Poor Man's Cups
So, Stephen
An all time classic that fits in your pocket.
A packet of cards with 3 cups and 3 balls: a poor man's version of the classic "Cups & Balls" effect.
The 3 balls penetrate the cups one after another.
All 3 balls penetrate the cups at the same time and land on one single card.
As a surprise ending, all 3 balls transforms into 3 different kinds of fruits (or rabbits as an alternate ending).
Reset right away for your next performance.
Comes with:
- the cups and balls cards
- extra gimmick cards for an alternative ending
Reviews
(Top ▲)
The Poor Man's Cups and Balls is an excellent example of the application of Edward De Bono’s Lateral Thinking. I can imagine creator, Stephen So, asking the question, “Can I perform cups and balls in a different manner?” Combining cards and cups and balls would be one of the potential solutions. This is why I feel it works. However not all potential solutions should be executed and if they are, they need to be well executed.
The supplied cards are poorly made and stick together making the handling darn close to impossible. I thought about trying fanning powder but it wouldn't be worth it. The handling would need to be streamlined before it could be performed for anyone.
The instruction booklet is well produced. It assumes that one is familiar with basic sleights. The illustrations of the cups and final loads are nice but the balls resemble fuzz balls.
The Poor Man's Cups and Balls should have stayed as an idea on a brainstorm list - not as a product.
(Top ▲)
Sorry gang, but this one is not a keeper. For $12.50 you get some good looking cards that are virtually impossible to handle, a well made little booklet, and an ok idea that isn't worth the price.
It's a cute idea and I do like the concept of being able to carry around the cups and balls in your wallet. But there are so many issues with this effect that I cannot recommend it.
First, the cards are worse than the old Hoyle cards (before they changed the texture). They stick together. You can't spread them; you can't fan them, and there is no way in Heck you'll be able to perform the needed Elmsley Counts.
Further, if you watch the demo, I think you'll agree that the effect looks over-handled and the plot is a bit unclear and fuzzy as to what's supposed to be happening. However, even if you felt that the demo was amazing, you still have the issue of cards that don't handle as smoothly as they need to . . . and by that, I mean, they don't handle at all.
Final Verdict:
1 Star with a Stone Status of Rubble.