Reviews: Read What Others Are Saying
216 ★★★★★ reviews
149 ★★★★★ reviews
93 ★★★★★ reviews
139 ★★★★★ reviews
Streamlined Newspaper Prediction
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by David Calhoun (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Saturday 11 April, 2026)
Interesting improvement over the previous "stack as you tear" work.
Bloom Miracle Poker Machine
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Alexander Straker (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Saturday 04 April, 2026)
The best version of this effect ever created by far, far simpler than the old Al Stanger calculator where the Texas Instruments machine needed to have the batteries maintained or you lost the program. The effect itself has always been a reputation maker but this dedicated and compact simple device with a clearer input and output system elevates the magic and makes it practical. Fantastic!
The Sphinx Volume 22 (Mar 1923 - Feb 1924)
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Ian Hirst (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Friday 03 April, 2026)
Fantastic value
Alone and Deckless
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Jackson McClean (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Friday 03 April, 2026)
I am one of the youngest Junior members of the Academy of Magical Arts housed at the Magic Castle. The description does not tell you it involves math, as well as there being a lot of “funky” ideas that don’t really work while performing to a group of people who know what a deck of cards is. (you do not do the math, the spectator does (I’d say is worse))
Giveaway Magic for the Hometown Magician
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Joel Howlett (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 22 March, 2026)
A great tool!
Thanks for making these giveaways available.
Come and Go Dice
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Gregg Webb (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Thursday 19 March, 2026)
I've certainly gotten my wish for more tricks with dice. It is great to mix things up and not just do cards, cards, cards. Of course, there are coins, and rubber bands, and things, but dice are very cool and fit in especially with gambling themes, which many card effects are about.
Come and Go Dice
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by hal barlow (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Tuesday 17 March, 2026)
This is basically Gad About Coins with dice. If you don't already do that sort of routine, this is a nice one to learn.
Encore 3
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Charles H. Temple (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Tuesday 17 March, 2026)
Brilliant usable magic.
Shadow Sequeira Stack
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Alex Hall (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Tuesday 17 March, 2026)
Major advantage is frankly its price.
What you get:
Several tetradestic or pesudo-tetradestic (somewhat tweaked) stacks, with formula for card-number and number-card conversions, as well as prior/latter card. As advertised.
A super-brief introduction of Unknown Mentalist's concept, Clock Principle, with permission. Guess there is some underlying algebraic structure, some sort of group or ring or something that remains undiscovered, but I am not that much of a mathematician to find out what. As the Clock Principle underlies UM's popular manuscript "Karma Stack", it might be said that you received some essence of that ebook with kind permission.
What you DON'T get:
The "shadow" concept itself. Dr Solka gave examples so I managed to figure out much of how the shadow operates, but that is no replacement for a real introduction. I anticipated a monologue or at least a paragraph discussing the shadow, so readers may judge if full research into the concept (discussed in Solka's other work "Im Schattenreich der Spielkarten") is worth the effort (mind you, that book doesn't have English translation, at least not available on lybrary!).
ACAAN calculations. Admittedly, the advertisement didn't say this, but Mr. Larry Finley in reviewing "Si Stebbins Pro" by same author, pointed out that "a shadow stack such as 7QS or the Sequoia stack" facilitates quick ACAAN calculations. I mean not the slightest offense to Mr. Finley, but this manuscript about the shadow sequoia stack DID NOT introduce ACAAN calculation formula. It is possible that I misunderstood Mr. Finley who referred to something else, or that said formula exists but was hidden in the shadows of Im Schattenreich der Spielkarten. Pun intended.
Non-rotational suit arrangements. Not that I care much about systems that tamper with rotational arrangements, for these often burden the calculation, and a real memorized order (Mnemonica for example) would be better if your routine, like the Nikola style of restoring order from shuffled pack which involves CALLING OUT order of cards, puts the sequence under fire. Yet, a brief introduction or discussion would make the manuscript more comprehensive.
A stack that "stands out". Tetradestic stacks with card-positon and position-card calculations are not rare in the magic literature, and this ebook does not disclose much information that makes its stack superior to, say, the Karma. As I've said, such advantage may do exist, but saidly is not present here.
So basically, if you just want a "card _-_ positon and prior/latter card" stack at a low price, this is a decent purchase. If you are interested in reverse-engineering and discovering properties (instead of incorporating them into your stack), this may also be worth exploring. In other cases, I kindly advise caution.
Alex.
Dicesp
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Gregg Webb (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Tuesday 10 March, 2026)
This is great because we need more dice tricks, I think. So, using them with ESP cards is perfect for a break from cards and coins, for sure.
Sometimes the jokes are just for me
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by DARRIN COOK (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Tuesday 10 March, 2026)
Master Payne has written a funny and thought-provoking set of lecture notes (more like a short book) largely on the subject of character-driven, story-based prop magic. It’s interesting to see what he does with the die box, for example, or the Tenyo spots card and Chinese sticks. All of these have entertaining, engaging presentations that make sense.
He stresses the importance of knowing what tricks your character would not do, not because they’re too difficult or too expensive, but because they’re inconsistent with your character and theme, which is explained in a section devoted to those subjects. He concludes with a section of tricks and a bibliography of sources for act and character development. I liked his version of the card stab.
Telephone Bill
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Tim Brown (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 09 March, 2026)
So, I read this 3x, no, 3 1/2x first. Then I practiced it 10x in a row. It worked every single time. This is the type of material that I really enjoy. So strong. So (so-called) obviously impossible to do. Yet it works. Hands off.
Oh, I forgot to say that I don't mind mental effects that involve cards, but my tendency doesn't really sway me in that direction. This one right here? I'm feeling like never leaving the house without a deck again! This lends itself to being done in person so well, and/because you never HAVE to touch the cards. And I love the fact that it really is so strong that it can be repeated!
Shooting Card
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by DARRIN COOK (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 01 March, 2026)
I knew nothing about Daryl Hurst, but I am really pleased with this booklet, which is very well done, including plenty of pictures to illustrate the effect, as well as pictures of Mr. Hurst performing the routine.
Clearly, this is an effect that has been performed and honed for decades, resulting in a “packs small, plays big” effect. When a working pro like this says he closed birthday shows with this routine, I pay close attention.
There is some great advice on how to force a card, and gives you tips and precautions that only come from repeat performances. The reader also learns the evolution of the trick and the thinking behind it, as well as gains insight into the magician himself.
The handling is simple and a presentation is included. I think this routine would be easy to adapt to one’s own handling and presentational style. I had all kinds of ideas as I was reading—the effect is clear and lends itself to a stage or parlor setting.
I look forward to getting other routines by Mr. Hurst.
Hugard's Magic Monthly
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Gregg Webb
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 25 February, 2026)
I acquired several bound volumes of Hugard's, in the 1970's. I was learning magic in those days, and I remember those books were a big part of my education. I wouldn't hesitate to urge anyone to get these at a great deal. Hugard was such a great writer and teacher that you feel like you are getting personal instruction from a real gentleman from magic's golden past.
Dice Any Number
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Kevin Needham (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Saturday 21 February, 2026)
As much as I would like to rate this effect 5 stars, I must take away a couple for the 2m2r problem that this trick acquires. Too much to remember.
Cup and Ball
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by joe danciger (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Friday 20 February, 2026)
Good practical magic
Mnemonica for Everybody
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by thomas de bernede (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Friday 13 February, 2026)
Great and instructive.
Dunninger Talk
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by thomas de bernede (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Friday 13 February, 2026)
Great audio! Good quality and amazing advice from the legend himself.
Artful Mentalism: Three Secrets
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by thomas de bernede (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Friday 13 February, 2026)
Great download for anyone interested in performing mentalism in professional settings!
Artful Mentalism
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by thomas de bernede (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Friday 13 February, 2026)
Great download for anyone serious about mentalism with two legends!
Coloring (Blow) Book
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Jim Kleefeld (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Friday 13 February, 2026)
This is worthless. It is 40 seconds long. In a video, he shows you how to flip through the Magic Coloring Book, the world's most common and well-known kidshow prop. He gives one tip, which is absolutely the most common tip given by anyone who mentions the prop in any book or lecture.
Free Will Switch
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Kevin Peshick (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 11 February, 2026)
I wish people would disclose that this uses holding things behind your back. I never like me, or the spectator, doing things behind their back, nor under the table. Besides that, nothing new to see here. Yes, there is a story for those who can't make up stories on their own. Blah.
3 Miracles
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Ryan Higgins (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 09 February, 2026)
All amazing effects. My favorite is the impossible billet switch.
Test Conditions
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Ryan Higgins (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 09 February, 2026)
This is an excellent ebook. The Mardi Gras mask is priceless.
The BTM Stack
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by laurent kubaski (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 08 February, 2026)
The author claims that the BTM Stack is a "Unique innovation with no precedent in historical stacks" even though this stack is almost the same as Patrick Dessi's CPAP stack published in 2009 (BTM uses the CHaSeD order and CPAP uses the SHoCkeD order) which itself is a variation of Richard Osterlind's Breakthrough Card System published in 1983.
Not only that, but the "brief summary of other stacks" section - which doesn't even mention the well-known Breakthrough Card System - is riddled with errors:
- The first printed record of a deterministic stack is not 1786 but 1593 (in "Giochi di Carte Bellissimi di Regola, et di Memoria").
- The first printed reference of the eight king stack is not 1888: for example, the earliest English reference is 1805 (in "The Expositor").
- The Nikola card system does not require "rote memorization" since the author provides a mnemonic system to learn the associations.
- The Bart Harding stack is not "Similar to Stebbins": the concepts are completely different.
- the Spanish edition of Mnemonica was not published in 1990 but in 2000.
- etc...
Because of all those reasons, I don't recommend this product: readers interested in an alternative to the Si Stebbins stack that's easier to learn than the Breakthrough Card System should have a look at Patrick Dessi's CPAP stack (2009) or Doug Dyment's DAO stack (2010).
75 Tricks with a Stripper Deck
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Gary Filson (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Tuesday 03 February, 2026)
Al Stevenson's "75 Tricks with a Stripper Deck" is a classic book on stripper deck magic. It is easy to read and definitely an important book for any magician interested in card magic. I am glad to have it in my library.
110 Tricks with a Stripper Deck
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Gary Filson (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Tuesday 03 February, 2026)
This book is partially based on Al Stevenson's "75 Tricks with a Stripper Deck" but obviously includes additional ideas. It is very well written and definitely worth reading if you are interested in the stripper deck. It is easy to understand and I am glad to have it part of my magical library.
My Favorite Coin Magic with the Expanded Shell
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by DARRIN COOK (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 01 February, 2026)
This book is full of worker material, richly illustrated with clear color photos. He offers alternative endings and practical advice, such as coin selection and performing at banquet tables. There’s a very clever and useful idea for using a coin purse to ring in a gimmick or extra coin.
Interestingly, he has one routine with the same basic handling but multiple formats, such as coins across, coins to glass, and a rarity, a stand-up coins through table.
Nothing is knuckle-busting. He works out of fingerpalm. If you want to perform coin magic at a paid gig, this is a great resource.
The Mark of Abigail
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Ken Pope (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Thursday 29 January, 2026)
You will need to print/engrave wood cards. I am a magic hobbyist at best. I collect magic tricks and dream of performing in front of my family. Just a dreamer. But it is fun! Am I right!! This trick seems simple enough and gives you more time to perform.
Dancing Handkerchief
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by MARK LeBERTHON (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 25 January, 2026)
Nearly worthless. 3 short videos showing various gimmicks to insert in a handkerchief, taking less than 2 minutes combined. No performance, no advice.
The Luck of the Tarot
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Rick Kirkes (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 21 January, 2026)
I think the presentation with tarot cards & coins is very sound and very good. You will need 4 coins that are easy to obtain (they are not gimmicked). There are two basic card "moves", if you can call them that, that are done with the tarot cards. TC Tahoe does teach them to you if you're not familiar with them.
I do a one-hour mentalism set using tarot cards & the pendulum - I don't see how I can add this to my current set, but I can see me doing this one-on-one for a spectator using an "entertainment style of reading approach". I don't see myself trying to answer big questions like "Should I quit my job and follow my bliss?" or "Should I start a Business?" because you're going to end with a surprise magical moment at the end of the presentation. The reading with this presentation should be lighthearted or even fun.
TC gives uses other than tarot cards if you'd rather go that route.
For getting only one effect on the PDF I think the price should be in the $10 range, just MHO. I bought this because of Richard Webster's recommendation. Four out of Five Stars.
It's Easier Than You Think Volume 2
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Marshall Philyaw (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 19 January, 2026)
I distinctly remember witnessing Geoffrey Buckingham's lecture in Chicago during his tour of the U.S. back in the late 1970's, and I was very much impressed by his presentation. My memory is of a tall, thin, rather elderly and well-spoken English gentleman, very smooth and polished. Most amazing of his effects was his instant penetration of four thimbles through a large foulard, and I did get a lot of mileage out of his Four-Ended Rope routine. These, plus other very workable ideas, are included in Vol. 2 of this series. I believe it is well worth the price.
Marshall Philyaw
(a.k.a. The Grand Marshall of Magic)