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Magazine Volume 5 by Eddy Raymond and Bill Malone

Created by: Eddy Raymond, Bill Malone

Magazine Volume 5 is a sophisticated card magic routine that combines elements of gambling demonstrations with classic card manipulation. The trick involves finding and stacking Aces in a seemingly impossible manner, culminating in a deceptive poker deal where the Aces appear to be dealt from the middle of the deck. This is a close-up card magic routine that requires intermediate to advanced card handling skills. The routine is inspired by Eddy Raymond's original work and incorporates techniques like automatic stacking, bluff cuts, and pseudo center deals. Buyers should be comfortable with advanced card sleights and misdirection to perform this effectively.

Key features

  • Combines multiple advanced card techniques into one routine

  • Inspired by classic gambling demonstrations

  • Requires proficiency in card sleights like false shuffles, cuts, and deals

  • Includes detailed performance tips and patter from Bill Malone

  • Suitable for close-up or parlour magic settings

Pros

  • Highly deceptive and visually impressive

  • Teaches valuable card handling principles

  • Includes performance tips from a legendary magician

  • Versatile for different performance settings

Cons

  • Requires advanced card handling skills

  • May take significant practice to master

  • Not suitable for beginners

Effect

Magazine Volume 5 presents a deceptive gambling-themed routine where the magician appears to locate and control the four Aces in a shuffled deck. The performance unfolds in three phases:

  • Finding the Aces – The magician shuffles the deck, casually cutting to each Ace one by one.
  • Automatic Stacking – The Aces are secretly arranged so they can be dealt into the magician’s hand during a poker demonstration.
  • Bluff Cut & Pseudo Center Deal – The Aces are seemingly cut to the middle of the deck, yet they mysteriously appear in the magician’s hand when dealt.

    • The routine blends classic card techniques with engaging storytelling, making it appear as if the magician possesses genuine gambling skills.

    Full Details

    Magazine Volume 5 is a combination of two routines: Eddy Raymond’s Ace cutting and automatic stacking method, and Bill Malone’s "Honest-to-God Bluff Cut" from Card Finesse. The trick requires a standard deck and relies on precise shuffling, cutting, and controlled dealing. Key elements include:

    • False Shuffles & Cuts – The deck appears shuffled while maintaining control of the Aces.
    • Jogged Cards – Subtle card positioning allows the magician to cut to the Aces at will.
    • Deceptive Dealing – Techniques like the Greek deal or bottom deal reinforce the illusion of fair play.

    The routine is structured to build suspense, with each phase reinforcing the magician’s apparent skill.

    Who Should Consider the Trick

    This routine is ideal for:

    • Intermediate to advanced card magicians – Familiarity with false shuffles, cuts, and controlled deals is necessary.
    • Performers who enjoy gambling-themed magic – The routine works well in close-up or table settings.
    • Magicians looking for a structured, multi-phase routine – The trick offers a clear progression from discovery to climax.

    Beginners may find the sleights challenging, but dedicated practice will yield strong results.

    Difficulty

    Magazine Volume 5 is moderately difficult. Key challenges include:

    • Timing & Misdirection – Smooth patter and natural handling are crucial to disguise the method.
    • Precision in Shuffling & Cutting – The jogged card technique requires consistent pressure and alignment.
    • Deceptive Dealing – The bluff cut and pseudo center deal demand practice to appear effortless.

    Bill Malone notes that while the routine looks simple, the techniques are "pretty hard" to execute convincingly.

    What Magicians Say

    • Bill Malone emphasizes the importance of patter, stating that the "school for gamblers" narrative helps sell the illusion. He praises the routine’s combination of Eddy Raymond’s stacking method and the bluff cut, calling it "a clever idea."
    • Murphy’s Magic highlights the routine’s deceptive potential, noting that even magicians are fooled by the automatic stacking sequence.

    The routine is praised for its logical structure and strong audience impact, making it a valuable addition to a card magician’s repertoire.

    What people are saying about Magazine Volume 5

    MurphysMagicSupplies says...

    Bill Malone's 'School for Gamblers' routine offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of card manipulation and deceptive dealing. [...] He clearly loved the routine and wanted to share his knowledge with the audience.

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