Luis de Matos' THE MAGIC SQUARE is a very simple and straightforward routining idea for what has become a staple in the programs of mentalists and magicians everywhere. The production value is, as usual with Mr. de Matos' previous works, top-notch and I really believe this is a good value.

The only problem I have with this and other Magic Squares is how easy it seems to come for the performer. I think about Arthur Benjamin's wonderful "Mathemagic" and how he builds his routine by struggling, pretend or not, to a conclusion. One gets the sense that as the numbers get larger, he really does go through a weird series of calculations in his head that would make anyone else's spin!

There is more than one version presented and explained and there is one very clever way to hide the crib for the impromptu version that made me smile. The TV presentation shown makes good use of involving the studio audience and a caller who contacts the host by phone. Luis does a great job of explaining the motivation behind his thoughts on the Magic Square and if you're interested in this routine, this might be something to pick up after you've done some extensive reading. You do read don't you?