Ambitious Card (World's Greatest Magic)

With few exceptions, most instructional magic DVDs offer effects from a single, well known performer. As a result, a single DVD typically presents effects that range from close-up miracles to stage tricks. But when you’re researching a particular effect, say, Ambitious Card, you don’t want to have to cull information from a variety of sources. You want it all in one place.

This is why Ambitious Card (World's Greatest Magic) is such a fantastic resource. You get advice on a single effect, Ambitious Card, from a variety of artists who lend their suggestions, techniques and even routines, which were compiled from their prior DVDs. If you want to focus on Ambitious Card, you don’t have to purchase several DVDs, but only one.

A classic routine with cards that a majority of magicians, particularly pros, perform. Ambitious Card offers a plot where a chosen card, which is typically signed by spectators, is placed anywhere in a deck of cards and somehow, continually rises to the top. At the end of many routines, the chosen card ends up in an impossible place, such as a wallet, box, shoe and more.

I regularly perform a version of Ambitious Card that relies on moves that I learned from Daryl’s book. While my routine that features five “rises” with varying methods and a final card to wallet is probably average among working pros, it has served me well in my restaurant and strolling work. I learned a few new moves from this DVD and heard some worthwhile advice from the experts, particularly Tommy Wonder.

David Regal’s routine, “Tenacious Climber,” offers two key aspects. One is a theme that involves a puppy that’s drawn on the chosen card. This not only makes the card unique and immediately recognizable, but creates a comical theme where spectators “call” their card to the top of the deck, much as they would a dog. Regal also offers a gimmick that makes for a clean ending where the top five or more cards on the deck can be clearly shown and then the chosen card arrives on top under nearly impossible conditions.

Harry Lorayne's routine offers some nice variations. I enjoyed watching this master in action with his fast and energetic presentation style. Not a full routine, Frank Garcia teaches a convincing bluff that allows a card to be shown in the center of the deck when it’s already “traveled.”

Michael Ammar’s version is basic but bewildering. For those who are beginning their foray into Ambitious Card, Ammar’s routine offers a great start. Doc Eason’s routine is notable for his finale where the chosen card ends up under his drink that’s sitting on the bar. In Paul Wilson’s version, the card ends up inside of his wallet.

Of all the performers, Tommy Wonder offers the most insight into performing Ambitious Card. His explanation offers some excellent moves and discusses considerable technical background.

In Wonder’s stunning version, the card ends up in a ring case that’s been sitting in plain view the entire time. Noteworthy is the way that Wonder makes the chosen card fall out of the ring box. While I knew what was coming and how it was done, I couldn’t believe how convincing Wonder made this appear.

Finally, Dai Vernon reminiscences about the origins of Ambitious Card. Here, you can glean some further insight into the psychology of the effect and how to make it entertaining.

I highly recommend this DVD. And at $19.95, it’s a bargain for those who are serious about learning and performing Ambitious Card. I wish this DVD were around when I was developing my routine.

-Wayne N. Kawamoto

MSRP: (US) $19.95

Dealers can purchase from Murphy's Magic Supplies, Inc.