Mandolin GT Speed Readers by Garrett Thomas and Mathieu Bich

Effect

The Mandolin GT Speed Readers create the illusion of a blurry deck of cards. A spectator selects a single clear card from the deck while the rest appear visually distorted. The magician can then make the entire deck return to normal with a simple shake. The effect is designed to make the spectator feel like they are experiencing the blur themselves, rather than just watching a visual change.

Full Details

The Mandolin GT Speed Readers are a specially printed Bicycle deck with multiple built-in gimmicks that enhance the illusion. The deck requires no DIY setup and is ready to use immediately. The included tutorial is three hours long and covers multiple routines, including:

• A straightforward one-card selection routine
• A three-phase routine with layered effects
• Dual reality presentations
• Specialty routines involving pinhole glasses and slow-motion effects

The deck is not examinable, so presentation is key. Magicians should frame the effect as an optical illusion or a unique experience rather than a traditional card trick to avoid spectators wanting to inspect the cards.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for magicians who perform close-up or strolling magic, as well as those who create content for social media. It works well in both settings due to its visual nature and interactive quality. Performers who enjoy psychological illusions or effects that engage the spectator’s perception will find this particularly effective.

Difficulty

The difficulty varies depending on the routine chosen. Some methods require basic sleight of hand, such as a half pass, while others rely on misdirection. The tutorial covers all necessary techniques, making it accessible to intermediate magicians. Beginners may need extra practice with certain routines but can still perform simpler versions effectively.

What Magicians Say

BAM_magic, a reviewer, praised the Mandolin GT Speed Readers for their high-quality construction and layered methods, calling it a significant improvement over similar past effects. They noted that the spectator’s personal experience of the blur makes the trick more engaging than a standard color-changing deck routine. However, they cautioned that some spectators may feel dizzy if they look at the blurry cards for too long.

The reviewer also highlighted the importance of presentation, advising magicians to avoid making fun of spectators who don’t immediately perceive the blur. Instead, they recommend framing the effect as a special deck or an optical illusion.

Overall, the Mandolin GT Speed Readers received strong praise for their creativity, practicality, and spectator engagement, making them a worthwhile addition to a magician’s repertoire.