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Twisted Sisters 2.0

Bannon, John

Murphy's Magic

(Based on 3 reviews)
Twisted Sisters is a diabolical effect from the creative mind of John Bannon and is one of magic's all time best-sellers. With a clear and incredibly powerful effect and a method ingenious in its simplicity, this modern day classic will simply blow your audience away. And, what might be best of all, this outstanding effect can be performed with absolutely no sleight-of-hand. See why top professional around the world use and praise Twisted Sisters.

Without touching the cards, the performer causes two thought of cards to trade places in an exceedingly fair and magical manner. And there's more! The performer goes on to an amazing climax that will leave the audience stunned. The effect is truly unbelievable.

Now, for the first time, John Bannon takes you for an in depth look at this modern day classic filmed live in Las Vegas. Includes the thorough instructional DVD, a downloadable PDF of the original detailed instruction booklet, and all of the necessary cards in US Bicycle Mandolin backs so you can immediately perform and amaze your audiences with John Bannon's Twisted Sisters.

Reviews

Stephan Sloan

Official Reviewer

Oct 31, 2022

Overview

Twisted Sisters by John Bannon is Max Maven’s B’Wave with a kicker ending. Twisted Sisters will or will not appeal to you depending on whether you are a purest or not. Before I knew of either B’Wave or Twisted Sisters, I saw Twisted Sisters performed coincidentally for my own sister at a picnic. She and the others around the table were speechless. When I saw B’Wave performed the results were the same. The one advantage with Twisted Sisters is that if you are performing for one, then the one packet of cards will suffice. However, if there are more and you wanted to get more bang for the buck you may want to go with Twisted Sisters since it will involve more people.

Effect

Two packets of cards are placed before the participants. One packet is a blue backed packet, the other red. The cards are shown to be all face down in both packets. The spectators are to choose which packet they prefer. The performer then states that each packet there is a queen. Which queen do they prefer. The only requirement is that they are to choose two different colors, either red or black. They both make a choice. The performer then states that he will make their choices switch packets. A magical gesture is made and when the cards are fanned out not only did their choices change places but turned face up as well. In addition to that, not only did each queen have a different color back from the packet they resided in but the other cards were all jokers.

Method

The packet provided have the requisite cards to perform the trick. It does use gimmicked cards so these cannot be handed out for inspection. The methodology is easy and the most difficult part would be to remember to fan the cards in the appropriate direction. Knowing or learning the Elmsley count is required for this trick but as far as slights go it is pretty easy.

Product Quality

The DVD runs about 20 minutes. It has a live performance and an explanation of the handling and Elmsley count. Also included is an interview with John Bannon which is always worthwhile to listen to. As a creator he explains his thought process and it makes understanding the performance of magic easier. The quality of the production is fair. A live shot in Las Vegas and an explanation of the trick in the hotel room. It is good enough for what is warranted.

Ad Copy Integrity

John Bannon is a gifted creator and there is no hyperbole in extolling his virtues and talents in the ad copy. Almost anything John Bannon produces is a worthwhile investment in my opinion and Twisted Sisters is with the attention.

Final Thoughts

In B’Wave Max Maven uses blank cards. In the tutorial for B’Wave Max Maven discusses is of the mindset that showing blank cards have more impact than showing jokers as in Twisted Sisters. If you agree with that premise, replace your jokers with blank cards. I have to agree with Max on this one.
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Stuart Philip

Official Reviewer

Feb 27, 2015

If I could rate a trick with more than 5 stars, Twisted Sister would be it. There are not enough superlative adjectives that can be used when describing this devious, awe-inspiring, breath taking card trick.

In Twisted Sister, the performer shows two packets of face-down cards; one red backed and the other blue. He explains that they each contain the four Queens. The performer indicates that each spectator will pick a pile and name a different Queen and their cards will switch places. Then, each spectator names a different Queen and when the packet is spread, the named Queen is the only face up card in each pile of four. Then when the two Queens are turned over, they have the color back from the other pile. Then, the remaining cards are flipped over and they are all Jokers. No extra cards, no rough and smooth, no magnets, not threads, no hypnosis, no misdirection, no switching, no difficult moves, no s%$#t.

There is so much magic packed into this quick and easy to perform trick that each step of the way the spectator is amazed. First when the named Queens are the only ones face up in the packet. Second when they are shown to have switched piles by having a back with an opposite color. Third, and potentially spasm inducing, when the remaining three cards, in each pile, are turned over and shown to be Jokers.

I have never seen a spectator not be stunned by this trick. If you want to check it out yourself, watch the promotional video at http://www.murphysmagic.com/Product.aspx?id=48491 and watch John Bannon perform his great creation. What you see is what you get. Brought to you by Murphy’s Magic, produced by Big Blind Media and explained by Bannon. The ad copy is accurate, it is “incredibly powerful,” “ingenious” and it “will simply blow your audience away.” One comment however, the ad copy says there is no sleight of hand at all. That is true in that it can be performed without the Elmsley Count, but Bannon teaches the trick using an Elmsley Count. I have performed the trick both ways and I have no preference. They both work equally as strong.

For a great price, you get a DVD, a plastic card case, and the eight needed cards (which include the gaffed cards) which are Bicycle Mandolin backed cards (809’s). John Bannon clearly teaches every aspect of the trick in a Las Vegas hotel room, instead of a studio. It’s a bit weird, especially since the flatscreen TV is on in the background during an episode of Law & Order (or something like that) and you see the back of the hotel room door, but that that shouldn’t bother anyone too much. There are a few interview segments with Bannon talking about the trick and even two bonus tricks taught on the DVD. The DVD also contains a file with the original pre-DVD written instructions, which are clear and easy to follow. The only criticism I have (and it is minor) is that I would have preferred a predominant magician’s point of view during the instruction instead of the predominant audience point of view.

This trick can be reset under the table in about 3 seconds. This is one of the best deals out there for an awesome and ingenious trick. Like I said, if I could give it more than 5 stars I would.
(Top ▲)

Jeff Stone

Official Reviewer

Mar 17, 2014

Review of John Bannon's Twisted Sisters 2.0


Eight Cards, two gimmicks, one PDF, a vinyl wallet and a DVD all for $15 bucks! Is it gem or is it rubble? I think you know the answer to that question, but join me on the journey anyway.

Effect


The effect is a combination of magic and mentalism. A red backed packet of four cards (claimed to be Queens by the magician) are placed in front of a spectator. Another set with blue backs is placed in front of another spectator. They each name any Queen. Then the packets are spread to show that the named Queens are face up, but not only that, the blue backed named Queen is in the red pile, and the red backed Queen is in the blue pile. The named Queens have magically changed packets. But wait . . . there's more. The rest of the cards are turned over and shown to be only Jokers . . . no Queens. The only Queens that exist are the Queens that the spectators decided to freely name.

Method


The method is a beautiful combination of several principles at work. All are employed subtly and simply and invisibly. There's a ton of stuff going on, but it's darn near automatic. The method is drop dead easy, and requires very little skill.

Ad Copy Integrity


The ad copy is dead on. It's simple, diabolical, and sleight free. There is an option to do an Elmsley Count but it's totally not needed. In fact, when I do this effect, I leave it out.

Product Quality


The cards you get are Mandolin back Bicycles and thus excellent quality. The DVD is short, but well produced, and covers everything you need in depth. Plus there are some bonus interview segments with Bannon. The DVD menu is simple and easy to use. Plus, you get a PDF download of the original printed instructions from back in the day when this was first released.

Final Thoughts


Products like this are a pleasure to review. They're easy. The quality is top notch; the creator is a legend; the props are well made; the effect is taught perfectly, and the price is almost too low. If you don't already have this (and you like the effect) this is a must have.

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

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