Depth of Field Illusion by Steve Brooks

Effect

The Depth of Field Illusion (DOFIR) presents as a card trick where a spectator selects a card and a position on the deck. The magician then places the deck on the table, seemingly without altering its arrangement, and accurately retrieves the selected card from the specified location. The effect creates the impression of impossible precision and control.

Full Details

Steve Brooks developed the DOFIR over a four-year period. The trick is designed to be presented as a significant advancement in card magic, often described as the “holy grail” by the creator. It utilizes the Atomic Deck as a foundational element, emphasizing its ease of learning – typically mastered in 5-10 minutes. The core of the trick involves maintaining the deck’s original position on the table throughout the performance. Spectators can freely select a card and a position, and the magician subsequently retrieves that card from the designated location. Brooks asserts that the DOFIR surpasses the deceptive power and ease of performance of the Atomic Deck. The specific method behind the trick is not disclosed in the provided video.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is suitable for magicians who appreciate elegant and deceptive effects. It is particularly appealing to those who value simplicity in performance and a visually impressive result. Magicians familiar with the Atomic Deck may find the DOFIR a natural progression, seeking a more powerful and seemingly effortless method. Individuals interested in card magic and seeking a new addition to their repertoire should consider this trick.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The initial learning curve for the DOFIR is reported to be relatively short, taking approximately 5-10 minutes to master, mirroring the ease of learning the Atomic Deck. However, achieving a truly polished and deceptive performance likely requires practice and refinement. The video suggests that the method is designed to be presented with minimal adjustments to the deck’s position, which could be a key element of the difficulty for some performers. The lack of revealed method indicates that the skill lies in the execution of the technique, rather than a complex sleight of hand.

What Magicians Say

VanishingIncMagic’s Steve Brooks states, “one of the questions I get all the time is why do I love the atomic deck why is it so much better than any other aam it is very very easy to do you can literally learn it within 5 to 10 minutes you can put the deck down on the table in front of your audience you never change the position of the cards ever they name any card they name any number you then pick up the deck you deal to their number and their card is there everyone’s got their own definition of the Holy Grail for me and a lot of people have seen this this is the holy gra I've been working on this for 4 years and you can pick up your copy from Vanishing ink.” Brooks emphasizes the trick’s potential as the “holy grail” of card magic, highlighting its deceptive power and ease of performance.