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Holy Blank

Caleb Wiles

Vanishing Inc

(Based on 1 review)
You ask someone to NAME A CARD. No forces. You show that THE DECK IS COMPLETELY BLANK EXCEPT FOR THE NAMED CARD. It’s that simple and it looks that good. The handling is totally self-working and can be learned in minutes, but this is no amateur-magic fad. Professionals are flocking to Holy Blank because it offers a rare, simple, MEMORABLE EFFECT: “I named a card, and it was the only one in the deck.”

There are have been several variations on this theme, from “Blizzard” to “Hummer Deck.” All of them have advantages, but to us, this is strongest blend of practicality (no deck switch required, only one pack used) and strength of effect (all the cards are shown blank and there is absolutely no force; ANY card can be named).

Most importantly, this version has the most fleshed-out presentation, which is included and detailed. Every action MAKES SENSE and appears natural. There are several easy but diabolical psychological convincers that make this already outstanding effect EVEN STRONGER.

The “Holy Blank” package comes with everything you need: the pack of cards and detailed, profusely photographed printed instructions on every facet of the routine.

More info, from my introduction to the trick:

Caleb Wiles is a devilishly clever magician from Indiana. His genius lies in his ability to make miracles out of relatively simple plots and methods. He is able to squeeze a principle or method for as much impact as possible. Nowhere is this better exemplified than “Holy Blank.”

The notion of showing a named card as the only printed card in a deck is attractive for obvious reasons—it is one of the simplest plots imaginable. The method has always complicated the procedure, and this is only natural. Deck switches, spreading gaffed cards a certain way, a bank of force cards—all sorts of methods have been applied.

What Caleb offers is a presentation that justifies the handling required. In his presentation, nothing feels forced or awkward. Every action makes sense in context. I implore you to pay close attention to the nuances of the script in this effect. Technically, “Holy Blank” is quite easy, but for maximum impact, it must be presented in such a way that your actions are justified by your words.

There are other routines with the same effect, and all of them have interesting features. But none of them give you the balance of practicality and impact that “Holy Blank” offers:

* Totally free thought-of card with no restrictions whatsoever.
* Only one deck used; from a practical standpoint, you carry no extra decks and perform no deck switches.
* The handling requires no difficult sleight of hand.
* The reset is almost instantaneous.

Reviews

Gordon Meyer

Official Reviewer

Mar 08, 2010

I bought Holy Blank partly on the strength of Joshua Jay's demonstration video (at Vanishing Inc) but also because I was so impressed with the creator's book, High Spots.

So my expectations were high, and I'm pleased to report that Caleb Wiles met them, again. This is a very good trick, and the methodology is top-notch. Yes, it's a special deck, but that's well justified by the presentation. And I think it's particularly suited as a closing effect. It's logical in that position, and strong enough to close the show. Scoop up the cards and put them away (and out of reach of grabby hands) and then just sit back and leave them amazed.

The trick is well-explained in the instructions, despite the somewhat unorthodox layout and size of the printed matter. The cards are high quality Bikes, so even if you decide the trick isn't for you, you'll have your measly twenty bucks worth in cards you can use for other pieces. In all seriousness, it's a great trick that's within the skill of most any magician, and you've spent more money for far, far worse. Holy Blank is a no-brainer buy.
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