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Three Card Routines

Wind, Asi

Dan and Dave Buck

(Based on 3 reviews)
Triumph and Triumph Again
A double punch triumph effect.

One of the best plots in card magic with a surprising twist. Two handlings are explained, and only an ordinary deck of cards is necessary. Pefect for walk-around and a formal close-up performance.

"Stunning. Stunning."
- Jason Alexander

Running time: 33min

A.A.C.A.A.N.
Asi's any card at any number.

Constructed from years of trial and error, Asi's Any Card at Any Number is a masterpiece of modern-day magic. The effect is suitable for both close-up and stage with a method that is nearly impossible to reconstruct. It can be performed surrounded and may be repeated with no additional setup required. Only an ordinary deck of cards is used. Nothing else.

"You fooled me badly. This is by far the best A.C.A.A.N I have seen."
- Johnny Thompson

Running time: 41min

Double Exposure
Triumph captured in a photo.

A mind-blowing new take on a classic effect. Double Exposure by Asi Wind is a reality altering version of Triumph that happens within a borrowed camera. There are no gimmicks or special applications needed. 100% impromptu. Just you, a deck of cards, and a borrowed camera are all that's necessary.

Performed by David Blaine on national television.

Running time: 23min

Reviews

Stuart Philip

Official Reviewer

Sep 24, 2015

Three Card Routines is a brilliant DVD with routines that will astonish laymen and magicians. The card tricks taught are not for a beginner's hands and depending upon your skill level, it will require various levels of consistent practice and polishing to get it to the point where it is performance ready. Although the term "reputation maker" is so frequently used in the description of magic products that it is has been rendered meaningless, it would be appropriate to use that adjective to describe this DVD. All three routines can be performed with a regular deck, although with necessary set-up required.

The first routine, "Triumph and Triumph again" is taught with two variations. It is performed both times by Asi at a close-up card table to a few spectators, which include magicians. In the first version, two cards are selected by two spectators and after the deck is shuffled with face-up and face-down piles, the cards in one suit rearrange themselves face-up in numerical order leaving a space for the selected card — while all the other cards are face down. Then the second card, which is from a different suit, appears under the card box, where the first card had been placed and all the cards of that suit magically appear in order and face-up with a space for the second selected card. In the second version, a selected card is removed from the deck by the spectator and not looked at. The cards are then shuffled face-up into face-down piles and spread on the table to reveal that one suit is face-up in the correct order (except one card — presumably the spectator's card) and all the other cards are face down. When the spectator's card is shown, it matches the number, but not the suit. The performer then says he will change the suit, implying the suit of the card. But, when the card is pressed between his hands and remains the same, he again fans the deck on the table and all the face-up cards that were in order a moment before have now changed to the correct suit. Totally astonishing. This trick cannot be performed with a truly shuffled deck and required a significant set-up. This is not a routine that can be performed after watching the DVD, but with practice and many hours dedicated towards perfecting it, you will knock 'em dead. The set-up is taught by Asi as well as the explanation of the two versions of the tricks. All the instruction is recorded from the performer's point of view, which should be standard for card trick instruction. The instruction, like the performances, is clear and easy to follow. The quality of the video, audio and production are all excellent.

The second routine, Asi's Any Card At Any Number (A.A.C.A.A.N.) is performed twice. Once at a close-up card table and then on stage. In the close-up setting, he has one spectator glance at the fanned deck and informs her that she can subliminally remember all the cards as they are put away. Then another spectator names any card out loud. The first spectator digs deep into her subconscious and is able to name the position in the deck where the merely though of card is situated. In the stage performance, Asi exhibits his sense of humor and uses comedy in a similar routine as he has one spectator come up on stage. Then a random audience member names the position of the card (which is in the box) and he is correct. Asi explains the necessary set-up, handling and the invisible sleight that will require practice. This trick requires the use of a well-known stack and the ability to do simple addition and subtraction in your head, under the gun. If you don't like doing math on the fly or you don't want to memorize a deck of cards, then this is not for you. The performance is as incredible as any ACAAN performance out there. Asi appropriately credits many magicians for the origin and development of this performance.

The third trick, Double Exposure, is a Triumph routine using a cell phone camera and it is fantastic. This trick, like the other two starts out with a performance by Asi Wind. Here there are two performances; one in an art studio and the other in the hallway of the building. The routine has either one or two phases and requires a significant amount of sleight of hand. Essentially, a spectator freely choses a card, places it back in the deck, which is shuffled half- face up into a half face-down pile. the magician fans the cards showing that they are indeed mixed and hands the fan to the spectator. He then takes a picture with the spectator's camera of the fanned cards. Then, amazingly, the cards in the picture are all facing one way except the selected card, which was unknown to the performer. The reactions in the DVD include comments such as "F@(# me, Holy S#!$ and WTF." There is a second phase to the tricks in which the cards can then be displayed as actually facing the same direction, except the selected card.

The ad-copy and promotional video are accurate.

For the tricks, the explanations, the production and the overall project, this DVD get the highest rating.
(Top ▲)

James Sanden

Official Reviewer

Jun 10, 2015

Asi Wind has a reputation for creating powerful, effective magic using clever methods. His latest release, “Three Card Routines,” is no exception. While treading familiar territory (Triumph and Any Card At Any Number), the routines are innovative, well constructed and highly deceptive.

The DVD begins with “Double Exposure,” an unusual version of Triumph. What sets this handling apart is that, after the cards have been shuffled face up into face down, the performer takes a picture of the spectator, using the spectator’s phone, holding the shuffled cards fanned in front of their face. Then, after the selected card has been revealed and the cards have magically righted themselves, the spectator looks at their own phone and sees that, in the picture of them holding the fanned deck, all the cards are facing the same direction, except for the selection. This is a surreal moment, made even more powerful by the fact that the spectator has the photo as a permanent memento on their own phone.

The method for “Double Exposure” is clever and efficient. The explanation is clear and the camera work is excellent, including filming at hand level from the point of view of the magician, as well as using freeze frames and onscreen highlighting to emphasize critical moments. Two versions are taught, one using a cull and one without. Mr. Wind does not teach the cull in depth, but instruction on this sleight can be found in numerous sources.

Next is “Triumph and Triumph Again,” an addendum to John Bannon’s “Play It Straight Triumph. As with Mr. Bannon’s handling, the routine begins with cards being shuffled face up into face down, but the selected card is not returned to the deck. Instead, its identity is revealed when the cards are spread and all are face down, except for the cards matching the suit of the selection, which are all face up and in numerical order, the selection being the only one missing. Mr. Wind’s contribution is the addition of a second phase, wherein another spectator, merely thinking of a card, shuffles the cards face up and face down themselves. Again, all the cards right themselves, except for the cards matching the suit of the selection. As a kicker, the first spectator’s selection transforms into the second spectator’s. This description may read dry, but repeating the effect with the spectator shuffling dramatically escalates the routine and is a perfect follow up to the first phase. An alternate presentation is also taught that retains the basic elements of the routine, but transforms the effect in a very interesting way.

As with “Double Exposure,” the instruction is excellent. Mr. Wind takes the time to clearly explain the method, which is simple, efficient and deceptive, start to finish. Two presentations are taught, both of which offer different but equally interesting approaches. And while not a problem, it is of note that the routine does not reset, though I can imagine there is a way to do so in a relatively casual manner.

The final routine taught is Mr. Wind’s approach to ACAAN. His version is particularly clean and straightforward. A card and number are named, the cards are dumped out of the card case, the spectator counts down to their number and the card at that number is the one they named. One deck and no equivoque. It’s hard to imagine a more direct version of this classic effect.

The method, while not easy, is very subtle, practical and extremely effective. The most difficult aspect is the mental work involved. The quality of the instruction matches the other effects taught, and he includes a number of troubleshooting tips clearly garnered from having performed the routine countless times. My only complaint is regarding the discussion of the mental calculations used. While the time spent covering this part of the method was extensive, it was badly planned and organized. Much would have been clarified had specific examples (rather than arbitrary ones) been used and presented in a logical, progressive sequence, as well as if the basic concepts has been painted in broad strokes before delving into them in detail.

“Three Card Routines” teaches 3 extremely powerful, professional routines that are also practical. The methods involved, while deceptive, are not knuckle busting, though some mental work is required for ACAAN. The teaching is clear and well thought out, though the instruction for calculations used in ACAAN could have been clearer. These routines are all deceptive, interesting and commercial. If you love good card magic, you’ll love this DVD.
(Top ▲)

Doc Johnson

Official Reviewer

Mar 29, 2015

I didn't see a full description, so here is the description and my review will follow:

Triumph and Triumph Again
A double punch triumph effect.

One of the best plots in card magic with a surprising twist. Two handlings are explained, and only an ordinary deck of cards is necessary. Pefect for walk-around and a formal close-up performance.

"Stunning. Stunning."
- Jason Alexander

Running time: 33min

A.A.C.A.A.N.
Asi's any card at any number.

Constructed from years of trial and error, Asi's Any Card at Any Number is a masterpiece of modern-day magic. The effect is suitable for both close-up and stage with a method that is nearly impossible to reconstruct. It can be performed surrounded and may be repeated with no additional setup required. Only an ordinary deck of cards is used. Nothing else.

"You fooled me badly. This is by far the best A.C.A.A.N I have seen."
- Johnny Thompson

Running time: 41min

Double Exposure
Triumph captured in a photo.

A mind-blowing new take on a classic effect. Double Exposure by Asi Wind is a reality altering version of Triumph that happens within a borrowed camera. There are no gimmicks or special applications needed. 100% impromptu. Just you, a deck of cards, and a borrowed camera are all that's necessary.

Performed by David Blaine on national television.

REVIEW

PROS

Three great card routines! Well explained.

These are effects done with a regular deck. They will take a bit of practice, but most anyone could do them with a bit of practice.

CONS

There are so many variations of a couple of these effects. You may find one of these becomes your favorite version or not. However, they are REALLY good.

VERDICT

Well worth the purchase.
(Top ▲)