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Flip Shift

Born, John

John Born

(Based on 1 review)
Featuring Influenced and the Modern ACAAN

In Meant To Be, we discovered the power and versatility of executing a shift while taking the cards out of the box. This particular project shares a completely different card case shift that is extremely practical, versatile, and deceptive. I have been sitting on this for quite some time, and have finally decided to share these secrets.

If you enjoyed the techniques, effects, and thinking featured in Meant To Be, The Flip Shift serves as a perfect companion. In fact, the technique highlighted within these pages offers several new advantages that a performer may find attractive:


  1. This can be done with any deck of cards. There are no edge-markings, shaved cards, or any other system that may be used to create a reference point during execution.

  2. There is not a hole in the box. Though a slight modification is still needed, it is not something a spectator would see and consider gaffed (as would be found with some previous methods). This modification can easily be made in two seconds (impromptu).

  3. No dumping action. This technique has a sure grip and load, increasing reliability and stability during execution. This is also much easier to execute for the average performer.

  4. Improved angles of execution and moments of misdirection. The Flip Shift is definitely a strong tool for memorized deck workers interested in "jazzing" as it gives instant access to any card named, or any portion of the deck.


The purpose of this booklet is simply to share the technique at hand. I have included my personal routine for this technique (Influenced) which is actually outside of the ACAAN plot. I have also detailed how to utilize the Flip Shift to accomplish an extremely direct, real time ACAAN featuring all of the conditions offered in Meant To Be (and more). The notes on motivated movements to execute this type of technique alone are worth more than the asking price.

As a bonus for those that have my previous book, I share how to execute the Meant To Be system with a completely normal, unmarked deck of cards. Please note, this is not a full description of the system, and will only make sense to those that have read Meant To Be.

The Flip Shift is a "must have" tool for anyone interested in taking memorized deck work to the next level.

Pages: 38 - Over 90 Full Color Photos

Reviews

Bryce Kuhlman

Official Reviewer

Jul 20, 2011

John Born came to Kansas City right after I left. Bummer. I think we would have had a lot of fun sessioning.

Flip Shift details John's work on a new method of shifting cards while removing them from the box. If you've read his book Meant to Be, you will already be very familiar with the concept. This version has some interesting features. It can be done with any deck (i.e. the deck is not prepared in any way). There's no need to hide holes or other "work" in the box. The "dumping" motion is much easier to execute and is more angle-proof.

The small booklet covers the complete handling, including a very minor preparation to the card box which can be done in seconds and without any tools.

As much as I love books, I would really like to see John do this in performance. I have to believe that the process of removing the deck from the box is more natural-looking than the "dump" move in his prior work. But the get-ready still needs to be hidden. I have this fear that without properly focusing the audience's attention on something else, this will look like all of those really bad peeks we've all seen in mentalism acts. Luckily, there's an entire section covering several generic "motivated movements" that you can use to hide the action.

In addition to the moves, you are presented with two full routines. In Influenced, the audience collectively (and fairly) chooses a number from one to fifty-two. A member of the audience is asked to count to that place in a deck of cards. The card arrived at matches a prediction. As a bonus the card is the only one with an odd-colored back and has a personalized message written on the back. It's a nice effect and easy to do once you've got the Flip Shift down. You will need to use a memorized deck, though.

The second routine, A Modern ACAAN, is (no surprise) an Any Card At Any Number effect. Again, you'll need a memorized deck, the ability to do some basic arithmetic in your head, and the Flip Shift.

If you're a fan of John Born's work or think this move can be useful in your repertoire, the book is certainly worth the price.
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