Double Back by Jon Allen

Double Back by Jon Allen: A Detailed Analysis for Magicians

Here’s a breakdown of the Double Back trick by Jon Allen, designed to help you assess its value and suitability for your performance.

Effect

The Double Back is a remarkable transposition effect. It appears to instantly swap two cards that are held in the magician’s hands. The audience witnesses the cards being shown, then, with a snap of the fingers, they seemingly reappear in the opposite hand. It’s a classic packet trick principle executed with a modern, visually compelling presentation. The effect relies on a clever method that creates the illusion of instantaneous transfer, leaving the audience genuinely astonished.

Full Details

Jon Allen’s Double Back builds upon the established “DA’s Last Trick” transposition, a well-known and respected method. However, Allen’s version incorporates several key improvements. The core of the effect involves a pre-scored card system facilitated by “Perfect Score,” a device that allows for effortless and consistent card folding. This device is crucial to the trick’s success, ensuring the transposition is clean and repeatable.

The trick utilizes a wallet-like device that holds the cards before the performance. The magician displays the cards in their hands, then, through a series of subtle movements and the use of Perfect Score, the cards are swapped. The wallet then conceals the swapped cards until the final reveal. Importantly, the trick includes a method for examining the postcard after the Statue of Liberty vanishes, addressing a common audience request and enhancing engagement.

The trick is presented as a complete system, including the Double Back itself, Perfect Score, and the wallet. A 10% bundle discount is offered when purchasing both items together.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is particularly well-suited for magicians who:

• Value Visual Magic: The Double Back is inherently visual, relying on the audience’s perception of movement and change.
• Seek Reliable Methods: Perfect Score guarantees consistent card folds, eliminating a common frustration for magicians working with packet tricks.
• Appreciate Packet Principles: While the presentation is modern, the underlying method is rooted in established packet magic techniques.
• Want a Strong Standalone Effect: The Double Back is a compelling effect that can be performed independently, without needing extensive supporting routines.
• Are Comfortable with a Small Amount of Preparation: While the method is relatively simple, it requires a small amount of preparation before the performance.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The Double Back, when utilizing Perfect Score, is considered a moderately difficult trick to master. Here’s a breakdown of the skill levels involved:

• Initial Learning Curve (30-60 minutes): Understanding the method and the mechanics of Perfect Score takes approximately 30-60 minutes of focused study.
• Smooth Execution (1-2 hours): Achieving smooth, deceptive movements and consistent card handling requires practice. Expect to spend 1-2 hours practicing the routine until it feels natural.
• Presentation and Misdirection (Ongoing): Mastering the presentation and incorporating effective misdirection is an ongoing process.
• Perfect Score Familiarity (5-10 minutes): Becoming completely comfortable with the Perfect Score device and its operation is essential for consistent performance.

As the reviewer notes, “this is super easy to use not only to prepare the cars but also in real time when you're performing the cards basically just fold themselves.” However, the reviewer also emphasizes that the effect itself is not simple, highlighting the need for careful practice and attention to detail.

What Magicians Say

As evidenced by the video transcript, magicians are enthusiastic about this version of the Double Back.

• itsallthingsmagic: “I want to say not only is the wallet for the trick where you go in and you pull out the card um it's also able to hold regular cards… three or four is what he says um so you could include you know some of your um debit cards credit cards your ID maybe a business card inside of here as well.” This highlights the versatility of the wallet beyond just playing cards.
• itsallthingsmagic: “This is one of the best packet tricks ever it’s 20 bucks it is amazing you get everything you need here.” This emphasizes the value proposition of the trick as a complete system.
• itsallthingsmagic: “This is a device that lets you pre-score cards that can then go back into your deck um and this makes the the fold very very easy so on the product page for this and for this you're going to see the little bundle thing below it I think together you'll save 10% if you want to buy on both I recommend this if you're not comfortable with your Mercury fold and you're looking for an easy way to do it this is super easy to use.” This directly addresses a common magician’s concern – the difficulty of the Mercury card fold – and positions Perfect Score as a solution.
• itsallthingsmagic: “The Double Back transposition is always very very strong and people always um understand that because it's visual doesn't matter what language you're speaking visual magic is visual magic and and they get it.” This underscores the inherent strength of the transposition effect.