Review: Cardiograph by Wayne Dobson

Here's a relatively easy, solid trick where a signed playing card apparently jumps from one place to another. It's seemingly impossible and a great effect from Wayne Dobson that is not difficult to perform.

The Plot

Cardiograph (MSRP: $20.00, Murphy's) begins as a "three card trick." You bring out three playing cards: two jokers and a blank-faced card. You sign the face of the blank card and invite the spectator to sign the back of one of the jokers. The spectator holds the joker with their signature while you hold your signed blank card and a joker.

In a flash, you're holding two jokers and the spectator's card now displays your signature. The signed card may be given away as a souvenir. You can see this one in action by watching its promotional video.

Easy

The trick is easy to learn and perform and only requires a single rudimentary card sleight. As a result, this one is great for beginners.

Any magician with some experience in card work will be able to figure this one out and recreate it. However, there's a gimmicked card that will take some effort to get. You can reuse this gimmicked card, which comes with the kit, until it wears out. It is not given away.

There's another card that you sign and give away with each performance. You can easily buy these giveaway cards by the deck from any magic dealer. The kit comes with enough cards for ten performances.

Good for Strolling

An accompanying DVD provides good explanation. Reset is fast, all you have to do is replace the card that you gave away. Angles on this one are generous and you will need a table to perform it. This one works well in strolling situations.

There's lots to like about Cardiographic. If you like what you see in the video, this one is easy to learn and perform and has quite an impact.