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Edie Fife by Joshua Jay

Created by: Joshua Jay

The Particle System by Joshua Jay is a groundbreaking book on memorized deck magic, offering a dynamic and exciting approach to card magic. It includes over 30 routines, a marked deck (Particle Pack), and access to a web app for learning the stack. The system is designed to be accessible, with built-in safeguards like a marked deck and a short card, making it suitable for magicians at various levels of expertise. The book is available in standard and deluxe editions, with the latter including additional materials like a notebook and a special slip case.

Key features

  • High-quality linen paper and full-color photographs enhance the reading experience.

  • Includes a marked deck and gimmicked cards for unique possibilities.

  • Web app available to aid in learning the stack.

  • Routines span various plots, including Edie Fife, Triumph, and gambling demonstrations.

  • Emphasis on entertainment value with quick, punchy effects.

Pros

  • Comprehensive and detailed trick descriptions.

  • Built-in safeguards make the system accessible.

  • Versatile routines tested in real-world settings.

  • High-quality production values.

  • Includes essays and checklists on advanced topics.

Cons

  • Requires a prepared, marked, and crimped deck.

  • Some routines require memorization of the stack.

  • Deluxe edition is significantly more expensive and primarily for collectors.

Effect

The Edie Fife trick is a memorized deck effect where the magician demonstrates an uncanny ability to locate a spectator's chosen card with precision. The performer may use a combination of psychological cues, subtle forces, and memorized stack properties to create the illusion of mind reading or impossible prediction. The effect is designed to be quick, engaging, and highly deceptive, often leaving the audience questioning how the magician could possibly know the exact card.

Full Details

Edie Fife is part of The Particle System by Joshua Jay, a comprehensive approach to memorized deck magic. The system includes a marked deck, a short card, and crimps to enhance the method. The trick leverages the memorized stack, allowing the magician to perform it with minimal handling while maintaining strong audience impact. The book provides detailed scripting, alternate handlings, and performance tips to refine the effect.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for magicians who:

  • Want to incorporate memorized deck work into their performances.
  • Prefer quick, impactful effects over lengthy processes.
  • Are willing to invest time in learning a stack system.
  • Enjoy psychological subtleties and audience interaction.

Difficulty

The Edie Fife trick is designed to be accessible. While it requires familiarity with the memorized stack, the system includes safeguards like a marked deck and a web app to aid learning. The sleights involved are manageable for intermediate card workers, and the book provides clear instructions.

What Magicians Say

EruditeMagic highlights the practicality of The Particle System, stating, "Joshua Jay prioritizes entertainment value, focusing on quick, punchy effects." They note that Edie Fife and other routines in the book have been tested in real-world performances, from the Magic Castle to impromptu settings. The reviewer also emphasizes that the stack is "relatively easy to learn," making it a strong option for those new to memorized deck work.

The book’s detailed descriptions, full-color photographs, and performance videos further enhance the learning experience, ensuring magicians can master the effect efficiently.

What people are saying about Edie Fife

EruditeMagic says...

The Particle System is a groundbreaking contribution to memorized deck magic, setting a new standard for introductions to the art. [...] It's easy to read, fun to learn, and jam-packed with some of the best card magic I've ever seen.

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