Open Mic by Carl Irwin

“Open Mic” is an examination of time-tested open handling and discrepancy based forces that can be implemented anytime, anywhere with any deck of cards. The routine provided utilizes 6 progressive effects that involve named cards and spectator-driven choices, concluding with a thought-of card revelation. Even intrusive spectators can be given the opportunity to shuffle the cards throughout the routine.
This project is perfect as a springboard for intermediate/beginners in card magic but it also serves as a reminder to the working professional that simple and open approaches can be powerful.

The Routine Includes the following effects that can be performed from a shuffled deck in use:

“Checkmate” – a direct double selection of mates.

“Prophetic Twins” – a treatment of the Gemini Twins effect, utilizing the Bill Simon Prophesy Move.

“Two for the Show” – A spectator-driven mate revelation from named cards.

“Cut It Out – ACAAN” – A simple approach to ACAAN that leaves the spectator with a freely named card, at a freely chosen position, in a deck that the magician doesn’t handle.

“Deja Vu – ACAAN” – A hands-on ACAAN that operates on open controls and spectator shuffling. A strong ‘fooler’ that appears to leave everything to chance!

“Haystack” – A card is merely thought of and then revealed on the spectator’s own terms.

Techniques discussed:
– Information Gap / Being Ahead
– Open Control of Cards
– Top Card Force (A clean and direct variation on the “Cut Deeper Force”)
– Hindu Shuffle Force
– Bill Simon Prophesy Move
– Criss-Cross Force
– Overhand Stop Force
– Reverse Count Shuffle
– False Table Wash
– Top and Bottom Shuffle Controls
– Multiple Out Revelations
– Logical Sequencing in Routines

Always be ready for an Open Mic!