The Five Knots in Magic

Knotology, the science of knots.... Boring. However as a filler this is a nice trick. Takes away almost no space in your bag, everything is set up and you are ready to go. It can be done on stage, close up and even in medieval busking settings.

So let's talk about the actual setup. Well a TT, the piece of silk and the rope. The TT keeps the silk in place on the rope. The setup can be moved along the rope so it won't hinder the first two knots.

The appearance of the silk on the rope is a variation of "Flash Silk on Rope" by
Doug Edwards "Apocalypse Vol.15, No.12" p. 2149.

The last phase actually makes no sense at all. But you have the TT and the piece of silk... it just feels right to do it. Also you getting rid of the piece of silk is a necessary step in order to not fill up space in your pocket. Ever tried to reach into your pocket for a prop that you need and a piece of cloth is in the way. You need to get rid of the piece of silk.

It's Uncanny by Doug Edwards

Apocalypse by Harry Lorayne
Volume 13, Number 12 December 1990
Page 1867 et seq.

Personal Comment: There is nothing special about the ambitious card part of the routine, but the color change has something nice. Something that is worth checking out. I think this could be great in a routine where you "wipe off" the pip of a card, by changing the three to a two of the same suit.

Difficulty 3/5

Kingly Sandwich by Doug Edwards

Apocalypse by Harry Lorayne
Volume 12, Number 8 August 1989
Page 1673 et seq.

Personal Comment: Somehow I feel like this is confusing. Is it me, or does this seem to lack some sort of spark of genius. There is something missing. It is really nice, really, really nice. But something about it doesn't feel right. Why do I feel that a very basic sandwich routine creates way better reactions. This is for magicians.

Difficulty 3/5

Crazy Card by Doug Edwards

Personal Comment: I like it. Many years ago when I was desperate to find good card magic I wrote this down. I don't recall where I got it from. I wrote down every little trick that I liked into the book. And then added my own two cents on that. You can see that the effect time ratio is very high. Many effects in very little time. I love that stuff. Visual and all of that. And so darn easy.

So as usual, if you know where this was published shoot me a message and I'll change it accordingly.

Difficulty 2/5

OverWELM by Randy Wakeman, Doug Edwards, Harry Lorayne and Ed Marlo

Apocalypse by Harry Lorayne
Volume 12, Number 12 December 1989
Page 1717 et seq.

Personal Comment: An Ace production. Basically it all boils down to the moment where the Aces are produced. Doug Edwards, Randy Wakeman and Harry Lorayne each offer solutions of how to get into the setup needed for this. I didn't like either one. That doesn't mean that they aren't good, it just means, they are so personal that I cannot see me doing them. So I made up this version, which is my own. But unlike Mr. Lorayne who loves to see his own name in print, I wouldn't want to add me to the credits. The idea of turning the packets face down prior to the production to hide where the cards are coming from is Ed Marlo's contribution.

The production is one I have used on many occasions. But I do it slightly differently. Let me explain. Instead of getting two of the aces in the center holding a break above them, I just cut them to the bottom. Then I split the deck in two and in the act of separating the hands I turn the former bottom half face up. It will look like nothing has changed. Then I do the production and all is well. It has served me well over the years.

Difficulty 4/5

Discrepancy Triumph by Doug Edwards

Apocalypse by Harry Lorayne
Volume 16, Number 6 June 1993
Page 2226 et seq.

Personal Comment: It's odd that there even exists such a version. I'm not saying that discrepancies are not something that could be dealt with, but the whole point of the routine is to have a Triumph without any preparation. And there are plenty of versions out there which accomplish that exact thing without discrepancies. Alright, those might not be as easy... and I think I just answered my own thoughts on this... yes it's an easy routine.

Difficulty 2/5

Pseudo Second Demo by Doug Edwards

Apocalypse by Harry Lorayne
Volume 16, Number 10 October 1993
Page 2271 et seq.

Personal Comment: I'm not a fan of mixing gambling plots into magic shows. So I can only judge this as a standalone piece, that is disconnected from magic and just seen in the context of a false gambling demonstration. And as such it really is not that bad. And the fact that it is relatively easy makes the whole thing even more approachable.

Difficulty 3/5

Packs A Wallop by Doug Edwards

Apocalypse by Harry Lorayne
Volume 16, Number 4 April 1993
Page 2197 et seq.

Personal Comment: This is fun. Easy to do and it has all the little things a good card trick needs. Some animation, some goofiness an nice twist in the end. The actual selection ending up in the box. Little setup (Ace on Top) and quick. I like it. Might even do it when I'm in a bar setting as this trick seems to be the perfect fit for that. And this is one of those tricks that you cannot forget how to do. There is nothing to be remembered. Just do it!

Difficulty 2/5