This DVD, like Ryan Schlutz's earlier DVD "Miracles Without Moves", is like a slightly more complex addition to Big Blind Media's fabulous Self-Working Card Tricks videos.

While the effects here will require more practice to get right, there are no real knuckle-busting moves (very few moves at all). Mr. Schlutz's effects work prime rally on combinations of well established principles, or the slight twisting of classic principles. Such is the case with his GAP Principle -- a sneaky twist on the floating key card.

I really liked the effects here and have already added a couple to my set.

As usual, The BBM produced disk is well produced and executed. The cast of BBM characters remain the same (which is a good thing!). I feel like they are family members already!

I really liked this DVD and recommend it highly.

I love card effects that require no sleight of hand. I’ve learned as a working professional, that it’s great to have a few moveless effects in your back pocket for that occasional spectator that BURNS YOUR HANDS. I’ve also learned that some spectators can’t follow certain instructions of some self working card tricks because they don’t handle cards as well as we’d hope.

This DVD has some clever effects, but some of them might be a little too complicated for some laypeople to follow the instructions. That doesn’t make this useless for real world professionals. We should always strive for strong magic for those especially savvy spectators. Just don’t expect to be using these while strolling at a cocktail party. These effects require focus, and audience attention to both follow the instructions, and follow the effect. Even I had minor issues following some of the effects while watching.

To say Ryan’s performance style is minimal would be an understatement. In fact, almost every effect can be summed up as Ryan finding the selected card, and saying “Pretty cool, huh?” That’s fine for a DVD like this, because there is no performance style for beginners to copy, and it forces them to come up with their own compelling personalities.

My only real complaint is that the ad copy on the DVD states that if magicians are fooled by these tricks, that you can IMAGINE how fooled normal spectators will be. I hate this mindset because it’s WRONG. Laypeople have no reference to card tricks. They aren’t thinking, “Well, it’s not a force, it’s not a key card…” The trick with laypeople is to make them care, and give them clear instructions.

That aside, I know I will be using the GAP principle that is taught here. It’s a clever idea, that I know will have many uses. Just because it requires no moves, doesn’t mean it’s easy. You do have to be mentally aware and keeping track of what your audience is doing while you are giving them the clearest instructions you can.

If you collect methods, this is for you. If you work bars or loud restaurants, this is not for you. If you are in environments where you can give clear for attentive spectators regularly, this is definitely for you. The GAP Principle is worth the price of admission!