The Perils of Jack

Apocalypse by Harry Lorayne
Volume 8, Number 2 February 1985
Page 1031 et seq.

Personal Comment: The story is boring... but here is the thing... You don't have to do a Sam the Bellhop routine with a full deck. A few is enough. But the story needs to be entertaining. Something I dare to say even Sam the Bellhop misses. I have seen a version by David Regal, which was the closest in actually entertaining me. What makes a normal full deck routine so strong is that it looks like you are either completely improvising or in full control throughout. This is rather weak, as it only showcases the later argument. It misses the ambivalence of a full deck routine. Yet I can testify that it plays well... at least with the story that I attached to. (it won't work in English, as it is German)
And I have no doubt that Mr. Torrales' version works for him.

Difficulty 1/5

The Indian Rope Trick by Ken de Courcy

Handbuch der Magie (German book) by Jochen Zmeck
Page 124 et seq.

Personal Comment: The version in the book is much easier and can be done with any card. But in that version no tearing/restoration happens. The version here was described to me by Jochen Zmeck himself years ago. I tried to do it justice. Does anybody know the original source? I'd like to read it.

Difficulty 3/5

Verliebt Verlobt Verheiratet by Jochen Zmeck

Handbuch der Magie (German book) by Jochen Zmeck
Page 128 et seq.

Personal Comment: This is cute and kills. Hard to believe I know, but I tried it. People seem to dig this cute story. Personally I would change the method drastically, but the book that this is in was written for laypeople ergo this is simplified. The routine has a fulfilling climax and could be a neat encore trick.

Difficulty 2/5

Boy Meets Girl

Expert Card Technique: Close-Up Table Magic by Jean Hugard and Frederick Braue
Page 297 et seq.

Personal Comment: You can tell by the patter that the trick is old. But it is a cute one. There are many ways to change a card for another. But with that particular presentation you actually have a reason. And I am sure there is a time and a place to do that one. Even with that old peom.

Difficulty: 1/5