This effect is similar to The Grail, both being CAAN tricks. Both are clever, and both require
pre-setting a deck. Without revealing the method, all I'll say is that both use deceptive but
distinctly different methods to get the cards ready to be counted. The Grail requires a relatively
simple 'move' and a bit more silent calculation. By comparison, X-Act is pretty much self-working.
That's an advantage of course, but it requires the use of an ultra-gimmicky deck, and in general the
spectator cannot handle the cards. In the Grail, the spectator can handle and count the cards freely
herself. I have used the Grail several times in performance and it kills. From the spectator's point
of view, it is more deceptive than X-Act, I believe. But X-Act is easier on the performer, and it's
one of the most clever solutions to CAAN I've ever seen.
Very wrong! There is absolutely no reason for the spectator have to handle the cards. For one, the cards are shown very fairly. Secondly you are the Magician and in charge of your performance. I don't know when everyone decided they had to let everyone start handling and fondling every item they perform with. If you have to let them look at something to "prove" it is normal, you are doing it wrong. My spectators don't get to check out my deck of cards every time I do a trick. My GOD it would me an hour to perform 5 tricks. Just do the trick and move on. Don't ACT guilty and no one will need to see the deck. Get over this "over proving" phase every one seems dead set on doing. It is not needed nor should it be done. If they think you are using a trick deck you are really doing something wrong. Spectators don't know what a trick deck is and just because they can look at it will not appease their suspicion.
Great point the1stmagician. I don't have the effect, but I'm definitley getting it. The demo fooled the heck out of me. Mark handled the cards naturally and I never suspected a thing.
the1stmagician...you need to relax.
DylanTrost, you need to hop down off of your high horse.
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clever but too gimmicky
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