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Details

Price$20.00
Media TypeTrick, Online Instructions, Gimmick(s)
CategoryStage
Date AddedMay 19, 2023

ARM: Almost Real Magic

Obie O'Brien; Joe Riding

Meir Yedid Magic

(Based on 1 review)
This is a very clever routine that is full of surprises.

The theme revolves around an entrance exam that is used to qualify players to enroll in a Blackjack Card Counting School.

The observation test begins with two identical hands of Blackjack (AC and JH). The object is to see if the candidate can follow where the cards are.

The first test is easy and your friend names the Ace, then things get tough. Unexpectedly the Blackjack on the table is now seen as two Aces while the one in your hand has the Jacks.

To simplify things, you decide to only use the two Jacks this time but wait now there are three Jacks and only one Ace. As a finale all four cards are shown to be jacks and there is no Ace in sight.

Although there are many impossible sequences and changes the routine only uses four cards and the only sleight used is the Elmsley Count at the end.

Comes with all the necessary parlor dize, Cheetah back, cards (3"x4.5") and access to an online video tutorial by Meir Yedid and Obie O'Brien. Manufactured by Meir Yedid Magic.

Reviews

Stephan Sloan

Official Reviewer

Aug 05, 2023

Overview

ARM (Almost Real Magic) by Obie O’Brien and Joe Riding is another addition akin to the Three Card Monte or Find the Lady effect but using four cards. Released through Meir Yedid Magic it is presented as an example of an “entrance exam” to Blackjack School but basically amounts to a sucker effect. Although Yedid claims that you can create your own routine the construction of the cards doesn’t leave much latitude in presentations.

Effect

Four cards are shown, two ace of clubs and two jack of hearts. The premise is that this is a recreation of an “entrance exam” to Blackjack School. The cards are divided into two blackjack hands, one for the presenter and one for the spectator. When asked what cards they have, of course the spectator is always wrong. This is done about six times in various ways. No matter how it is presented the spectator is wrong over and over. Eventually, the routine comes to a close by the performer telling the spectator that they failed Blackjack School. Personally, I detest sucker tricks and this one definitely falls into that category.

Method

The method utilizes 3 regular card and a gimmicked card. There is virtually no sleight of hand except for one Elmsley Count at the very end. Naturally, there is a specific sequence of turnovers you must do for the magic to happen. As long as the sequence and dialogue is followed this could be in the realm of even a beginner performer.

Product Quality

The cards are printed on Cheetah back cards. I believe these a design exclusive to Meir Yedid and his releases. He calls them cheetah back because he enjoys the play on words utilizing Cheetah vs. Cheater. The cards are parlour size cards which are excellent for the parlour venue. These are probably a bit too large for close –up. The quality of the cards appears to be fine although I don’t have any long term use experience with this particular type of card. The video instruction is 28 minutes long and is very basic. It’s a single camera shot of Meir Yedid performing and then explaining the trick. The production quality is adequate but it would be nice if these are done with the point of view as the performer and not the spectator. The second half of the video is the performance by the originator Obie O’Brien which is very dated.

Ad Copy Integrity

The ad copy is accurate and if you like these kind of effects, you may want to add this to your arsenal.
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