Reviews of products by Lee Asher
3 ★★★★★ reviews
Losing Control
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Steve Myers (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Monday 23 June, 2025)
Great control
Catch 33: Three Card Monte
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Jeffrey Ashkettle
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 16 July, 2014)
Lee Asher has a magical mind that never stops at "that's it" he always seems to be thinking "how can I go 1 step better?" Catch 33 is a great example. Not an everyday, run of the mill monte, but a well thought out and expertly taught routine. Lee has a gift for not being "just another". His DVDs are like short films with tricks instead of a set of hands and a close up mat with a musical track and voice over in the background. He really thinks it out (one step better). He has released several effects in E-Book format seeing this is where technology is taking us and this Catch 33 is a gem among monte routines. I have a passion for 3 card monte and its history. It has fascinated me for years and I have seen many effects used for "real" and for "magic". This one will not let you down.
Losing Control
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Dale Robins
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Tuesday 15 October, 2013)
Lee Asher’s Losing Control: Fun, Fast, Affordable
Which scenario seems less suspicious and more direct for secretly positioning a selected card to the top (or bottom) of the deck: Simply having a selected card pushed back into a deck, or having a selected card pushed back into a deck and then having the magician shuffle off (or fiddling with the deck with both hands for no apparent reason)? If you said the first scenario, then Losing Control might be just what you’re looking for.
To me, this innocuous but devilishly subtle and powerful control qualifies – to quote Max Maven – as a “terrifying thing of beauty.”
While it certainly passes my Erdnase Test, “. . . the most critical observer would not even suspect, let alone detect, the action,” like the Pass, Losing Control does require (and for me, the fun part) a brief moment of misdirection. However, the handling is much more subtle and elegant than either a Pass or Shuffle Control, yet it still meets the purpose of both while trimming away any extraneous fiddling or finger fluttering.
In essence, it directly, seamlessly, and secretly places a spectator’s (if you wish, signed) selection on top of the deck before (in their mind) the trick has even begun -- a powerful place to be.
Features:
1) Clarity. Losing Control was created with the reader in mind. It is professionally laid out and pleasing to the eye, has plenty of white space for notes at the bottom of each section (if you decide to print it out), and is easy to read in a (mostly) 11 point Ariel font. The photos are crystal clear and their corresponding instructions are on the same page, so no need to constantly page up and down. The .PDF also includes small sidebars of pertinent information and, for the viewer, five embedded video links.
2) Video Section. I particularly like the video link section so that I can literally see the instructions in action. The sleight is powerful because of its brazenness. It’s out there for anyone to see BUT ONLY IF THEY’RE FOCUSED ON IT. (That’s why -- like a Pass or Shuffle Control -- it should only be done in the expository phase, allowing for time misdirection.) In fact, because it’s sometimes hard for me to think like a spectator anymore, I found that if I glance away at the crucial moment (you’ll know when) as when properly misdirected, the experience is simply jaw-dropping. Doing this can help to give you the confidence and timing for when and how you decide to make use of this elegant sleight.
3) Brief yet thorough. At only 22 pages (including photos) Losing Control completely covers the control without being too wordy. It is broken into easy-to-digest sections, including a concise-and-helpful introduction, brief history, and clear methodology. It includes a dynamite convincer from Alan Ackerman, two variations (one for use with a table and one for allowing the spectator to see all the card faces at eye level), and Mr. Asher’s personal tips for the control. Mr. Asher wraps it all up with proper credits and interesting tidbits, thank you’s, and thoughts on how to proceed.
4) Affordable. At $13.99 (as of this date) Losing Control is quite reasonably priced when compared to the cost of a book or DVD that covers Passes or Shuffle Controls. When re-engineered into a routine, the sleight can easily pay for itself many times over via paying gigs; (I think it is clean and unique enough to help set one performer apart from another.)
5) Additions and Variations. The Alan Ackerman Addition provides another subtle layer of conviction; the card is on top of deck before the “selection” is pushed in. The tabled version gives an innocent hands-off feel, and the vertical version is suitable for standing venues.
PERSONAL TIP: Having read and understood the differences between a regular and reversed spread, I have found that it is also possible to control a selected card to the BOTTOM of the deck by reversing the process.
NOTE: Mr. Asher admonishes the reader to not be eager with using the control for an Ambitious Card sequence. I tend to agree. This move is like seasoning -- a little goes a long way, but too much ruins the dish. It is a little-known sleight, and I prefer to use it sparingly. I do confess, however, that I love using it once in my own opening sequence of David Regal’s AC routine.
NEGATIVES: In one place Mr. Asher writes about the control as if the reader will become nervous executing the move. For me, this seemed a bit presumptuous. However, for those who would have been nervous anyway, Mr. Asher continues with how to overcome any possible jitters.
Also, I wish I were the only other person who knew about this.
To sum up, Losing Control makes magic stronger by shortening the expository (non-inherently interesting) phase of having a card selected and returned to the deck, while at the same time raising the conviction that the selected card is in the middle of the deck (it’s not; it’s on top) in preparation for the (inherently) magical phase – however you may interpret what that is. (Thank you, Darwin Ortiz)
Thus, Losing Control eliminates the need to yammer on and on (not unlike this review) just to cover any shuffle control or to pointlessly bring one’s hands together just to execute a pass.
It is fast, it is fun, and it efficiently and innocuously places the spectator’s selection on top of the deck before the trick (in their mind) has even begun -- without all the fiddling -- and at a reasonable price.
Catch 33: Three Card Monte
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by John McLachlan
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Tuesday 15 October, 2013)
CATCH 33: The Three Card Monte
This classic con has deceived the public for many years – and taken their hard-earned cash. It appeals to our impulse to acquire easy money but we constantly lose as the hand is quicker than the eye. The concept is great for the performing magician and when presented well teaches a valuable lesson in the context of an entertaining sequence.
Catch 33 teaches more than the basic moves required for such a demonstration. It includes well-researched techniques which I had not previously encountered. The list of standout magicians contributing to this work is long and impressive. Lee Asher has woven various methods into a visual treat of dodges and swindles. He demonstrates how to structure a delightful routine which can be performed close up, in a small venue or at a trade show.
As usual, Lee Asher’s writing is accompanied by excellent illustrations and by on-line video. John McLachlan
Losing Control
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Troels Holm (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Friday 11 October, 2013)
The first time you see the demo video, you wonder where the sleight is. I din't see anything unusual.
The second time you might notice, that the handling looks a little strange.
When you look again after reading the description you will say: This is never going to fool anybody! But it just did! With the Ackerman Addition it is even more convincing.
This is a daring move. But the explanation and the fotos are very clear and easy to follow. The videos give you a clear picture of the timing and flow. It will take some work to make it look smooth and natural, but it should be within reach of anybody.
Thunderbird: The Modern Ace Production
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Jeffrey Ashkettle
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Thursday 10 October, 2013)
Have this awesome ace production on Lee Asher's 5 Card Stud DVD and this is a great companion for easy reference points. Well written as all of Lee's PDF's are, easy to understand and when you get this production down... BOOM... you have a reputation maker. With as much as Lee has given to the magic community over the last decade or so, I have never found anything with his name on it disappointing. Just buy it.
Catch 33: Three Card Monte
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Devin Knight
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Thursday 10 October, 2013)
This is by far the best book I have read on the Three Card Monte. Lee presents a routine that is action packed and entertaining the entire time. Loads of photos and embedded videos provide you with all the details you need. The torn corner ending is a real kicker. This is probably the most commercial version of a Three Card Monte exposed that I have ever seen. Highly recommended. It will take some practice to get this down, but it is well worth it. Once you get the routine pat, you will have a real worker.
Catch 33: Three Card Monte
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Mike Kmiec (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Thursday 10 October, 2013)
Normally, I'm not a fan of three-card monte routines. They normally seem to belie the whole reasoning of magic because of the dependence on dexterity. There's no magical explanation, the hands are just quicker than the eye. This is what street hustlers depend on. Well, that and accomplices. In any case, a project I'm working on needs some gambling-based routines, so I thought I'd revisit the plot. Being familiar with Lee Asher's other work, I know his attention to detail and quality is high. Catch 33 is no exception (aside from one thing I'll mention later).
This routine has the same basic plot - find the one different card and you win. Except Asher plays a bit with the construct, and adds a kicker that makes the routine more like magic and less like hustling.
The instruction and photography is clear throughout. In the section titled 'The Hype', though, I think some of the sentences were transposed, so following along requires some deciphering. It's nothing too challenging, but you should be aware of it. Hopefully Asher will edit this section for clarity in a later edition.
This is a routine for intermediate card handlers, and there's no instant reset, but if you're willing to put in the time and effort, you'll be rewarded. Asher provides some solid magical thinking and nuance to the routine. Some of the moves and subtleties are quite clever, and you may be able to migrate them to other routines. The 'out' Asher provides is extremely good as well - though you probably won't need it, it's good to have insurance. Finally, the background and references provided are good. Overall, it's a great handling of something that many others have failed to deliver.
Am I a convert to three-card-monte routines? Probably not. Will I incorporate Catch 33 into my project? Yes. Now, back to practicing the toss...
Losing Control
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Matt B
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Thursday 10 October, 2013)
This is a very deceptive way to control a selected card. It is not difficult to do and the explanations are very clear.
Losing Control
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Julian Burt (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Thursday 10 October, 2013)
When I watched the video, it did not fool me at all. But when I learned the moves I tried it on my wife, the "Oh NO! Not another card trick?!?" type of audience. She was absolutely fooled. It took her several times before she caught on and felt foolish for not seeing it at first. I applaud Mr. Asher for his insight and downright brazen approach to bringing a card to the top of the deck.
Losing Control
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by George Buckley (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Thursday 10 October, 2013)
This is the most amazing control I have ever learned. I was familiar with the back spread from performing "The Virginia City Shuffle", but had never even thought of back spreading a whole deck. This is my go to move now for controlling a card to the top of the deck. As always Lee Asher has nailed it and again shows why he is an Einstein of card magic.
Losing Control
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Danny Smith
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Thursday 10 October, 2013)
Watching performances of this had me completely baffled. It blew right past me every time!
So, I bought it and was at first rather shocked it had taken me in so completely. I tried it a few times, and thought I had it down. However, the first person I showed it to wasn't fooled at all. Before I had a chance to finish the trick, he said "my card is on top!" Yikes! Back to the woodshed!
As it turns out, this is one of those "moves" that relies more on smoothness, choreography, and confidence than anything else. Once I understood a couple of key points that Lee covers well in the book, it became (and remains) a favorite of mine.
If it seems over-priced, remember that it includes links to 5 short videos where most books use photos.
Losing Control
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Jeffrey Ashkettle (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Thursday 10 October, 2013)
This is a very clever move from one of the great minds in magic today. Lee Asher puts out some of the best effects and utility moves you can get. I have nearly all of his PDF's and dvds. All quality stuff and Losing Control does not dissapoint. If you are a beginner, you can do this and the experts can appriciate the simplicity of this great control. Buy it, you cant go wrong.
Losing Control
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Larry Brodahl (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Thursday 10 October, 2013)
This is NOT the be-all, end-all of controls, but it is a pretty clever little idea. It plays quite well (ie: I've never been caught), and doesn't take years to master.
On the other hand, it's not a control that I would repeat over and over. I use it sparingly, and usually only after I've done a few other items.
Strangely enough, I seem to perform it for the local magicians more than laymen, simply because it does often fly past them, which makes me smile.
Like I said, it's not the last word in controls, but it is a nice little tool to have floating around for when you need it.
Catch 33: Three Card Monte
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by David Bilan (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Thursday 04 July, 2013)
Lee Asher with three cards. One black card and two red. Pick the black card and you win. A classic con. How much effort could it take to teach a routine? If you want a great routine, it takes input from twenty of the most talented people in magic. Add 48 high quality close-up photos and and mix to create a straight-forward, well written routine that ends with a kick.
I enjoy learning from books/printed media, but watching the moves in action make learning the routine much simpler. Lee gives me the best of both worlds, providing a link to video showing the routine from start to finish.
Do you get the idea that I really like this routine? Like the TV commercials say, "But wait... there's more!"
Throughout the document, Lee credits the various moves, tosses in some great quotes (not necessary to learn the magic, but great reading) and ends with a link to a Bibliography giving you more than 150 years worth of writing about 3-Card Monte.
Is it good for a newbie? It can be. This is a classic lesson in misdirection, audience management and putting together the moves with a script. The moves aren't knuckle-busters, but they will take practice. If you are willing to invest the time, Lee Asher offers a classic with a new twist that will leave people will an impossible ending.
Catch 33: Three Card Monte
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Roger Isberg
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Thursday 04 July, 2013)
For anyone who is serious about 3 card monte. Fresh ending. Lots of reference material. You can also go to video clip and a big bibliography. Everything with quality takes time so take some time and study Catch 33 carefully.
Roger Isberg
Losing Control
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Caroline Lisbano
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 01 February, 2012)
superb magic videos