were very interesting from an academic point of view.
Clearly better magicians than I,
including the late Tim Conover, Juan Tamariz, Stephen Minch, Michael Weber, David Britland, David
Regal and Pat Page have found this to be of value and made valuable contributions.
I don't
completely regret this purchase as I learned several things. I am disappointed that the above info
wasn't explicitly stated. I had hoped to work on this for a reasonable period and put it to use
fairly quickly. Not gonna happen.
You could have a lot of fun with this if you're willing
to spend the time and money. Other solutions are available. YMMV.
9 of 9 magicians found this helpful.
I'm sorry Penguin, I can't keep quiet any more. I'm not a professional, but I'm not a bad "magician"
... but ... I don't get this product! I've owned it for over 5 years. I've purchased the 3 regular
decks and the 4 one way force decks. I've put it all together, read all of the instructions time
and time again, practiced and practiced and practiced again. I stick in the closet and bring it back
out after a year or so and try again. No deal! I try again later .. no deal! I still don't get it.
Most of the time it spends in the dark at the back of the closet. I quit! I put the 7 decks back to
their original condition and shredded the instructions. Harsh? You bet. This may even get me
excluded from any further purchases from Penguin Magic, but I hope not. End of rant!
5 of 5 magicians found this helpful.