Mystery Card Plot by Ben Williams

Mystery Card Plot: A Detailed Analysis for Magicians

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the “Mystery Card Plot” as presented in the provided reviews and transcripts, designed to help magicians assess its value and suitability for their performance style.

Effect: What the Trick Looks Like to the Audience

The “Mystery Card Plot” is a classic card magic effect centered around creating the illusion that a signed card mysteriously matches a previously shown card. The core of the effect involves a seemingly natural and effortless reveal, where the spectator’s signed card appears to be the exact same card that was initially presented. Variations, as demonstrated by Ben Williams, include the “Mercury Card Fold” – a specific method for concealing the signed card and creating a seamless transition. The effect is designed to appear as a simple, almost accidental, revelation of a pre-determined card.

Full Details

Ben Williams’ “5WITCH” project, and specifically the Mystery Card Plot component, focuses on a streamlined and deceptive method for achieving this effect. Key elements include:

• Core Technique: The foundation of the plot relies on a precise and controlled card fold – the “Mercury Card Fold” – which allows the signed card to be concealed and presented as if it were the original.
• Multiple Variations: Williams provides alternative approaches to the core fold, offering flexibility and catering to different performance styles.
• Routine Integration: The plot isn’t presented in isolation. It’s integrated into broader routines, including “Impossible Location” (where the signed card appears in a seemingly impossible spot), “Billet Work” (utilizing the switch in a mentalism context), and a “Parlor Box Routine” using a simple plastic box.
• Bonus Switch: A supplementary switch, labeled “Switch T,” is introduced later in the tutorial, offering an additional method for achieving the same effect – this time, using a billet and a table-based setup. This switch requires a bit more preparation.
• Ungimmicked Approach: Williams emphasizes a gimmick-free approach, particularly with the billet switch, prioritizing natural deception and avoiding reliance on specialized props.
• Extensive Tutorial: The project offers over 190 minutes of tuition, covering not just the core plot but also related techniques like index building and forcing methods.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This “Mystery Card Plot” is particularly well-suited for magicians who:

• Value Practicality: Magicians seeking a reliable and easily executable effect, without complex setups or reliance on gimmicks, will find this appealing.
• Enjoy Card Magic: The core of the effect is centered around card manipulation, making it ideal for card magicians.
• Are Interested in Mentalism: The integration into routines like “Billet Work” and the “Head & Tails Prediction” demonstrates the plot’s versatility in mentalism contexts.
• Appreciate Clear Teaching: Ben Williams’ straightforward and no-nonsense teaching style, as praised by Roo Reviews, makes the effect accessible to magicians of varying skill levels.
• Seek Routine Development: The project goes beyond simply teaching a single effect, providing a foundation for building complete routines.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The “Mystery Card Plot” is considered moderately easy to learn and perform, particularly the core fold and initial variations. RoosReviews notes that the core five switches are taught in the first 15 minutes, highlighting the accessibility of the basics. However, achieving a truly polished and deceptive performance requires practice and attention to detail.

• Initial Setup (Easy): The Mercury Card Fold is relatively simple to master with practice.
• Switch T (Moderate): The table-based billet switch ("Switch T") requires more preparation and a slightly more involved technique, as noted by Roo Reviews.
• Routine Integration (Moderate): Successfully integrating the plot into larger routines requires thoughtful planning and performance skills.

What Magicians Say

• Roo Reviews: Praises Ben Williams’ teaching style and the project’s practicality. He adapts Switch A for better timing control in his own performances. He also notes that Switch T requires extra prep, making it less suitable for impromptu work.
• SaturnMagicShop: Emphasizes the effect’s focus on natural deception and effortless-looking magic. Highlights the inclusion of multiple variations and the comprehensive tutorial.
• Ben Williams (implied): Through his teaching style and the project’s design, Williams prioritizes clear, efficient instruction and practical application, aiming to provide magicians with a solid foundation for creating deceptive and engaging magic.