The Door
Murray, Michael
Magicbox.uk
Included within this package are two sets of unique marked cards for the modern mentalist. These are highly customizable using the dry erase pen supplied. To whet your appetite we have included two devastating routines that your audiences are sure to enjoy.
The first is a cunningly clever version of the "Jazz Mentalism" ESP routine created by Dave Humphrey. The second is an amazing routine titled "Pocket Calculator" by Dale Shrimpton that leaves the audience with no question that you have developed a sixth sense!
"The Door" comes complete with a wallet which contains two sets of five blank faced cards. These cards have been coded with the amazing Beyond ESP marking system. The plastic laminate finish on the card stock allows you to customise them with a regular "Sharpie" pen. If you wish to change what is written upon the cards at any point you may do so using the clever little secret contained within the instructions.
Reviews
(Top ▲)
Overview
The earliest printed reference to marked cards was in an Italian book on games published in the 16th century. Of course, the original intent for marking cards was to gain an advantage in gambling. Eventually marked cards made their way into the magic realm and now there are very few people that don’t know that marked cards exist. The challenge is since the knowledge of marked cards is commonplace, how does one mark cards in such a way that those that are inclined to look for markings cannot discover the method. Another issue is that unless one is content to work with traditional playing cards and/or ESP symbols, there are no other alternatives.The Door by Michael Murray and Magic Box offers the performer an opportunity to customize a set of marked cards to whatever venue or interest they desire. If you are performing for a corporate event, a group of chemists or young children, with the cards provided you can tailor make or presentation.
Effect
Two sets of five cards are taken out of a small wallet. Each set has names of various foods written on it. The spectator is asked to place the cards face down from favorite food to least favorite in a row. The performer who has the same set does the same. When all the cards are place on the table, they are then turned face up and each of the sets match each other exactly. This is one of thousands of possible uses for The Door.Method
Of course, as alluded to in the opening paragraph, The Door is a set of marked cards that you can customize. The marking system is on the back and the fronts are blank which leaves the face of the card a blank canvass. You can write whatever you wish such as foods, symbols for the elements in the periodic table, accounting terms, etc. The presentation can be as complex or as simple as you wish.Product Quality
What you receive is a set of 10 marked cards (two sets of 5) which are blank on the front. The marking system is simple but effective. On the back of the card is a rectangular black box. There is no complex pattern to examine or optical illusions that require specific angles to see. The instructions are also fairly basic. There is seven typed pages which cover the marking system and two routines. The cards are a stiff laminated stock and significantly smaller than a playing card which allows them to be placed in a credit card slot of a wallet. The markers needed will have to be provided by the purchaser. Although the marking system is clever, I would not suggest this for anyone who does not have near perfect eyesight or tend to work in darker environments. The marking system is so subtle that for the average person, it will probably be too difficult to detect. I have near perfect eyesight and work with small detailed items and still struggle to detect the markings.Ad Copy Integrity
The ad copy is accurate and the routines are decent routines. There is limitless opportunity but again, the clarity of the marks will pose a challenge to most.(Top ▲)
For $16.00 you get a well produced booklet with some cool ideas and 10 "special" blank cards.
Basically, "The Door" is claimed by its creator to be a principle rather than a single trick. Here's how I see it. You get 10 mini blank face cards with a plain solid colored back. There are 2 unique properties of these cards that allow you to do a bunch of really cool ideas. If you're familiar with the Beyond ESP deck marking system, then you'll instantly recognize this marking system. It is the same.
The two ideas included in the book are pretty sneaky and pretty clever. Though, at times, the book was very hard to understand. The instructions weren't as clear as they could be. Howver, it's worth the required effort to plow through it. Considering that you get 10 well made special cards, a vinyl wallet to keep them in, a cool concept and a well made (though a bit confusing at times) booklet, it's hard to not spend the mere $16 required to own this tool.
Both effects described here are smart ideas that have a few moments and components that just seem impossible and will likely fool not only laymen but even some well-versed mentalists. If you're looking for a good mentalism tool, some nice looking versatile props, and/or some clever ideas and routines, then you can't go wrong with this product. Half star docked for the, at times, confusion.
Final Verdict:
4.5 Star with a Stone Status of GEM.
(Top ▲)
What you get are two sets of five cards that are very cleverly marked. No layman will ever see the difference. If you are unfamiliar with the system you won’t see it either.
What I really liked is that the cards have a surface that allows you to write on them, thus giving you the ability to use them however you would like. And . . . they are erasable. For the thinking magician there are many uses for these very clever and well made cards.