The effect is good. I think it is a solid opener for an ESP card routine. I don't believe it would
be a good opener for approaching a table. The introduction of cards with symbols no one is familiar
with seems a bit odd. Maybe that is just me.
My problem with this routine is not with the
instruction or method, but with the production. I received two sets of cards with my order. However,
neither one of the sets were gimmicked like the set Banachek uses in the instructions. This doesn't
make then unusable, but it does make all of Banachek's teaching on how to guide a spectator to name
a specific symbol a bit obsolete...and not in a good way. Because my set of cards were gimmicked
differently than what was shown in the video, the accompanying PDF that was specially made to work
the way Banachek does it is now also useless. To be practicing scripting and the psychological
wording to guide the spectator to the correct symbol and then receive a totally different set of
cards is a bit frustrating.
Another problem is that the cards are sent printed on bicycle
cards. The symbols on the front, bicycle back design on the back. Granted, Penguin does send a red
set and a blue set. However, I expected to receive the cards that are shown in the preview. I don't
like the idea of spectator's knowing that Bicycle cards can just be printed in anyway a magician
wants them to be printed. The bicycle back design is a bit of a turn off for me.
Finally,
and this may be specific only to my set, but my gimmicks were poorly made. I can't say too much
without revealing the method, but my cards were barely usable when not held in a death grip.
I am a fan of Banachek and his thinking. Purchased this already knowing the method to receive
the cards and additional points from Banachek. But due to my cards being different, Banachek's
touches and subtleties are wasted.
I wish the PDF contained the symbols in different sizes
and the gimmick material separate so I could make my own cards.
Worth purchasing, but be
ready to do a a bit more work to make it performance ready.
Good instruction, poor production
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