DVD Review: Incredible Self-Working Card Tricks Vol 5

Now with a fifth volume, Michael Maxwell offers another set of "self-working card tricks" that require no sleight-of-hand or skill with cards. This DVD is good for beginners and comes with some decent effects and a couple of no-sleight variations on card classics.

I tend to dislike many self-working card tricks because of their use of piles; specific cutting sequences; stacked decks; suspicious-looking counts and general round-about procedures. Many effects also require the magician to place a pack of cards under the table or behind the back to perform the dirty work, a technique that I abhor.

There’s simply no replacement for good sleight-of-hand and solid card handling skills. But with entertaining presentations, some of the self-working effects here have potential.