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The Secrets of So Sato

So Sato

Richard Kuafman

(Based on 1 review)
A 200-page book and DVD

So Sato is the amazing cardman whose books published in Japan sold out almost immediately, but who has remained a complete mystery to those in the west. So Sato is reluctantly explaining 35 of his most devious creations with playing cards in his first English book …his secrets are out! A remarkable mix of difficult sleight of hand and self-working routines in one book that will devastate any audience.

Reviews

Jeff Stone

Official Reviewer

Apr 20, 2023

Overview

191 pages, over 30 effects, a couple of cool new moves, sleights, displays, ideas, a DVD, $60 bucks, and one Magic Review of The Secrets of So Sato. Is it Gem or is it Rubble? Stay tuned to find out.

Effect

The effects are many and varied. They range from Triumph style effects to poker deals to mind reading and more. There's even a fun little plot where the cards act as horses in a horse race (whose outcome you predict of course).

There are assemblies, "all backs", "follow the leader", "collectors", and "elevator" plots as well as many others. Most are classic plots, but Mr. Sato always has a unique additional something to bring to the table.

Method

While the methods are, often, familiar, this isn't always the case. Mr. Sato has some very clever, yet very doable methods that are unique. You'll find some very sneaky ideas here. He has a super-deceptive method of controlling cards in what seems to be completely impossible circumstances.

His method for Triumph is one of the cleanest and most impossible-seeming versions I've ever seen, and believe it or not, there are no false shuffles!

His method for the "follow the leader" plot is so deceptive that my guess is it will fool you even if you are familiar with many versions of the plot, and best of all it's extremely easy to do.

His effect, Bath Towel Mentalism is the foundation for an effect in my own repertoire (Bliss Abyss in Stone Cold Mental 2).

His Mass Destruction Stack is freaky good, and again, something that I believe you will actually use.

I could go on and on and on, but each "on" would essentially say something like, "Mr. Sato's take on [insert plot or trick here] is clever, deceptive, and worthy of your attention."

Rather than rambling on, I'll wrap up by saying that his effect Mote Monte has an incredible principle that I will be using. The thinking here is . . . wait for it . . . clever, deceptive, and worthy of your attention.

Product Quality

This is a Kaufman book, so my guess is that you are already aware of the quality. It's a beautifully illustrated hardcover book that is well written and (for the most part -- a couple parts required multiple re-reads) super easy to follow and understand.

Included is a DVD with 14 of the effects being performed. Everything is in Japanese, and as far as I could tell there are no subtitles.

However, I watched the DVD after reading the book, so not understanding the "patter" wasn't a problem. It seeing the handling in action that mattered. Also, much of his magic in this book is very visual, and very surprising. It was a joy to watch.

Ad Copy Integrity

The ad copy makes no extraordinary claims. If anything it completely under-sales how valuable this book is. It does claim 200 pages, but there are only 191. Likely a typo, not a lie. :)

It also claims "A remarkable mix of difficult sleight of hand and self-working routines in one book that will devastate any audience." Which is 100% true.

Final Thoughts

If you're a card magician, you will likely find something in here that you will use. Further, there a few principles, ideas, etc. that are (from what I can tell) new ideas that you'll appreciate. Final Verdict: 5 Stars. Stone Status of GEM!

Suggestions

I would recommend that you read the book cover to cover before watching the included DVD. Or at the very least, read the write up a specific trick before watching that trick on the DVD.
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