Well, I have to disagree but, this effect is no original to Docc Hilford. The original effect is
called MENTAL STUD, and was developed by Henry Christ (can be found in Annemann's Card Magic) which
sells for nothing, along with many MANY more effects.
The "only improvement" if it can be called
like that, would be that Hilford uses Poker Chips, while in the original, coins were used. I dont
see the improvement in that.
The coins play more organically and if you check the original
effect, they come "ready to use".
I don't see any reference to the originator of the effect.
But... yeap, nothing new here. A pretty old effect, quite good indeed, renamed and sold, but is
not from Hilford.
First Docc does give references to the origination of the trick. Docc is a master at taking old plots working out the weak points and breathing life into them.
If you have ever performed the original the weak points were
1. After dealing out four hands you collected them and then had to deal out five hands for the reveal. This has been totally eliminated with a simple handling.
2. You had to ask each person which hand their card was in for the reveal. This was a major weak point.
I was already familiar with the handling and had performed over the years but never liked the trick for the reasons above. Now it has been tweaked to perfection. This is a lesson in how to take old plots and bring them back from the dust heap.
I disagree with your moment nothing new here. The touches are simple and brilliant. This is classic Hilford!
I have to take back the above comment. I dug out The effect that the reviewer mentioned and he is correct. I am surprised that Docc did not mention this.
Really it's Henry Christ's
First, you cannot "se' something for "nothing". Furthermore, you've gotta buy the book so there's that.
First, you cannot "sell' something for "nothing". Furthermore, you've gotta buy the book so there's that.
I love magic created by Henry Christ. After watching this video, I went to my JINX files and found it. I started playing with it this afternoon and I am amazed at the brilliance and beauty of this piece of magic. I am sure Docc has added some very effective nuances that make it even more powerful and entertaining, but I hope that he gives credit where it is due. Sometimes in the magic community, we don't credit the history of the development of the effect. This happens especially in short magic videos. That is one reason I love watching Richard Osterlind and Michael Ammar. They credit the magic and share their touches to improve it.
I perform regularly Christ's Fabulous four aces with very nice touches by Ammar and J.C. Wagner.
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Not so Hilford...
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