Karl Fulves: Foolproof Card Tricks for the Amateur Magician Review

Two books in one, over 280 pages, nearly 200 effects and $13 bucks. Is it gem or is it rubble? Stay tuned to find out.

Effect

As I've mentioned many, many, many times, I don't usually judge a product on effect. However, when it comes to a book of nearly 200 (183) effects, it's hard not to discuss effect. This book is LOADED with effects that are practical and self-working and live up to the name Foolproof. Not every effect will appeal to every reader, but many, many, many effects will, likely, appeal to most readers.

This is actually two books in one. The first book is Foolproof Card Tricks for the Amateur Magician, and the second book is More Self-Working Card Tricks. Both books alone would be worth the asking price, but for two books at the price of one, it's hard to dispute the bang for buck.

You'll find a whole section on telephone effects. Some are the kind you can do to someone over the phone, while others are the kind where you have the spectator call someone (i.e., a medium) who reveals the thought of card, etc.

There are plenty of gambling based effects, topological effects, dealing and procedural type effects, and even some Gilbreathe action can be found here. There are mentalism style effects, effects using dice, and there are even a ton of classic effects that are found in the arsenal of working pros today.

If you're worried about whether or not you'll find something you'll like, you can check that concern at the door. You'll like at least a dozen effects or more. There truly is something for everyone here.

Method

When it comes to the methods, it's even easier to recommend this book. Over 95% of the effects are self-working, and even the ones that aren't self-working are as close as you can get to self-working. There is no reason why even the greenest newb-est magician couldn't easily learn any or all of the effects in these two books. Further, the methods, though super easy, are clever enough to fool your audiences. These effects/methods are appropriate for, literally, any performer regardless of skill and experience.

Ad Copy Integrity

The ad copy is simple and 100% accurate. It makes no untrue or outrageous claims. Solid.

Product Quality

The books is well made, easy to read and full of excellent illustrations. The write up for each effect is short, direct and easy to understand. Most effects can be understood without a deck in hand. Of course, it does improve the overall experience if you take the time to walk through it with cards in hand — you'll have to do that anyway if you're going to learn the effect.

Final Thoughts

Generally speaking, Dover books are always a solid bang-for-buck. This is no exception. Even if you're an extremely well-versed card worker, I'd still recommend this book. It's full of some great classic effects, clever uses of familiar principles, and tons of fun and solid presentational premises. For the asking price it would be almost foolish to not get this book.

Final Verdict:
5 Stars with a Stone Status of GEM!