Fisher’s Favorite by Aaron Fisher and Vanishing Inc.

Effect: Fisher’s Favorite

Fisher’s Favorite is a card manipulation routine presented as a seemingly effortless display of card control. The effect involves a spectator selecting a card, the performer handling the deck with deceptive movements, and ultimately, the selected card vanishes from the deck and reappears in the performer’s hand – all without the spectator noticing any sleight of hand. The presentation emphasizes misdirection and a focus on the audience’s attention on the overall effect rather than the mechanics of the move.

Full Details

Fisher’s Favorite is a core component of The Paper Engine by Aaron Fisher. It’s presented as a streamlined and deceptive method for achieving card vanish and return. The technique relies on a specific, optimized finger placement and a carefully constructed sequence of movements designed to obscure the actual manipulation. The routine incorporates elements of the Gravity Half Pass, a foundational sleight within the book, but adapted and refined for this particular effect. The book details how to maintain audience focus on the selected card and the overall presentation, diverting attention from the hand movements involved. The routine includes several variations and refinements developed over 20 years of practice, as highlighted by Aaron Fisher himself.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is suitable for magicians of varying experience levels, as stated by Fisher in the book. It’s particularly beneficial for those interested in developing a strong foundation in invisible sleight-of-hand. The detailed instructions and expanded chapter on the Gravity Half Pass in the 20th anniversary edition make it accessible to beginners, while the refinements and variations offered provide a challenge for more experienced performers. Magicians who prioritize misdirection and audience management will find this routine particularly valuable. As Johnny Thompson noted, the material is “top notch” and will “enhance the repertoire of any serious student of card magic.”

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The initial learning curve for Fisher’s Favorite is considered moderate. The core principles – optimized finger placement and misdirection – are relatively straightforward to grasp. However, mastering the subtle movements and maintaining the illusion of effortless handling requires dedicated practice. The 20th anniversary edition addresses this by providing a detailed, step-by-step breakdown of the refinements developed over 20 years. According to Aaron Fisher, the key to success lies in consistently practicing the technique and understanding the psychological impact of misdirection. The Gravity Half Pass, which forms the basis of the trick, is described as being “easy to learn” with the new chapter’s guidance.

What Magicians Say

As mentioned by Johnny Thompson, the material is “top notch” and will “enhance the repertoire of any serious student of card magic.” Aaron Fisher himself emphasizes the book’s philosophy of making sleight-of-hand “invisible” by optimizing finger placement and misdirection. He states that the techniques and routines are “direct, powerful, and deceptive” for any audience. The 20th anniversary edition specifically highlights the expanded chapter on the Gravity Half Pass, stating it’s been refined over 20 years to be “easy to learn for any magician.”