David Hooper has just launched his work on how to do the Classic Force, and it’s one of the most highly recommended Tuition DVD’s we have seen is a very long time.

Take a look:

Force of Will is Davids own take on the force he developed because he found it difficult to learn the traditional Classic force. Over the years, working on a stall selling magic tricks, he developed and perfected the technique to what it is today.

I’ve not met David yet, but would like too. He comes across as genuine, passionate about magic, and with a no thrills, down to earth approach about what is important in magic. That comes across in his teaching which is honest and refreshing. The tuition feels like learning from someone who has developed a strong technique ‘in the trenches’ over time, doing this in his working ‘pitch’ It’s not come from a magic product development workshop etc..

I’ve been using a traditional classic force for many years, so didn’t think I would find much of value here. I was wrong.. To give you just one example, there’s one little technique used in the seconds after the spectator picks a card, that made myself and Ben Williams in the shop look at each other and say ‘genius!” at the same time. Even if you are happy with your own force, I bet you take that little tip on board and use it in your own force. For the price, that tuition is worth it alone.

For total beginners. This is a lovely place to pick up a style of Classic force to use. He also teaches a way to practice the technique and build up confidence and pace etc.

Related posts : How magicians force playing cards

Cold Case By Greg Wilson – Inside look and Reviews

by Dominic Reyes Leave a Comment

Cold Case by Greg Wilson looks to be the ‘BIG THING’ for 2016

This year started with a huge bang for card magicians, with the release of Cold Case by Greg Wilson. The special device that allows you to switch two decks of cards right under the noise of your audience during walk-around, or close up, has gone viral.. Stocks sold out worldwide before the item even shipped. Now several thousand magicians have entered a waiting list to get their hands on the second batch. What’s all the fuss about? Watch this video:

Why would you use Cold Case? To get from a shuffled to a stacked deck in seconds!

The precision crafted gimmick is metal and the build quality is first class. The streaming tuition that teaches 10 original magic tricks. If you use any kind of stacked or set up deck in your magic, you can instantly clean it up for a regular deck, or start with a regular deck that’s been inspected and shuffled, then bring in your special deck as required.

Here’s what Greg Wilson has to say about the release and some of the questions that have been asked by magicians:

‘Hey Everyone, Now that the holiday dust has settled, I’ll jump into the new year head first by addressing all the questions and comments about Cold Case by Greg Wilson.

First, thanks so much for the initial response before even seeing it.

Regarding the compliments on the beautiful packaging and masterful promo trailer, I get NONE of the credit whatsoever. My only contribution was to get out of the way and let the Murphy’s team, led by Jason Brumbalow, do what they do best.

Regarding the construction of the gimmick, it’s made of metal and very sturdy, which will easily last a lifetime — unless you’re the Buck Twins who will probably wear it out in less than a year. I kid. Even they are no match for its maximum durability. That said, the case and flap itself will wear out in a few months with repeated use, but that is easily replaced with your favourite box design. I should also mention that the gimmick is precision-measured to accommodate a few more than 52 cards to execute the secret move with ample room. And, best of all, there are numerous ways to do the switch, most of which are completely imperceptible while staring at the deck.

Regarding the routines, there are oh so many! I offer TEN new and original ideas from my brainstorm buddies that only scratch the surface of its potential. Each audience-tested routine is full and complete with a beginning, middle and end — not just a bunch of abbreviated quickies. Using this secret weapon for your Mem Deck alone is worth the price of admission. Someone, as I recall, suggested an Out of This World. After the spectator shuffles the deck thoroughly, can you say miracle?!

To be more specific, there are spectacular poker deals to make you look like a genuine card expert that only require the one switch. My favorite is the Ten Card Poker Deal with a very natural way to get into the routine from a shuffled deck. Plus, the secret move is done when everyone is “asleep at the switch” since it happens after the first deal and when everyone thinks the trick is over. You could switch one elephant for another at this point and it would go completely unnoticed. Well, okay, two baby elephants.

I also love to use Cold Case by Greg Wilson for a story pack, which is how and why this device was invented way back in 1993. My favorite version was called Night At The Improv, by Eric Mead, from Magical Arts Journal that I first read in 1988. I made up my own story but did it Eric’s way for a few years with a false shuffle. That said, I dreamed of performing this with a deck switch after the cards were thoroughly shuffled. No deck switches suited my needs, unfortunately, until I saw Chuck Leach’s Deck Shell in Hollywood Magic in about 1992. Regrettably, it just sat on one of the shelves lifelessly since there were no written or video instructions. It took about a year of rumination to modify and evolve the gimmick into the current Cold Case design you see now. In the beginning, I only used the cardboard case that came with my Bicycles. I was frankly too lazy and incompetent to make up a precision metal gimmick, since I can’t even make a Popsicle stick house without help from my illusion-builder friends.

To reinforce the impact of this trick, I’ve often used the story pack to close my private party and 1,500-seat cruise ship shows over the last 20 years. My story is not included here, but there are SO MANY that are currently available.

Regarding any concern that this gimmick will take up too much pocket space, well, that’s the decision we have to make for EVERY trick selection. For me, the effect to real estate ratio is well worth the inconvenience of carrying an extra deck — even without a jacket — just by using my back pocket. A cold deck can produce some mighty earth-shattering brain busters! It’s all about right place, right time.

To put a finer point on this, Bill Hegbli suggested or surmised that this switch cannot be easily used for table hopping or strolling. I politely beg to differ and say that it’s perfect for these conditions. If carrying two deck does not fit your repertoire then, yes, Cold Case is not for you. But, if you’re ready to do some pasteboard miracles, I would sacrifice the extra pocket space and enjoy the sure-fire applause and admiration. And, no, you do not need to carry a big bulky close-up case with you.

Regarding left-handers, I’m not sure this can be done unless you make the necessary adjustment.

Regarding a similar device called Vodka, I became aware of this only recently and got a chance to look at it. As Dominic Reyes explains, it’s thick plastic and has three sides instead two sides, like Cold Case by Greg Wilson. Its the two sides that allow for easier access and the John Kennedy flap idea makes everything more “dynamically deceptive.” In my humble opinion, it’s not as streamlined or versatile as Cold Case, but the originator handles his device quite capably.

I should also mention that I got a last-minute phone call from Daniel Madison a few days ago and he told me about his deck switch called Fracture that also uses two sides, but no metal, with a different way to do the switch. In fact, I have to admit that his switch is as good, if not better, than any of the 4 or 5 switches that I offer on the video. It’s stunningly imperceptible even when staring at the right or wrong moment! And, best of all, he graciously allowed me to include it on the streaming video which makes for a nice addition right at the finish line of production!

If you got this far, I hope my long-winded rambling proves to be helpful.’

You can find out more about Cold Case by Greg Wilson here

Customer Service Reviews for Merchant of Magic

by Dominic Reyes Leave a Comment

Customer service is the life blood of any good magic shop

Have you ever written to a company to let them know how good their customer service was? Many of the customers at the Merchant of Magic do just that, and the team love to get the feedback it’s 100% what keeps us going! We are so proud of the thanks we get, that we have shared some of the recent comments below:

Dominic Reyes, first let me say that I am buying for my son who is 14 and quite interested in magic. Your book about learning magic, which I downloaded is a great idea to help a beginner find their way through all the various items and helps them to focus on a few important ideas rather be overwhelmed by all there is, thanks! Second, the reason I decided to buy with you is that rather than just sell the things for magic on-line, you actually try to understand what the person is interested in and what might be the most useful for them; which goes a long way beyond most other sites, which just are their to sell the items and move on. Your site makes one feel that they are more than just another customer to sell something to; which I find commendable and it gives one a sense that magic to you is more than just a way to make money.

Cordially, Fredrick Werstein father of a budding magician

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Very, very impressed with your communication and service. Thank you. – Steph Thorpe

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You asked me to tell you about the difficulties I might have been having. You won’t believe this, but you actually sent me something that addressed the exact difficulty I was having. You sent me the book Approaching Tables later on down the line. That was exactly the thing I was after.I hadn’t even sent you the feedback on this book yet, and you sent me the answer – and it’s a Godsend, like this book here. Thank you for this book, for Approaching Tables, and for those free books you’ve sent me since I joined the site. A lot of my work is more along the lines of being a mentalist act, doing cold reading, minimal material outlay – but the need to build up skill in approaching people, and the need to make sure to wind up the gig properly, is pretty much universal. – Alex T Greene

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Just a quick note to thank you for the absolute quickest ever delivery of an item I’ve probably ever had, ever. I ordered Revolution (at 3pm) – and was spinning away by 11am the next day. Even Harry Potheads Owls aren’t that fast. – Mark Willis

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I learned my first effect 18 months ago and have turned this into regular bookings… I’m not big bucks yet but people do pay me. I’ve incorporated a lot of the advice that has come from the Merchant of Magic blog as well as effects that are in your catalogue. The MoM blog was pretty much the guide to get me out there and performing and is a reason I am where I am now… Paul Bavill Professor Paul – Vintage Magician

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Hi Dominic, I am ever so sorry but I forgot to say thank you for answering the question I sent you the other day on the working material of a professional magician which you answered on your blog. You have helped me out massively ! As I now have a better idea and understanding of this. Not only that but I now know how to go about learning new magic tricks that I want to include within various acts. – Robert Olley

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It is my opinion that you offer the best service in the magical business and at the best price. I had not been in touch for years, placed an order and felt welcomed back home again. Thank you for your outstanding service. – Philip Hilton

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Exemplary customer service. Hope to patronise your company again in the future. – Martin Wall

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Awesome. All the staff working at the Merchant of Magic are extremely helpful. If it’s not available they will try and put you on the right track. Thank you Merchant of Magic – Derek Foley.

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Hello Ben,
Many thanks for your honest opinion, I really do appreciate it, and thank you for taking the time to reply. When I need any Magic, Merchant of Magic will be my first choice. – Gerry McCue

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Just a quick note to say many thanks for my order, which I received this morning. The packaging did an excellent job of keeping the books in great condition. Once again, many thanks. – Jamie Marsden

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Great to have a Well stocked, professionally run magic shop in the UK. – Gary UK

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Dominic Reyes, I should thank you for all your support in my early days of my magic. Without you and your guys in the shop in don’t know if I’d have stuck with it. So thanks 🙂 – Barry Fazackerley

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Thank you for the update , as always your customer service is second to none.
Best regards – Jenny UK

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Wow greatest service I have ever experienced. – Daniel Scharkinger

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I really do appreciate getting in touch with some valuable tips, I didn’t think I was going to get a reply so to get all this information I’m chuffed. – Jamie UK

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Wow greatest service I have ever experienced. – Daniel Scharkinger

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This level of customer service is first class and shows you care about your clients as well as products. – Anthony Adderley

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Thanks once again for all of your support. You and your company have been the most honest and fair company I have ever dealt with in the magic community. That means a lot to me and has enabled me to see my projects through. – Leon Mjolnir

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Such a great experience ordering from Merchant of Magic. – Andy Jones

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WOW!…Warp speed delivery service by MOM as my Zenith arrived today and I only paid for it at 6pm on Saturday…Thank you Dominic. – Griflex
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I have been enjoying your website and blog, learning a lot. Thanks for doing what you do. – Phil Foster

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Love the MoM team..always happy to help,chat and advise and most importantly to me always make feel like they have time for me with my gazillions of questions. – Darren Ryder

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You have been an amazing help Mark , service like this is very hard to find these days …. Kind regards – Roger Armstrong
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Hey Dominic Reyes and the wonderfully helpful staff at MoM. Just a quick note of thanks for all the work and care you put into mentoring fellow magicians with your blogs and ematerials. Tips from pro performers have given me a new level to arrive towards and achieve. It is probably commonplace to receive these notes but I do like to thank those who join me in my journeys… – Dave from 952 Studios. Australia

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Hi there just like to say you are doing a great job. I love your blog and podcast. I have always been fascinated by magic and learned 1 or 2 card tricks when I was a kid but never went further than that, until now!!! I have for a long time used the old coin behind the ear trick on my daughter and she was always amazed until June this year when she told me how i did it. I was gutted and have been determined since then to work on some new tricks to impress her with. That is how I found you, and my love of magic again. – Michael Page

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I really love the customer services you offer I’ve made a few orders before and always received everything in perfect condition and on time. – Matt Brown

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Thanks for the help and for the extremely fast shipping. Wow! GREAT. – Marc Frese

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You’ve found a loyal customer in me, it’s a really great service that you guys offer. I am always amazed by the range of stuff you have for sale. Thanks a lot for the great service. – Adam Thomas
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Really great material which is exactly what I need. I have more than enough content that teach tricks and explanations.
Your ebooks represent real help for amateur magicians seeking to perform more.
Thanks for this. – Jason Wylie

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As always you guys are legends and I can’t wait for my package to arrive.. I’ve bought a fair few bits from you over the past few months or so and I’m always impressed with the communication and updates you provide regarding my order. .
I also like receiving emails of new products and one time deals… Awesome keep up the good work guys.. – Wayne Britchford

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Thanks for all the support and advice you’ve offered me over the course of the past year with my magic inquiries. Your service has been constantly shining. – Ben Phillips

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Thanks very much for such great customer service – Edward Watson

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I recently made an order of two books. I would like to say thank you very much for such a fast and efficient delivery – Tom Hancock

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Hi all at Merchant of Magic. Thank you for the update. Great service guys. I will definitely be returning for future purchases. – John Charlton

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Very pleased with your service. My order arrived as promised and very happy with the help received from one of your magicians, so nice to speak to another human being not a machine!! – Many thanks – Sandra Goodwill