Chris Ramsay’s “Darkslide” is a very visual, simple, straightforward card revelation. In it you have a card peeked, then fan the cards, back towards the spectator. Running your thumb across the fan, the selection instantly reverses itself, at which point it can be removed from the fan and be examined. Mr. Ramsay also teaches a handling using a signed card, as well as one using a spectator’s cell phone to take a picture, adding an extra dimension to the routine.

“Darkslide” comes with a gimmick, plus a link to a 27 minute online video. The tutorial is complete, if not particularly thorough or well thought out. In a different project this could be more of a problem, but thankfully the method and handling are fairly straightforward and don’t require sophisticated or difficult sleights. The gimmick can be easily rung in and out, making this a very practical effect to perform with a shuffled deck in use. According to Mr. Ramsay, the gimmick made with particularly strong materials, but given its construction, it will eventually break. This might not happen for a long time, but it’s worth noting.

So should you buy it? My only caveat, and this is very personal, is that it isn’t particularly mind blowing and the whole routine is over very, very quickly. But that’s just my preference, and yours may differ. If you like the effect in the trailer and don’t mind the restrictions I describe, you will be happy with your purchase. “Darkslide” is not revolutionary, particularly clever or really even Mr. Ramsay’s idea. (He says himself his only contribution to the gimmick is the addition of roughing fluid.) However, most people would be hard pressed constructing the gimmick, so what you’re really buying is a prop with a very straightforward handling. If you like what the gimmick does, it will be money well spent.