Card Thrillers by Paul Gordon

Effect

"Card Thrillers" by Paul Gordon presents a collection of card magic routines designed to astonish audiences. The effects include impossible card revelations, predictions, transformations, and deceptive card handling. For example, a spectator freely selects cards, yet the magician predicts their choices in advance. Another effect involves the Four Kings visibly changing into the Four Aces. The book also covers techniques like center dealing, where cards seemingly cut to the middle remain at the bottom, and force deals, where the magician controls the outcome without detection.

Full Details

The book contains 160 practical routines, each described in one or two pages for easy comprehension. It spans 288 pages with high-quality construction, including cloth-covered binding, saddle stitching, and premium paper. The material focuses on real-world performance, ensuring the routines are "worker doable" for lay audiences. Techniques range from card cheating methods (force deals, bottom deals) to classic magic effects like metamorphosis and oil-and-water routines.

Who Should Consider the Trick

"Card Thrillers" is ideal for intermediate to advanced card magicians who want practical, performance-ready material. It suits those interested in both self-working tricks and advanced sleight-of-hand techniques. The book is especially valuable for performers who appreciate strong audience reactions and deceptive methods rooted in gambling techniques.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The difficulty varies by routine. Some effects rely on simple principles and require minimal sleight-of-hand, making them accessible to intermediate performers. Others, like center dealing and force deals, demand precise technique and practice. Paul Gordon emphasizes that while the routines are designed for real-world use, proper handling is essential for convincing performances.

What Magicians Say

Paul Gordon describes "Card Thrillers" as his "best book ever," highlighting its practicality and quality. He demonstrates effects like the Four Ace trick, where the Ace of Spades visibly changes places with another card, and a prediction routine where a dice roll determines a freely chosen card. The book also includes gambling-themed techniques, such as card counting and estimation, which Gordon explains are not about memorization but precise cutting.

One reviewer notes the book's focus on "worker doable routines," meaning the material is tested for real performances. Another highlights the deceptive force deals, where the magician seemingly deals fair while controlling the outcome. The metamorphosis effect, where cards visibly transform, is praised for its visual impact.

Overall, "Card Thrillers" is recommended for magicians seeking versatile, high-impact card magic with a mix of self-working and advanced techniques.