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Twisted Sisters

John Bannon

A-1 Multimedia

(Based on 5 reviews)
It's hard to believe so much magic could happen with virtually no moves. From red and blue backed packets, two cards simply imagined by two spectators cleanly change places. Just like that. As an inexplicable climax, the spectators' thought of cards prove to be the only cards that would make the trick work, all the other cards in both packets are Jokers. Best of all, Twisted Sisters accomplishes this spectacular effect in a squeaky clean fashion, no extra cards, virtually no handling. You will soon find out why, soon after its introduction, Twisted Sisters has been highly acclaimed as the best trick of its type.

Reviews

Rob Jacks

Dec 31, 2022

Despite the rave reviews by others I maintain my opinion that this is a trick that is an unnecessary expansion of B'Wave by Phil Goldstein/Max Maven.
The beauty of B'Wave was its simplicity.
All that Twisted Sisters does is add confusion for the spectator. There is no reason why there should be two packets so the chosen card can can jump from one packet to the other.
The only thing why I can recommend this trick is that it gives you two B'Waves in case one wears out. And it will.
(Top ▲)

Stuart Philip

Official Reviewer

Feb 27, 2015

This trick has been updated and is now sold as Twisted Sister 2.0 with a DVD. The following is the TS 2.0 review:

If I could rate a trick with more than 5 stars, Twisted Sister would be it. There are not enough superlative adjectives that can be used when describing this devious, awe-inspiring, breath taking card trick.

In Twisted Sister, the performer shows two packets of face-down cards; one red backed and the other blue. He explains that they each contain the four Queens. The performer indicates that each spectator will pick a pile and name a different Queen and their cards will switch places. Then, each spectator names a different Queen and when the packet is spread, the named Queen is the only face up card in each pile of four. Then when the two Queens are turned over, they have the color back from the other pile. Then, the remaining cards are flipped over and they are all Jokers. No extra cards, no rough and smooth, no magnets, not threads, no hypnosis, no misdirection, no switching, no difficult moves, no s%$#t.

There is so much magic packed into this quick and easy to perform trick that each step of the way the spectator is amazed. First when the named Queens are the only ones face up in the packet. Second when they are shown to have switched piles by having a back with an opposite color. Third, and potentially spasm inducing, when the remaining three cards, in each pile, are turned over and shown to be Jokers.

I have never seen a spectator not be stunned by this trick. If you want to check it out yourself, watch the promotional video at http://www.murphysmagic.com/Product.aspx?id=48491 and watch John Bannon perform his great creation. What you see is what you get. Brought to you by Murphy’s Magic, produced by Big Blind Media and explained by Bannon. The ad copy is accurate, it is “incredibly powerful,” “ingenious” and it “will simply blow your audience away.” One comment however, the ad copy says there is no sleight of hand at all. That is true in that it can be performed without the Elmsley Count, but Bannon teaches the trick using an Elmsley Count. I have performed the trick both ways and I have no preference. They both work equally as strong.

For a great price, you get a DVD, a plastic card case, and the eight needed cards (which include the gaffed cards) which are Bicycle Mandolin backed cards (809’s). John Bannon clearly teaches every aspect of the trick in a Las Vegas hotel room, instead of a studio. It’s a bit weird, especially since the flatscreen TV is on in the background during an episode of Law & Order (or something like that) and you see the back of the hotel room door, but that that shouldn’t bother anyone too much. There are a few interview segments with Bannon talking about the trick and even two bonus tricks taught on the DVD. The DVD also contains a file with the original pre-DVD written instructions, which are clear and easy to follow. The only criticism I have (and it is minor) is that I would have preferred a predominant magician’s point of view during the instruction instead of the predominant audience point of view.

This trick can be reset under the table in about 3 seconds. This is one of the best deals out there for an awesome and ingenious trick. Like I said, if I could give it more than 5 stars I would.
(Top ▲)

Merl Hamen

Feb 07, 2004

I agree with the other 2 reviewers. Besides that it makes 2 B'wave tricks!!!!!!! Thanks Phil Goldstein!
(Top ▲)

Dick Anderson

Dec 31, 2002

Twisted Sisters gives every appearance that the spectator has control all of the time. Not only does the first spectator have free choice of their selection, the second spectator also has a "free" choice. The climax is that the other cards are all jokers so the spectators see realize that the choice they made is the ONLY choice possible! This trick stumped my wife who has labored through 17+ years of being my guinea pig for new tricks. She knows all my sleights and can generally figure out new tricks. This one caused her to say: "Do that again!"....I did , and she still was impressed. If I can impress my wife, I know I have a good trick. Put this one in your close up act. As one previous reviewer stated, there is one sleight that most every card handler should know and if you don't, you need to learn it. It's not hard, just take initial practice like anything else.
(Top ▲)

Sctcarts

Dec 14, 2002

If I was only given the opportunity to perform two packet tricks for the rest of my natural life, John Bannon's 'Twisted Sisters' would be one of them. This is an excellent example of how minimal slight of hand creates an astounding effect. And by minimal, I mean minimal. There's one move that every magician from hobbyist to working pro will know, and the rest is presentation. The booklet accompanying the effect is well written, though the workers will no doubt adapt the trick into their own style.
I've not encountered this effect being performed in a stand-up situation (but I'm quite sure it's possible, just a lot to handle), and I recommend a mat or other surface (read between the lines-you need a table or really flat knees) but for the restaraunt worker who isn't against "elbowing up" to the customer, this will fit right in. Relativley easy reset, not instant, but worth it.
Bottom line? If you don't have it, get it, and if you do have it and you don't use it, why not?
(Top ▲)