This effect starts off as a beautifully made variation of the principle developed by Paul Curry called the Curry Paradox c. 1953, similar to the effect created by Winston Freer’s amazing Magic Tile Puzzle. But if you know anything about Alan’s magic and mind, he is rarely content with doing something that has been done before, and so he turns the whole effect on it’s head and totally transforms the color of the puzzle right under their noses.
Not simply a geometric paradox but real magic performed right before their eyes!
This happens to be one of my favorite Alan Warner pieces. It makes use of an old principle to great effect and really produces an outstanding miracle. What I also like about this effect is the impressive and colorful display that is created as each charm is spread around the center box, ready for the final revelation. Alan writes meticulous instructions and if you read them closely you will often pick-up subtle nuances in the performance that you would otherwise miss.
There are no switches of the charms or tricky sleights, and the charms and box can be examined if required, it really does look clean. In one case there is a small move that is required, but it is too weak to be considered a sleight and performed under cover of the spectator’s larger action can be carried out with minimal heat on the performer.
A really wonderful miracle from one of Magic’s Master Craftsmen.
This effect is stronger than you might think. At first glance Checkmate looks like you are predicting a one out of three outcome, but in fact you not only predict which color chess piece they will choose, but also which plaque they will place it on.
The chess piece and plaque chosen can be different each time, although the effect cannot be repeated immediately to the same audience. It does use multiple outs but they are constructed very cleaning and logically into the wooden tablets and not are contrived as is quite often the case with multiple out effects. Each outcome is as solid as the others so it really doesn’t matter which color they choose or which plaque they place it on, the effect is equally as strong.
This is a very clean effect and method, that resets instantly and is very easy to learn. It has an elegant simplicity that Alan excels at and you will enjoy.
It is amazing how small yet entertaining this effect is. There are no moves and the spectator is convinced they have a free choice with each phase of the routine. And yet they always choose the crazy Karate Kard that reeks havoc on the rest of the cards 🙂
There are no tricky or hidden moves and if you follow the clear directions Alan lays out for you the effect pretty much works itself. This effect is precisely and beautifully made and something quite different.
This is one of Alan’s oldest effects from his painted Mini-Magic period before he moved exclusively to Teak apparatus. At first glance it would appear to be a Die-Box type effect with a Chinese Coin and in fact that is how the routine begins but it progresses into something more.
After the performer has shown the Chinese Coin apparently vanished – and it really does look like it has vanished even if they stare intently into the charming miniature wooden box, the performer apparently messes up because they hear the coin rolling around in the box again. Well luckily this is planned and when the coin is finally shown it is a totally different coin that is produced.
This new coin can be pretty much any coin that fits int the box. I chose a UK 2P in my photos as it contrasts nicely with the silver Chinese coin supplied. With some simple thought you could produce a coin that leads nicely into your next effect, taking all heat off of the box.
This is very finely made with some amazing tolerances given the size of the box. Easy to do with simple reset too. If you spend a little time with your other coin effects I’m sure you will be able to blend this into an even bigger routine.
One thing I dislike about the handling of a lot of magic props is their noise. Most often there shouldn’t be any, so this creates suspicion. This is never an issue with Alan’s work, because he understands and is meticulous in execution.
Coppered is a prime example of Alan’s ability to create micro magic that is easy to perform, entertaining and great to look at! Transposition tricks are one of my favorite elements of magic and this one delivers in spades. Well done!!
I agree with Andy and George on this one. Seems impossible to the spectator when you simply dump a figure out of the case that has a matching hole where they freely placed a peg in their figure! Take a bow!!
Review by Steve Payne for The Pharaoh's Curse by Alan Warner
5 out of 5
Boy, this one is so easy to perform, but leaves them baffled when that Scarab does its transposition. The spectator even gets to open the box for the reveal!
As George stated, this appears simple in performance. However, when those initials change from the spectator’s to yours and then you hand them the cube for close inspection, the reaction couldn’t be more satisfying!!
Sometimes simple can become so much more when it comes to Alan Warner’s creations!
Probably my all-time favorite of Alan’s creations. I just love watching the audience’s reactions as I keep changing the shape of the cut out in the card while allowing them to handle it after each time, only to have it become normal in the end. They just keeping wondering how it’s possible after each inspection!
Thank you, Alan, for making me smile with each performance!!
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