“Equilibrium” by Daniel Meadows offers an update on a classic effect, pioneered by Al Koran and Dave Arch. In the effect the spectator secretly cuts a group of cards off the deck, then gives the performer some cards as well. Joining hands with the spectator, the performer begins discarding cards until he or she magically determines the two groups of cards are in “equilibrium.” When the spectator and magician count their cards, they are seen to have the same number.

The project includes the necessary gimmick, in both red and blue bicycle backs, as well as a DVD teaching several different ways of presenting the effect, allowing the performer to build a multi phase routine, as well as providing options for an impromptu performance. Instruction is clear and complete, done for a single camera in a studio. In addition to the approaches for the effect taught, Mr. Meadows’ also warns against some common pitfalls, answers some frequently asked questions, and offers some ideas for other uses for the included gimmick. Strangely, the effect is never demonstrated for an actual spectator, though a walk through is shown on camera. This is a bit inexplicable, as the trailer for the project includes brief clips of a variety of performances captured on film.

The DVD offers updates to both method and presentation for the effect. Regarding method, he introduces the “Deadly Locator Card,” a cleverly gimmicked card that allows the effect to be done with the deck face down and the performer blindfolded. The gimmick itself is very well made and will not be detected by the spectator. Further, it’s a versatile gimmick, able to be used in a range of circumstances and in a variety of ways. The presentation he offers is also a huge improvement, as it gives context to an effect that might otherwise be dry and uninteresting. Simply by adding the idea of sensing when two people’s choices are in balance brings a relevance and interest to the routine, which is particularly powerful in a mentalism effect like this one.

“Equilibrium” is a fascinating premise for a classic effect, with a definite improvement in method. It’s of note that the included gimmicked cards would be difficult to make, at least at the level of quality seen in the project. If you like the effect and appreciate the versatility of a well-made locator card, “Equilibrium” is a good investment.

PROS

The main effect he teaches is good. Not great, but good. The instruction is good. The gimmick quality is good.

The gimmick itself could be very useful in other magic effects.

You could do the routines surrounded.


CONS

While you could figure out how to make a gimmick from watching this, he never explains how to make one. The gimmick will last about as long as your deck lasts.

Some of his thinking was flawed. In one routine, the gimmick is dealt after the card to be revealed. This situation made the use of the gimmick and the method awkward. There was an obvious better way of doing this that wasn’t explained. I think this is indicative of the fact that the full potential for this gimmick was not really explored.

In addition, you should know that this is not the first use of the method employed with this gimmick. The method is very similar to what is used in the effect Vibe by Bob Solari. I think Vibe has far superior routines with a similar method.

VERDICT

I like the gimmick, like the main effect he teaches, but he doesn’t explain how to make the gimmick, which won’t last long, and other’s have used a similar principle much better, including Vibe by Bob Solari.

Equilibrium is a trick in which the spectator cuts the deck and takes a certain number of cards. The performer thumbs through the remaining cards, one at a time, and selects a certain number of cards that happens to match the number of cards in the spectator’s pile. The trick can be performed blindfolded, behind your back, or a variety of ways. This trick comes with an instructional DVD and two gimmicked Bicycle cards; one red and one blue. The gimmicked cards are well made and virtually undetectable to any spectator.

If you like the premise of this trick, then you may enjoy Equilibrium. However, I did not find the overall effect to be that impressive or exciting. First off, the spectator is instructed to pick less than half the deck. This restriction makes the trick seem less free and controlled. Then after the spectator cuts the deck, the perform picks up the deck and thumbs off some of the remaining cards into a pile. Again, this move leads the spectator to think that the performer may be counting the cards. Then, the performer, deals down his cards at the same time as the spectator and low and behold they have the same number of cards. The trick is a bit underwhelming.

The DVD instruction by Meadows is average and to the DVD’s detriment, there is no actual demonstration of the trick being performed to a spectator; no live version and no studio version. On the DVD, Meadows performs the trick and plays the part of the spectator.

In the promotional video you cannot really tell what the trick is as the live performances are heavily edited and overdubbed with music. Also, the graphic imposed text claims that Equilibrium uses “advanced technology” and that “you can’t make this gimmick easily yourself.” If this trick uses advanced technology, then it must have been created in the late 1800’s. I have no idea what that claim refers to. The gimmick does not seem to be advanced in any way and in fact, contrary to the claim, it would be very easy to create the gimmicked card, although using a different process. I could create a card that acts exactly like the gimmick here, a.k.a the deadly locator card, in about 20 second, probably less. I believe that the ad copy however, is accurate. This trick is easy to do, if you want to do it. For what you get, I think that $24.95 is a bit too expensive.

Despite the criticism above, the gimmick in Equilibrium is clever and I have permanently placed it into my regular deck of cards, but not for use in the Equilibrium routine.