Description
For every professional magician, economy is key.
Taking that to the extreme, how about just having just one random odd backed card with a regular deck?
This is what was found, the Chicago Opener (originally Hot Card Trick No.1 by Al Leech, 1950, then made popular as the Chicago Opener by Frank Everhart) also known as Red Hot Mama, is a GREAT trick. You’ll LOVE the handling and premise behind it. Other magicians, have tried to make it fit with the same style and repertoire.
Then it was decided that some of the tricks could be taken and made even better with odd backed cards.
These card effects get you the MOST mileage out of ONE extra card. Now THAT’S economy of props. (Note: If you’re strolling, then it’s a good idea to keep a small packet of odd-backers just so you won’t be limited to that one card).
The Effects:
Chicago Unboxed – Andino’s variation of the Chicago Opener. This routine starts off traditionally, but ends with an impossible location, and much more impact than the original, making it a beast (and money maker) in its own right. It’s both a magician and fan favorite. (Alternate presentations include card to shoe, and card to wallet).
Chicagological – PK’s variation of the Chicago Opener. It doesn’t sound like the Chicago Opener at all. This routine uses a totally different approach, where you can see how PK’s perspective on magic works in general. Deception, self-questioning, and transpositions are all thrown in the mix to create something truly unique. (two handlings: one signed, and one not).
Seven Eleven, Mate – An original collaboration trick (between Andino and PK) that involves multiple phases of matching numbers, cards, and then a killer finish. You’re gonna love this, mate.
Returning Customer – How about an Ambitious Card Routine with an odd backed card? Does that sound enticing? Yeah bro. There are some tricky moves in the routine, making it probably the hardest routine in the whole set, but it’s worth it because it’s SO impossible. (And impressively ballsy) This can be a killer closer for your ACR. (There’s an extra video just to help you with one move).
Conspicuous – A signed card invisibly travels from a packet to the deck. The packet is now missing one card, and the deck has the signed card. This is a great amalgamate of a couple of classic tricks, taking only the best parts from both. It’s simple to do, and you’ll love it. (There’s also a regular deck version which is still pretty great).
BONUS Trick – C2Ph – The odd backed card is used as a “utility” “move.” It sounds strange, but it will make sense once you see it, and you will LOVE doing this simple easy trick. It uses a smartphone, and another extra card, but we’re sure you will like it. There’s also an alternate handling which doesn’t use another extra card, and it can be a great impossible location trick (such as Andino’s Chicago Unboxed).
The Lectures:
There are eight 1080p HD video (including the bonus trick, preview, and extra move practice) combined are slightly more than 2 HOURS of detailed explanation, covering the routine, subtleties, and the moves. All lectures include the unedited performances, so you can watch the whole routine in its entirety. There is also a pdf file with the timestamps for each video, and some extra credits and ideas.
TLDR:
* Only one single odd backed card is needed for any/every performance.
* No other gimmicks required.
* 6 full routines, explained in detail.
* All routines have been fully performed, developed, tested, and refined on the street under busking conditions for many years.
