|
4Play with Foursome
Michael Vincent Productions
Reviewed by Tim Sutton
If you’re a lover of elegant, engaging and unbelievable card magic, then look no
further than ‘4Play with Foursome’, another high-impact, high-quality offering
from Michael Vincent Productions. Taking a lead from Mike Close, Michael
delivers a pdf containing a thorough written description of the routine,
accompanied by Bruce Munton’s crystal-clear photography. In addition, an
embedded video shows Michael in live performance. These arrive on a CD-ROM which
you can view direct from your PC.
Anyone who has seen Michael perform will be familiar with his unique blend of
presentational elegance and invisible technique. At the root of these is his
quarter-century-long study of the application of audience psychology, inspired
by his studies with Slydini. Michael brings all this to the table in his
interpretation of one of his favourite effects, Harry Lorayne’s ‘Foursome’ from
Decksterity. To this he adds his streamlining of Andrew Wimhurst’s kicker ending
from Down Under Deals.
Talking about the recent rise in popularity in Texas Hold’em, the magician
offers to give a demonstration of reading a poker player’s tells. Selecting two
participants, he offers each a peek at a card. This done, he spreads through the
deck, watching the demeanour of the first volunteer for a reaction. Though she
seems to give none, the magician feels satisfied that he has all the information
he needs. Turning to the second volunteer, the magician removes four cards from
the deck, saying he believes one of them to be his selection. The volunteer
confirms that this is so. The magician correctly divines the peeked-at card, and
for good measure instantaneously changes the other three cards into its mates.
Turning back to the first spectator, the magician picks up the four-of-a-kind,
and chooses the card which he believes to be the same suit as her selection.
With a flourish, the card is changed to her card, and as a final cadenza, the
three other cards instantly transform to match. This is a highly entertaining
routine which piles one astonishment on top of another in a seamless blend of
gambling and pure magic.
‘4Play with Foursome’ requires no set-up other than a working surface and a deck
of cards. Michael’s text gives full and clear descriptions of the mechanics of
the routine, and how the techniques are integrated into performance. The script
suggestions, and tips on audience direction and psychology are invaluable, and
every episode is accompanied by sharp black-and-white photography, making the
learning experience a pleasure.
All sleights are fully described and credited, with references given for further
study. The routine is not for beginners, containing side steals, passing and
spread-culling, as well as a cunning application of John Carney’s Versa Switch.
But if you’re willing to put in the required time, you will have a routine with
the power to stun a lay audience. It’s one of those heart-warming tricks that’s
supremely satisfying to pull off. Brush up your Pinky Count, and order.
© Tim Sutton, March 2008