Price$15.00
Media TypeTrick
CategoryClose Up
Date AddedOct 21, 2003
Temptation
Bean, Gordon
(Based on 2 reviews)
The routine's first phase sent the Three visibly from Gordon's right hand to his left hand, and Mr. Simko smiled. He had seen a lot of amazing sleight-of-hand and assumed this was more of the same. Next, the Ace jumped the other way, and Mr. Simko leaned forward. Finally, the Two jumped down to his own hand and Mr. Simko knew the only possible explanation. "You're using some of those special cards we printed for you." Gordon smiled and motioned for him to pick up the cards. Mr. Simko examined them with an expert's precision. "But they are ordinary Bicycles," said Mr. Simko. "The finest cards made," agreed Gordon with a smile. I wouldn't use anything else."
* No Sleight of Hand Required
* Photo-Illustrated Instructions
* Cards Made by the U.S. Playing Card Co.
* Cards May Be Examined
Reviews
(Top ▲)
My experience with this trick goes back 2 years or so. It caught my attention, because it left the cards examinable at the finish. When I tested this on some friends, the responses were not the same as I get from other monte effects (color monte, or ultimate three card monte). When I know an effect takes place, but the audience is response is vague, it's something I will address and adjust.
There is one 'move' that happens twice in this routine-and when it does, it IS recognized by the spectator. Basically, a card that is seen (face) is seen AGAIN, when the packet is turned over. It's an ambiguity, that can be picked up on, which is not in other routines of this kind. Like ALL of Gorden Beans effects, this one is well illustrated, routined, offering multiple endings.
As much as I respect the work that went into this, audience response is my ultimate gauge. Since I worked out a normal card version of Color Monte,
and likewise carry Michael Skinner's ultimate three card monte, Temptation sits unused in one of my bags. Color monte IS examinable, and people often look at my cards afterwards to see if they're tricked. If there's one other monte effect I'm 'tempted' to look at, it's 'The Three Card Trick', formerly known as Kitson's Miracle. THAT effect has a strong, solid history.
There is background information that comes with this trick, revealing how Temptation evolved. Mr. Bean went through numerous changes, tweaks, and it only made me curious as to what earlier versions of this looked like. It's nearly tedious to read of how obsessive Bean is, indecisive, dissatisfied with his own results, etc.. Like Giacometti working on a sculpture. Made me want to say 'leave it alone! It's just a card trick!' It also made me consider if this effect hadn't been overworked, to the point of compromising the impact. From a customer/performer vantage point, I'm not sure if this trick offers so much newness to the monte premise. Especially as an experienced card handler can perform versions of this with normal cards. I will say, that the concept of three cards changing places did inspire me to work out a version. Three basic sleights, a full deck,and three cards. Very interactive, and one of the strongest, most impossible looking tricks I do-with ORDINARY CARDS.
There is one 'move' that happens twice in this routine-and when it does, it IS recognized by the spectator. Basically, a card that is seen (face) is seen AGAIN, when the packet is turned over. It's an ambiguity, that can be picked up on, which is not in other routines of this kind. Like ALL of Gorden Beans effects, this one is well illustrated, routined, offering multiple endings.
As much as I respect the work that went into this, audience response is my ultimate gauge. Since I worked out a normal card version of Color Monte,
and likewise carry Michael Skinner's ultimate three card monte, Temptation sits unused in one of my bags. Color monte IS examinable, and people often look at my cards afterwards to see if they're tricked. If there's one other monte effect I'm 'tempted' to look at, it's 'The Three Card Trick', formerly known as Kitson's Miracle. THAT effect has a strong, solid history.
There is background information that comes with this trick, revealing how Temptation evolved. Mr. Bean went through numerous changes, tweaks, and it only made me curious as to what earlier versions of this looked like. It's nearly tedious to read of how obsessive Bean is, indecisive, dissatisfied with his own results, etc.. Like Giacometti working on a sculpture. Made me want to say 'leave it alone! It's just a card trick!' It also made me consider if this effect hadn't been overworked, to the point of compromising the impact. From a customer/performer vantage point, I'm not sure if this trick offers so much newness to the monte premise. Especially as an experienced card handler can perform versions of this with normal cards. I will say, that the concept of three cards changing places did inspire me to work out a version. Three basic sleights, a full deck,and three cards. Very interactive, and one of the strongest, most impossible looking tricks I do-with ORDINARY CARDS.
(Top ▲)
I have been disappointed with this effect. Laypeople and magicians have a hard time following it. You are left clean. Maybe I never developed a decent patter to go with it. At least a pleasent evening is spent playing with it.