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Right now at Vanishing Inc, any order you make (literally any order) you will receive 5 Instant Downloads.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1guC_GHL60Y
They are some pretty sweet downloads as well, not just bottom of the barrel stuff here. Also, every $50 you spend, you get to pick out a free trick, this deal mixed in with massively discounted products makes this one of the best sales in magic.
Check out more info here: https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/sales/2017-black-fri/
Any questions, ask away!

- Erik Casey Boetcker -
- Shameless plugs -
-The Bill Test-
https://www.amazon.com/Bill-Test-Erik-Casey-Gimmicks/dp/B01F65R5EC/
-The Poker Test-
https://www.amazon.com/Poker-Test-Erik-Casey-Gimmicks/dp/B01F5Z7C7I/
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/erikcasey/
Email
Erik@PinnacleSpades.com
Website
www.pinnaclespades.com

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[ Magic Café Donations ]

The Poker Test 2.0 by Erik Casey
The basic effect is that you fan out 5 cards in one hand. You show both sides of the cards. The backs are red riders and the fronts are all blank. You then close up the spread and ask the specs how many cards you have and they say 5. Then you ask what the top card was and they should be puzzled and say blank. You then show the top card has magically printed into the ace of spades. You next ask what color the backs of the cards were and they say red. Now you turn of the cards and fan them again and reveal the cards to now have a different color/style of back. Finally you ask what the other 4 cards were, they should say blank again but you turn them around to show that you now hold a royal flush all with different backs than they had originally.
This is a very quick wham-bam effect with a lot of very visual magic happening quickly.
First of all, I never owned the first version of this trick because of the many complaints it received here on the café about it not working properly and/or wearing out too quickly. But I did like the effect so when 2.0 became available I decided I would take the plunge.
The 2.0 version is well-made and works very nicely and from what I can tell so far seems like it would last about as long as any typical packet trick. It comes with the gimmicked cards and a DVD. I would guess the DVD is maybe around 30 minutes in length, it’s on the short side but adequate to explain all you need to know. The trick is easy to do being essentially self-working, and if you choose to use the presentation off the DVD about an observation test, you could be off and running and performing it in no time at all. It is actually pretty fun to perform as well and one of those tricks you’ll enjoy fooling yourself with in the mirror, as the cards really do almost all of the work.
PROS
*Easy to do
*Very strong visual effect
*Well-made and should last a reasonable amount of time
*I think this would make for a good opening effect for restaurant or strolling work because using the classic observation test storyline helps to avoid having to state right off the bat that you are a magician about to do a magic trick. This is personal preference of course but I do like the concept of the initial impression of the specs not being quite sure what is going to happen and it avoids any misconceptions they may have about magic and magicians in the case that they should happen to have a somewhat negative one (which unfortunately, is not too terribly uncommon.)
*It is very quick and visual and can have a very strong impact. It is especially good for loud venues because you really don’t have to say very much. In fact, you could very well perform it without saying a word if necessary and they would still understand and appreciate the effect. Not my preferred way of doing it but it would work if you had no other choice.
*It comes only with the necessary gimmicked cards, this allows you to add any other cards of your choice with different back designs, and gives you the freedom to customize your presentation as you see fit. (Note that this is also a con as well, se below.)
*There are no DIY craft projects involved in making up the set.
CONS
*It comes only with the necessary gimmicked cards, this allows you to add any other cards of your choice with different back designs, and gives you the freedom to customize your presentation as you see fit. This also means you need some contrasting backed cards in order for you to perform the trick. But obviously that shouldn’t be a huge problem for anyone purchasing this effect, and I personally did not mind that some other cards needed were not included.
*It is probably best not to try and perform this super up close right under their noses. You should take step back when performing this. However, that doesn’t seem illogical when performing this as the nature of the trick kind of determines that you would likely take a step or two back. Heck, you could probably even get away fine if you even were to just come out and say that you don’t want to be too close as this is a test of your observation. I don’t mean to sound like it can only be done in a parlor situation, you just have to be maybe 2’ to 3’ feet away to be safe. As an opener I’m not usually any closer than that as I start off anyway, so not really a big deal but I thought it worth mentioning.
*Even though it is possible to perform this as a single stand-alone effect, my opinion is that it is best not to. Better to use it as a quick opener and then immediately go into your nest effect.
*The number one thing this trick has against it is that the cards themselves cannot be examined. The trouble is, the visual mind-boggling nature of the effect may prompt certain people to really want to inspect the cards. Tis isn’t that unusual for a lot of packet tricks and all the usual switches and dodges would easily apply to this effect as well if you felt you wanted to be able to hand out the cards.
Side Notes
As far as a switch I just use the old ruse as soon as the trick is over of immediately putting both my hands into their respective pockets as if looking for something and coming right back out again with a dupe of the packet in one hand and the rest of a regular deck in the other. Then I immediately go into something else. Often, I will quickly place the packet on top of the deck and hand it to a spec to shuffle. That way they can inspect the cards if they wish or at least feel like they inspected them. Amazing how easily this flies right by almost everyone and your quickly onto something else before they get any chance to think about it or protest.
You don’t have to use a royal flush as the ending, you can use any cards. In fact, you don’t have to even use 5 cards, I never do. I only use 4 and then change them into a 4 of a kind (usually aces or queens) and then go into my favorite 4 ace trick routine or whatever. Once, I even switched them for a McDonald’s gaff set and did that routine. But that admittedly was a little more formal setting, but it worked great. So there are a lot of possibilities incorporating this effect as a lead-in to other routines. I’ve even toyed with the idea of making up a set of these cards and then use this method to create a more open version of B’wave. I haven’t tried it yet because I don’t really think it’s necessary, so I’m not sure if it would even work but maybe I’ll give it some more thought sometime in the future. Who knows? Maybe it has some merit after all.
I mentioned the possibility of making up more sets of this effect yourself in various customized versions. Well, it is possible but you’ll have to figure that out yourself, the DVD doesn’t explain anything about that. But if you can get a hold of what you would need and are willing to put in a little effort, then it would be doable. Most creators have no problem with a purchaser doing this as long as it is for their own personal use and is usually a different version than is what is available in the marketplace anyway. But I’ll leave it for you to decide for yourself how you feel regarding the ethics of that. But certainly don’t attempt making one unless you have already purchased it, even if you do know the method.
All in all I would rate this trick pretty highly. I honestly expected it would wind up in the proverbial drawer, but I took a chance anyway. Sometimes you just have to take a shot with something. But low and behold, I actually USE it.
Seems like a big improvement over the 1.0 version, but I don’t have that one for a direct comparison.
It is very strong, easy to do, and does what it says on the tin.
Some may feel it’s just a bit overpriced at $24.00 for what you get, but I think it is actually priced pretty fairly. I’ve had a ton of fun with it and certainly feel that I’ve gotten my money’s worth.
If you like the effect and think it would fill a need for you, and you don’t mind it being a very quick, one-trick pony, then I would say go for it and I doubt it would end up your drawer.

Great review! I wish all reviews were this thorough. It addressed everything I wanted to know about 2.0 and then some.
Ordered it with no reservations.
Kenn

I neglected to mention in my review, the standard disclaimer that I do not know Erik Casey nor do I have any affiliation with this trick or it's producers.
I'm just a dude who happened to like the trick.

Can anyone comment on the difference between this and the original Poker test. I know what they say in the ad copy, but what is your opinion of the difference? If you already own the original, is this one that much better?
KJ

If you already own the original and it is working fine for you then you do not need 2.0.
The new version only addresses the issues that many were having with the first version wearing out quickly or not working well even when new.
The only changes to the cards were behind the scenes so to speak, but the DVD is new and I believe contains material not on the first DVD.
If the DVD alone is worth getting the new one, I cannot say, you would have to make that call.

This is the one con that I don't understand how it is a con.
How many magicians are approaching people, doing one trick then leaving? If you fall into that category, then yeah, I guess this isn't your trick.
Other than that, holy smoke man. That was an amazing review! You really hit everything that needed to be addressed. I loved it. Thanks! That was beautiful.

- Erik Casey Boetcker -
- Shameless plugs -
-The Bill Test-
https://www.amazon.com/Bill-Test-Erik-Casey-Gimmicks/dp/B01F65R5EC/
-The Poker Test-
https://www.amazon.com/Poker-Test-Erik-Casey-Gimmicks/dp/B01F5Z7C7I/
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/erikcasey/
Email
Erik@PinnacleSpades.com
Website
www.pinnaclespades.com

I have both and use this regularly. I never had any trouble with the first version; but, since this is something that I use regularly, I wanted a back up. As previously noted, the newer version only comes with the specific gimmicked cards - you need to supply the remaining cards yourself ... this is both good and bad. I much prefer to play with something right out of the box. On the other hand, this newer version allows you tremendous flexibility to customize your routine however you desire: make the reveal cards and backs anything you'd like. I used 2.0 for the first time last night hopping tables in a restaurant and find it handles quite comfortably. This is a fun & wonderful opener which presents well ... even close up.
Dan.

Thanks. I had no problem with the original. Also, it is one of those that I rotate in as my 'something new' trick, so it still works just fine.
KJ

Really is a great effect. Quick and it builds a few times to the finale. I'm going to make up my own set using some DD's from Cardshark and some SF. (those who have both will know). Should make the packet thinner. I'm sure people will want to look at the cards on occasion but this one is probably worth carrying around a himber or other type of switch wallet

Yeah, I've thought about using the DD's too but don't own any so haven't had a chance to try yet.
Maybe even a happy medium of DD's and regular cards might give them a little more body and rigidity while still keeping it thinner.
If you try it please PM me and let me know how it goes.
Thanks,
Bill

I lent my SF to someone. When I get it back tomorrow, I'll make up a set. I've got a ton of DD's lying around

I purchased Poker Deal 2.0 looking for something quick and interesting. This does what it says, it works well and has multiple changes. However I received the 'new' version and it didn't last one evening. The gimmick was useless after 1 hour. The supplier is sending out replacement cards but I doubt they will last any longer. The only upside I see is that it sent me on a quest to find a material to replicate the gimmicks when they do wear out, I could make my own. Great effect poor quality.

Since my last post, the supplier sent me a new set of cards. These are remarkably better than the first set I got. It is obvious that they had changed the material in the manufacturing of the first gimmick I received. It appears that this material will last much longer. I put the second set through as much abuse as the first and there is no failure like the first, as of yet. I did find a product I could use to make my own gimmick, which works identically to the second set sent to me, so wearing out the gimmick is no longer my concern. However, at this point I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Poker Test 2.0.

I have had both versions, and used v1 for some time, since it first came out, ever since I saw Greg Wilson dem it to me at a convention. I just thought it was a real crowd-pleaser.
I have been using it as an opener for a walk around set. It is perfect for that.
I had no problem with switching, examining, and the like, since for me it was a bit of eye-candy - bang, bang, bang - warm them up - put it away in your pocket (reset for instant repeat) and move on to the next item. No need to dwell on it or over-complicate it. As it is it has an elegance and simplicity that is a crime to disturb with wallets, switches and the like.
If you already have v1 and have no problems with it, there's no real point in getting v2. But note that, if you use it a lot, the cards will wear out, and so you will be either making your own replacement (if you can be bothered) or getting another set.
If you're getting it for the first time, it makes sense to get the later version, since the cards are probably made a little better.
What getting v2 did for me was to encourage me to rethink the cards I used. I changed the card denominations and backs, and made up my own set. I found the guests sometimes got a little confused about 'blank cards', since they are an unusual entity for lay people who are probably seeing them for the first time. This holds up the flow just when you want to get the momentum up.
V1 still works fine, but the one supplied in V2 is a little smoother than I can make, but I prefer mine because of the cards and the patter I can now show.
It has to be said there are a few of this type of effect on the market, and I recall getting one from a convention 8 or 9 years ago that was very similar in concept.
Incidentally, the main 'weakness' in the presentation for me was the first reveal, where you ask what the bottom-most card is. They say 'blank' and you slide it out and show it's a 10H.
I prefer to do a Charlier/Erdnase Colour-change (or Color-change for our friends across the water) move, stealing the card from the rear and changing the blank face card visibly on the cue of them naming the card facing them.
To be strict, I'm aware it is a slight aberration from the sense of the effect, wherein they mis-remember all the physical aspects of the cards.
But I have found the visible change gets a big reaction just where you want it, and kind of ushers in the subsequent changes.
It always strikes me how much reaction I get and the reliance I now place on what is seemingly a kids magic-set kind of item. To repeat: eye-candy. And so very clean.
I've heard a few magicians complain it is a trifle expensive for what it is - a packet trick. All I can say to that is:
- if you work it, it's cheap
- try and make it yourself

Just seen the review on Tao tv looks great for a quick trick

It's a great little effect, very easy to learn and very visual. For the price I think it's a winner!

What a review on a neat packet trick! I specifically loved the suggestion on switching the packet at the end, very logical and unobtrusive. I have the 2.0 and never had the 1st version so I can't speak on the differences. I can say that 2.0 is well made and with a little self maintenance along the way, it will last for sometime to come.
Leo