Mr Theo Annemann Waverly, New York Dear sir, The unfortunate combination of scotch block plus a gradual infiltration of scotch liquor may be held responsible for the following idea. I imagine the construction and technique of the ordinary tray in use for the substitution of a pack of cards is known to all. Trying to apply this idea to a less stagey looking object than a tray and also, what was more important, make a saving of the three bucks that the magic depot is only too glad to receive, I thought of gluing the cover of one magazine on…
In the book Shh-h-h–! It's a Secret by Annemann is an effect where the spectator takes ten chances to find the performer's card and fails, whereupon the performer takes one chance to find the spectator's card and succeeds. The method as explained used an impression device, but this improvement in procedure for gaining the information simplifies it, and may make it more desirable an effect for many. The subject is asked to think of any card in the deck and write it on a slip of paper which the performer hands him. This is folded and dropped into a glass…
For those who want a clean and showy method for doing the four ace trick in front of audiences I offer my conception of the age old problem that never seems to die. Duplicates of three of the aces are used and these are long cards. Have them in the right coat pocket with a rubber band. The deck is unprepared and can be used for anything else. Start by handing deck to a spectator with the request that he take out the four aces and mark them. While he is thus occupied, palm out the three duplicates and add…