Product description : Magicians love ACAAN or CAAN, I really don’t know why because it’s not a very engaging plot. However, with a good presentation, such trick can play really well. Mike Kirby has found, for me, the best presentation to this plot, it’s streamlined, easy to do, plays really strong. You ask a spectator to name any number between 1 and 52, pull out the cards from the case, count to their number and your prediction which have been in full view from the beginning. But is it worth your money, would this fit your presentation style ? Let’s find out together !
Price and where to buy it : This is sold at $45 and you can find it in nearly every Murphy's magic « partner » shop !
What you get : You get a small cardboard sleeve, usual packaging from Mark Mason. Inside, you’ll find the main gimmick, the card case, some gimmicked cards and a link for the explanation video. This is the first I’ve seen a Mark Mason product with a downloadable video, usually, we get a DVD. Anyway, the video is typical from Mark Mason, looks like it was shot in the 90’s but it does the job, the trick is well explained. The material you get with it is really well made and works well, you can’t be disappointed with what you receive. The card case provided is not the usual case you receive with a Bicycle pack, it has been specially made by Mark in order to make this trick work. The case material is a bit surprising, not cardboard but something which looks like a little bit more durable. Overall, I like the look of this, X-act is promising !
The pros and the cons : Here is the core of my review, let's begin with the cons, as I will usually be doing, I prefer to keep the good things for the end.
THE CONS :
[if !supportLists]– [endif]In most cases, you won’t be able to show the inside of the case during the routine. Many people won’t consider this as a con, but I think it’s worth mentioning it.
[if !supportLists]– [endif]You won’t be able to do this twice, they’re 2 handlings, but in both, your out will be the same (or nearly). And there is a small limitation about the number but nothing that would draw spectator attention.
[if !supportLists]– [endif]The deck can’t be examined at end, people would find some things strange. Again, maybe not a con for many magicians but worth mentioning. And you have to have this deck in order to perform this effect, and you can’t use it for anything else.
THE PROS :
[if !supportLists]– [endif]I think this is the purest and cleanest CAAN out there, there is no manipulation at all during the routine, you remove the deck from the case, and deal them, that’s it !
[if !supportLists]– [endif]The working of the gimmick is just amazing, being an engineer, this is something I wouldn’t have dreamt of ! Mike is really someone super inventive to come up with this principle.
[if !supportLists]– [endif]The reset is instant, just put the cards back in the case and you’re ready to do it again (but not to the same people).
[if !supportLists]– [endif]There is only one deck, you don’t have to switch anything in or out. And there is nothing more to it (or nearly nothing) so your pocket management is good with this.
[if !supportLists]– [endif]In some routine, you have to add jokers, or several cards, in order to do the trick. Here, with Mike’s genius thinking, pull out the cards and deal, that’s it, nothing more !
[if !supportLists]– [endif]The memory work is minimal, you just have to learn a single information and you’ll be ready to perform it in minutes.
[if !supportLists]– [endif]There are 2 handlings, the first one uses an envelope, the second doesn’t. They both have their pros and cons, but I think, since you won’t really show that much the deck nor do the effect again that the handling 2 is the best.
Overall rating : For me, this is one of the best CAAN out there, streamlined, easy to do, killer ! However, it requires a special deck and I can’t see myself using it on a daily basis. I would say it’s a pipe and sleepers moment, perfect for those who have a table and time to present this little beauty, 3/4 hearts.
As for the difficulty level, the memory work is minimal, you will pick this up in less than 10 minutes, I would say 2/5 stars.
Similar products : For another good CAAN effect, you have THINK by Shin Lim, it works well, less gimmicky but with more “conditions”.