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DVD Review: Double Signed Card-Richard Turner

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DVD Review: Double Signed Card-Richard Turner
A combination of raw talent, extreme dedication and an engaging stage presence, Richard Turner is a Jedi master with cards. With the addition of a second spectator and second signed card of a different color, Turner elevates the signed card routine to new heights. It’s a signed card on steroids. If such a high level routine interests you, you’ll enjoy this DVD.

I’ve seen Turner perform his Double Signed Card at the Magic Castle. It’s a mind blower to laymen and magicians can sit in awe admiring the skills of the performer. While Turner offers excellent explanation, be prepared to work.

Two, Two Cards in One

Two spectators select cards–-one from a blue deck and the other from a red deck-–and sign them. Both cards disappear and then reappear several times–-from the performer's hat, under a mat, from a spectator's hat, a wallet and more. At the end of the routine, its climax, a sealed deck of cards is opened and the spectator’s signed cards are found to be melded into a single card. As you would expect, the routine is a complex sleight-of-hand ballet that relies on lots of moves.

Turner teaches a variety of moves to perform the routine: Two Finger Bottom Deal Force; Invisible Bottom Palm; One Hand Bottom Deal Force; Two Card Display into Gambler’s Palm; Diagonal Palm Shift to Full Palm; Two Card Spin Around Side Steal and more. Turner also tips his Turner's Key Card, a technique that lets you locate a selected card, by touch only, after a spectator has shuffled it into the deck.

Dedicated Moves

The explanation is almost an education in card magic and, no surprise, on gambling moves (Turner is known as “the Cheat”). If you take the time to learn these moves, you’ll definitely be able to use them in your other card effects.

On the other hand, because of the nature of this routine, it’s rather difficult to substitute moves that you already know. You can see from the ending, a double-signed card, what you’re working with for the entire routine.

The DVD also offers some photos, letters and quotes from Dai Vernon, Ed Marlo, Charlie Miller, Michael Skinner, Fred Robinson and Larry Jennings, and a 1987 interview with Dai Vernon.

Buy the DVD and clear out your calendar. Turner’s lesson on card magic is a good one.

-Wayne N. Kawamoto

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

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