🎩✨ Sleightly Unhinged’s Magical Musings: Edition #69

Dear Fellow Conjurers,

Ah, June! The month when the sun shines, the birds sing, and magicians everywhere start sweating over whether their gimmicks will survive the humidity. Let’s dive into this week’s magical offerings—because nothing says “summer fun” like a credit card with a chip that does parkour.

📰 TL;DR

• Credit card sorcery that’ll make your wallet weep (in a good way).
• Coin magic so shiny, it might blind your audience (pro tip: warn them first).
• A card-to-number trick that’s simpler than your tax returns.
• AI in magic routines? Craig Petty says yes, but don’t let Skynet host your next show.
• And a book that treats card magic like IKEA flat-pack furniture.

🎥 Videos Reviewed

🎩 Merger Pack (Transfer & Surge) by James Keatley & Chris James

Reviewed by Fiddlin’ Johnny

Fiddlin’ Johnny gets his wallet out for this JAK Magic bundle, where credit card chips pull off Olympic-level vaults and vanish like they’re dodging a credit check. Beginners rejoice—the routines are mostly sleight-of-hand-free, though you’ll need to master the “pinch-to-zoom” move (no, not the TikTok filter).

The Unhinged Take:
A match made in impromptu heaven. Imagine fixing a dodgy card at a checkout and blowing someone’s mind—just don’t try this at an ATM. At $83, it’s pricier than a pint of lager, but the “I’m just a helpful bloke” vibe could earn you more than tips.

Watch here → Merger Pack

🪙 Coin Magic Extravaganza | Review Show Special

Reviewed by Craig Petty & Ryland Petty

Craig and mini-Craig jingle through coin magic’s greatest hits: hopping halves, alchemy (not the lead-into-gold kind), and a coin box so deluxe it probably has a butler. Practicality scores high, though if you’re after something gimmick-free, this might leave you feeling like a kid who got socks for Christmas.

The Unhinged Take:
A treasure trove for coin enthusiasts. If you’ve ever wanted to make a half-dollar do parkour, this is your jam. Just don’t blame us if you start compulsively collecting loose change.

Watch here → Coin Magic Extravaganza

🃏 My BEST ACAAN! (Full Breakdown!) by Cavan Booth

Published by Murphy’s Magic

Cavan Booth serves up a classic ACAAN with a side of simplicity. It’s like fish and chips—no frills, but bloody brilliant if you’re hungry for impossibility. Bonus: You can catch him live at the Edinburgh Fringe, where he’ll probably do this trick and make you laugh about Brexit.

The Unhinged Take:
A solid, no-nonsense ACAAN. If you’re tired of overcomplicated methods, this is your Hail Mary. Just don’t forget to tip the magician (or at least clap like you mean it).

Watch here → Cavan Booth’s ACAAN

💸 Inflation by Patrick Kun

Published by Murphy’s Magic

A single bill multiplies into a wad of cash so fast, it’ll make your accountant weep. Kun’s gimmick is cleverer than a Brexit negotiator, and the bonus Breach 2.0 is the cherry on top. Just don’t perform this near a Tory MP.

The Unhinged Take:
Visually stunning, but practice before you try it at a casino. The “holdout device” sounds like a euphemism, but it’s 100% tax-deductible for magicians. Probably.

Watch here → Inflation

🃏 Dribble Pass Tutorial by Reid Ferry

Published by Reid Ferry

Reid Ferry turns the Dribble Pass into a masterclass in misdirection. It’s like jazz—rhythm matters more than speed. Warning: May cause obsessive dribbling during Zoom calls.

The Unhinged Take:
A deceptive, underappreciated move. If you’ve ever fumbled a pass, this tutorial is your new best mate. Just don’t blame me when you start dribbling cards instead of basketballs.

Watch here → Dribble Pass

🎲 D.I.E by Sirus Magic Review

Reviewed by Scott Perry

A paper die predicts a card with the accuracy of a horoscope. The gimmick’s so simple, it’s bonkers. Scott Perry loves it—though he might love his own patter more.

The Unhinged Take:
A wallet-friendly miracle. The folding gimmick’s fiddly, but once mastered, it’s pure joy. Perfect for skeptics who think magic’s “just apps these days.”

Watch here → D.I.E Review

🧠 Q&A With Craig Petty

Published by Magic TV

Craig spills the beans on paddle moves, AI scripting, and why he’s not on BGT (“career suicide, darling”). Highlights include defending the paddle move (“laymen don’t see it!”) and roasting AI-generated routines.

The Unhinged Take:
A masterclass in Craig’s philosophy: “Spectators don’t care… they’re too busy checking their phones.” Also, he’s 100% right about the internet not killing magic.

Watch here → Craig Petty Q&A

📚 Modular Card Magic by Tobias Hudson

Published by Big Blind Media

Tobias Hudson’s book treats card magic like LEGO—build, adapt, repeat. With 30+ tricks and essays, it’s the Swiss Army knife of cardistry. If you like puzzles, this is your Hogwarts.

The Unhinged Take:
A cerebral feast. Best paired with a stiff drink and a rainy afternoon. Warning: May cause existential crises (“Wait, is my entire act just stolen ideas?”).

Watch here → Target Practice

🎩 Other Videos I Didn’t Have Space For

• Coin Magic Extravaganza (Duplicate) →
• Card At Any Number Tutorial →
• Ex Tenebris Deck Review →

🎩 Farewell

Did you know the first recorded magic trick was an Egyptian street performer making a dove vanish in 2500 BCE? Rumor has it the dove later sued for emotional distress.

Remember: Magic isn’t about the gimmick—it’s about the gasp. Now go forth and misdirect like the slightly unhinged genius you are.

Until next time,
🎩✨
Sleightly Unhinged