Name Dropper by John Graham

Name Dropper: A Detailed Analysis for Magicians

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the “Name Dropper” magic trick, designed to help you determine if it’s a worthwhile addition to your repertoire.

Effect: What the Trick Looks Like to the Audience

The “Name Dropper” presents a seemingly impossible feat: a spectator’s thought-of name is revealed through a deck of cards. The core of the effect involves a custom deck where the red cards, when arranged in a specific order, spell out the chosen name. The trick culminates in a “mirror miracle” where the name is revealed, creating a strong visual impact and a sense of wonder for the audience. It’s presented as a sophisticated update on the classic “Deep Astonishment” effect, offering a clean and memorable presentation.

Full Details

This trick, created by John Graham and featuring Aussie Wind, centers around a specially designed deck of cards. Key elements include:

• Custom Deck: The core of the trick is a unique deck featuring red cards with English letters printed on their backs. These letters are strategically placed to spell out the chosen name when arranged correctly.
• Prediction Wallet: A leather wallet is included, containing a “crib” – a small, hidden card arrangement that aids the magician in quickly identifying the correct letter sequence.
• Instant Reset: A crucial feature is the trick’s ability to be performed multiple times without any reset procedure. After revealing the name, the cards can be simply returned to the wallet, ready for the next performance.
• Tutorial Video: A 56-minute video tutorial, provided by John Graham and Aussie Wind, comprehensively covers the trick’s setup, performance, and underlying principles.
• High-Quality Materials: The deck and wallet are constructed from premium materials, including high-quality playing cards and durable leather, contributing to the overall professional presentation.
• One-Hit Wonder: It’s important to note that the deck is designed to perform only this specific trick. It cannot be used for other card magic routines.
• Inspection Difficulty: Due to the nature of the deck’s design, it’s difficult to inspect the cards for hidden gimmicks.

Who Should Consider the Trick

The “Name Dropper” is particularly well-suited for magicians who:

• Appreciate Clean Effects: Magicians seeking a visually impressive and easily performed trick with minimal setup will find this appealing. The instant reset is a significant advantage.
• Enjoy Close-Up Magic: The trick is primarily designed for close-up performances, allowing for direct interaction with the audience.
• Value Presentation: The trick’s success relies heavily on presentation. Magicians who prioritize a polished and engaging performance will benefit from the included tutorial.
• Like Paul Harris’s Style: The trick is heavily inspired by Paul Harris’s “Anything Deck,” making it a good fit for magicians who appreciate that style of magic.
• Are Comfortable with Memory Work: While the trick itself is relatively easy to perform, it requires some memory work to quickly locate the correct letter sequence.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The “Name Dropper” is considered a relatively easy trick to learn and perform. Here’s a breakdown of the difficulty levels:

• Setup: The initial setup is straightforward, involving placing the cards in the wallet and familiarizing oneself with the crib.
• Performance: The core performance is simple, relying on a few basic card handling moves.
• Memory Work: The most challenging aspect is memorizing the letter locations on the cards. This requires practice and repetition.
• Presentation: While the mechanics are simple, a strong presentation is crucial for maximizing the trick’s impact.

David from Magic Orthodoxy notes that the trick’s success hinges on the magician’s ability to quickly locate the correct letters, which requires some memory work. He suggests that the more frequently the trick is performed, the more ingrained the letter locations will become.

What Magicians Say

• David from Magic Orthodoxy: David praises the trick’s ease of use, instant reset, and high-quality materials. He recommends it for fans of Paul Harris’s “Anything Deck” and highlights the value of the comprehensive tutorial. He notes the limitations with very long or complex names, requiring adjustments.
• John Graham (in the tutorial): John emphasizes the trick’s inspiration from Paul Harris’s “Anything Deck” and his efforts to refine and improve upon the original effect. He stresses the importance of the instant reset and the inclusion of the crib for quick letter identification.
• Aussie Wind (in the tutorial): Aussie Wind contributes to the tutorial, providing additional insights and demonstrating the trick’s performance techniques.
• Reviewer: The reviewer notes the trick’s one-hit wonder nature and the difficulty of inspection due to the deck’s design.