Outstanding by Mark Mason

Okay, here’s a detailed analysis of the magic tricks, formatted as requested, incorporating the provided transcripts and summaries:

Outstanding Magic Tricks Review

Introduction

This review delves into four recently released magic tricks, offering honest assessments and practical insights for magicians of all levels. We’ll examine Mark Mason’s Outstanding, Dave Forrest’s New ESP Testing Deck, Christian Grace’s Incredible, and Manoj Kaushal’s Free Will, focusing on their strengths, weaknesses, and suitability for various performance styles.

1. Outstanding (Mark Mason)

• Effect: Outstanding is a versatile card-switching gimmick designed to elevate classic routines like Doc Daley’s Last Trick and Club Sandwich. It allows for seemingly impossible card transpositions with no visible cover or manipulation.
• Full Details: The core of the trick involves a specially designed, thick card that subtly alters the mechanics of card switching. It’s designed to be used with Bicycle decks, though adaptable to other brands with some modification. The gimmick is remarkably durable and easy to repair. Mark Mason has developed two routines utilizing the gimmick: “Four Kings Trick” and “Club Sandwich Plus.” The Four Kings trick is a clean transposition of four cards, while the Club Sandwich Plus builds on Andrew Norman’s classic routine, adding a dramatic switch at the end.
• Who Should Consider It: This trick is ideal for experienced close-up magicians and performers seeking to add a visually stunning element to their routines. It’s particularly well-suited for those who enjoy incorporating mentalism and creating a sense of wonder. It’s also a good choice for social media and TV performances due to its camera-friendly nature.
• Difficulty Level: Beginner-friendly in terms of execution, but requires a good understanding of card handling and presentation. The tutorial is clear, though could benefit from a top-down camera angle for enhanced clarity.
• What Magicians Say: “It’s the coolest and most deceiving switching gimmick I’ve seen in a long time,” says Beau from Murphy’s Magic. “It’s a no-brainer for magicians wanting clean, visual switches.” Mark Mason himself emphasizes the years of development and refinement that went into the gimmick, highlighting its durability and ease of use.

2. New ESP Testing Deck (Dave Forrest)

• Effect: This deck reimagines the classic ESP test, incorporating multiple elements (colors, shapes, words, QR codes linking to Wikipedia pages) to create a more engaging and interactive experience.
• Full Details: Each card features a combination of these elements, making it more challenging for the spectator to identify the selected card. The QR codes add a modern twist, providing instant access to historical information related to the chosen card. The deck comes in red and blue versions.
• Who Should Consider It: This deck is a great choice for mentalism performers who want to add a contemporary and interactive element to their routines. It’s particularly suitable for those who enjoy incorporating technology and engaging their audience.
• Difficulty Level: Easy to use, with a clear tutorial. However, the multiple elements require careful memorization and presentation.
• What Magicians Say: “It’s a really really good trick,” says Beau. “It’s a really really good trick.”

3. Incredible (Christian Grace)

• Effect: Incredible is a fresh take on the classic Invisible Deck, offering a cleaner and more streamlined handling system.
• Full Details: The gimmick allows for the illusion of a single card disappearing and reappearing in a different location within the deck, without any visible cover or manipulation. It’s designed to be used with Bicycle decks and can be adapted to other brands. The deck includes a "Brainwave" variant, adding an extra layer of psychological impact.
• Who Should Consider It: This deck is ideal for magicians who appreciate elegant handling and a visually appealing effect. It’s suitable for close-up performances and those who want to create a sense of mystery and wonder.
• Difficulty Level: Moderate – requires practice to master the handling techniques.
• What Magicians Say: “It’s a really really good trick,” says Beau. “It’s a really really good trick.”

4. Free Will (Manoj Kaushal)

• Effect: Free Will is a self-working signed-card-to-impossible-location effect.
• Full Details: The gimmick allows a spectator to sign a card, and then the magician seemingly makes the card appear in a completely different location within the deck.
• Who Should Consider It: This trick is suitable for magicians who enjoy simple, self-working effects. However, it may not be as exciting or visually impressive as some other options.
• Difficulty Level: Easy to set up, but the routine itself lacks excitement.
• What Magicians Say: “It’s just a little bit of a dull trick really,” says Beau. “It’s a good trick, but it’s not a great trick.”

I hope this detailed breakdown meets your requirements. Let me know if you’d like me to elaborate on any aspect or adjust the format.