Ebook - Gerard Zitta - Strangers
Description & Effect
The Classic 'Phil Deck' Effect Reimagined
For those familiar with it, the 'Phil' deck effect is a brilliant piece of magic: a deck is on the table, a spectator merely thinks of any card, and the performer declares, 'The name of your card is Phil!' Upon spreading the deck, each card's back is shown to bear a different name, with the thought-of card being the only one featuring 'Phil' printed on its reverse. It's a direct, surprising, and often humorous moment that captivates an audience.
Elevating 'Strangers' to a Mental Masterpiece
Gerard Zitta's ebook, 'Strangers', doesn't aim to reveal the original methods behind the 'Phil' deck. Instead, it offers a groundbreaking alternate presentation designed to transcend what might otherwise be seen as a mere gag, transforming it into a profound mental mystery. This ebook introduces a powerful second climax, significantly enhancing the routine's impact. The additional climax is as strong, if not stronger, than the initial reveal, leaving your audience with a strange, lingering feeling and prompting deep thought. This refined approach guarantees exceptional reactions, applause, and genuine congratulations, elevating your performance from a trick to an unforgettable mental experience.
A Versatile Principle for Any Performer
While 'Strangers' provides specific examples utilizing a 'Phil' deck (this edition employs a standard blank 'Phil' deck, differing from a previous method in 'Mentalism Games'), the core principle taught within is remarkably versatile and impromptu. This simple, elegant concept can be effortlessly applied to a wide array of effects where you discreetly force an outcome, not limited to cards. As you delve into its mechanics, you'll feel your creative inspiration ignite, discovering myriad ways to integrate this principle into your existing repertoire. Prepare to be amazed by the magnified reactions you'll achieve when incorporating this seemingly simple addition. To underscore its adaptability, an impromptu bonus example is included that requires no 'Phil' deck, no cards, and absolutely no special props, proving its universal application across various magical disciplines. This is about adding significant punch to your performances with minimal fuss.
Refine Your Repertoire
Contained within 10 concise pages—equivalent to 12 standard text pages—Gerard Zitta shares a secret that promises to refine your mentalism and card magic routines. Learn to craft moments that not only entertain but also resonate deeply, turning simple effects into truly memorable, thought-provoking experiences.
Original Specs
For those who do not know it, here is a summary of the effect: A deck of cards is placed on the table. A spectator is asked to merely think of any card. The performer says: "The name of your card is Phil!". The deck is shown to have different names printed on the back of every card, and the named card is found to have the name Phil printed on the back!
This ebook is not about this amazing card trick itself (the method(s) will not be revealed), but rather an alternate presentation with a second climax as well, that makes it much more powerful and mysterious. Instead of just a gag, you elevate it to a mental masterpiece. The second climax is, at least as strong as the "normal" one: At the end, it leaves a strange feeling and makes the audience think...It gets great reactions, congrats, and applause.
Of course, you will need a Phil deck for two of the examples provided in this ebook. But the simple and impromptu principle in use can be applied to other effects where you force something, not only a card, and with or without a Phil deck. Your juice will start flowing when you learn it, and you'll be amazed, despite its simplicity, by the extra reactions you'll get when you add it to your existing routines. (To illustrate this, there is an impromptu/improvised bonus example that does not require a Phil deck or cards or anything special).
[This effect was already included in Mentalism Games, but with a different method for the Phil deck. Here it uses a standard blank Phil deck.]
1st edition 2015, 10 pages.
word count: 3142 which is equivalent to 12 standard pages of text
