Price$169.50
Media TypeTrick
CategoryGeneral, Mentalism
Date AddedMar 27, 2008
Texas Fool'Em
Larry Becker and Lee Earle
(Based on 1 review)
Play a little Texas Hold'em poker and you're bound to hear the phrase, "All you need is a chip and a chair." It's usually offered as encouragement to a player who just lost most of his bankroll, reminding him that he still has a small chance to win.
Few know the legend behind those words... Back in 1982, the World Series of Poker bracelet winner Jack "Treetop" Strauss was competing in a major Texas Hold'em event at a Las Vegas Casino. While still in the early rounds, a lucky player hit his draw and Strauss got busted out. As Jack was headed for the bar to drown his disappointment, the dealer at the table noticed a single chip where Strauss had been seated, tucked almost unseen beneath the cushion around the playing surface. Called back to the table to play that lonely chip, Treetop won the pot on the next hand and went on to finish the tournament in first place.
A great background story, especially when it's true, makes good magic even better. Texas Fool'em is a presentation that allows you to re-create the historic moment behind that poker wisdom, in a manner that will amaze and delight your audience.
Effect
Following a brief demonstration of Texas Hold'em poker's unique play,
- They freely cut and deal the starting hand;
- They secretly select the amount of the bet;
- They decide which casino hosts the action;
- They make the best hand they can. Yet...
Texas Fool'em is much more than a card trick - it's a complete short routine, complete with authentic deck, chips, and 'VIP cards' that are sufficiently compact to carry in your shirt pocket, awaiting just the right moment to make a timely and memorable impression.
You get everything you need for an enthralling presentation that folks will talk about for years to come:
- Five genuine clay poker chips in denominations of $20, $50, $100, $500, and $1000, each one a different, vibrant color
- Ten plastic casino 'VIP cards' representing renowned Las Vegas casinos
- Multiple copies of the historic magazine clipping.
- A complete pack of 52 cards assembled from canceled poker decks bearing the back designs of the dozen major casinos that used them at their tablet
- One incredible gimmick that guarantees your final prediction. It's not clipped, hidden, palmed, electronic, or mechanical. It's simple to use, easy to employ, and so dang clever you'll want to smile when you put it to work
- The detailed routine, word for word patter, and simple handling to make this impressive effect a reputation maker in your hands
- An online video featuring an after-dinner performance for a lay audience plus extra presentation tips
- This is a Limited Edition product - only 500 sets have been made.
Reviews
(Top ▲)
Texas Fool’em is a very, very clever idea from Larry Becker & Lee Earl. It is essentially a close up effect done with a Texas Hold’em theme. Everything is thought out and the supplied props are first class. The tricks starts out with a story (based in truth) about a gambler. The audience gets to pick the casino, hand, and amount of money they will be wagering. In the end all of their decisions were shown to be predicted in a magazine article from 25 years ago. All this for $170!! Yes, you read that correctly. A bit steep you say . . . . well, let’s find out.
First, right up front, I will say that everything is first class. All the props are extremely well made and look great. It would be difficult, at best, to assemble and make all of the gimmicks that you will use while performing this effect. Larry and Lee have assembled a first class product.
As with most of Larry and Lee’s effects you are given a very good script. Even if you do not use it word for word it is a great starting place. It is clever and well written.
Yet, I have a few reservations about this great effect. Why? Well, for a few reasons.
One, this is a long and complicated effect. You will need to make sure they understand Texas Hold’em Poker. There is some explanation within the script, however, I can easily see where some people might need additional clarification to fully understand and enjoy the effect.
Two, it is a long effect. This is not a two to three minute flash bang effect. It will take story telling ability, prop management, and clearly explained instructions to the participant. You will also have to explain odds on a bet. Whew! That is a lot of explaining, for some audiences and their minds could wander or at the worst, lose interest.
Three, there is considerable set up. You will not perform Texas Fool’em while table hopping.
To be fair, this is a solid effect. You are predicting a pretty impossible feat. However, this effect is one that is best used when you have already established yourself with your audience. This is the effect to perform when everyone wants that one last miracle and you know that you have their full attention. There was an effect by David Williamson a few years back called Aunt Mary’s Terrible Secret that resides in this area of performances. It is a special type of closer, not to be used every time.
Four, at $170 dollars this effect is not cheap. Of course, miracles should come with a price. The question is, will you perform it. I would tell you to read the advertisement carefully. Everything written is true. If this appeals to you then pony up the money.
In the end, this is a card trick with a prediction theme. I would not call this a piece of mentalism. At least not with the script provided. With some thought and rewriting I think this could border on some interesting mentalism if that is the direction you want to go. The methodology and psychology behind this effect is frighteningly good.
First, right up front, I will say that everything is first class. All the props are extremely well made and look great. It would be difficult, at best, to assemble and make all of the gimmicks that you will use while performing this effect. Larry and Lee have assembled a first class product.
As with most of Larry and Lee’s effects you are given a very good script. Even if you do not use it word for word it is a great starting place. It is clever and well written.
Yet, I have a few reservations about this great effect. Why? Well, for a few reasons.
One, this is a long and complicated effect. You will need to make sure they understand Texas Hold’em Poker. There is some explanation within the script, however, I can easily see where some people might need additional clarification to fully understand and enjoy the effect.
Two, it is a long effect. This is not a two to three minute flash bang effect. It will take story telling ability, prop management, and clearly explained instructions to the participant. You will also have to explain odds on a bet. Whew! That is a lot of explaining, for some audiences and their minds could wander or at the worst, lose interest.
Three, there is considerable set up. You will not perform Texas Fool’em while table hopping.
To be fair, this is a solid effect. You are predicting a pretty impossible feat. However, this effect is one that is best used when you have already established yourself with your audience. This is the effect to perform when everyone wants that one last miracle and you know that you have their full attention. There was an effect by David Williamson a few years back called Aunt Mary’s Terrible Secret that resides in this area of performances. It is a special type of closer, not to be used every time.
Four, at $170 dollars this effect is not cheap. Of course, miracles should come with a price. The question is, will you perform it. I would tell you to read the advertisement carefully. Everything written is true. If this appeals to you then pony up the money.
In the end, this is a card trick with a prediction theme. I would not call this a piece of mentalism. At least not with the script provided. With some thought and rewriting I think this could border on some interesting mentalism if that is the direction you want to go. The methodology and psychology behind this effect is frighteningly good.