Search found 1820 matches

by Philippe Billot
March 13th, 2024, 2:00 pm
Forum: Reference Room
Topic: Looking for other info on 'puzzle' effect
Replies: 15
Views: 537

Re: Looking for other info on 'puzzle' effect

It's called the Principle of Concealed Distribution and goes back, I think, to the 1700s. Tenyo recently put out a new version that has a clever addition. The first example seems to be in Il Primo Libro di Architettura by Sebastanio Serlio published in 1551. It's a rectangle of 30 squares which bec...
by Philippe Billot
March 8th, 2024, 8:53 am
Forum: Link Watch
Topic: Horace Goldin's Mysterious Tricks
Replies: 5
Views: 314

Re: Horace Goldin's Mysterious Tricks

In Mysterious Tricks (1930), I recommend The Latest Disappearing Sixpence by J.R. Findlay, page 17.
by Philippe Billot
March 5th, 2024, 6:06 am
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Daley Dilemma!
Replies: 22
Views: 3753

Re: Daley Dilemma!

Here is another reference that may have inspired Doctor Daley: The Error Aces in Genii, Vol. 1, no. 1, September 1936, page 6 by Wright & Larsen. This trick was reprint in The Tarbell, Vol. 5 under the name Larsen's Aces, page 127. It's not a "pair transposition" but it's a packet tric...
by Philippe Billot
March 3rd, 2024, 1:47 pm
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Daley Dilemma!
Replies: 22
Views: 3753

Re: Daley Dilemma!

Not exactly Dominic. The Christopher's version is in the SECOND edition of the Tarbell. In volume 5 published in 1948, not in the original in 1926-1927-1928
by Philippe Billot
March 3rd, 2024, 3:12 am
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Daley Dilemma!
Replies: 22
Views: 3753

Re: Daley Dilemma!

As wrote Racherbaumer in Daley Bred (2018) Adrian Smith and Jacob Daley may have been inspired by Ottokar Fischer with the trick explained page 118 of Illustrated Magic published in 1931 which is the translation of DAS WUNDERBUCH DER ZAUBERKUNST published in 1929.
by Philippe Billot
February 18th, 2024, 2:43 pm
Forum: General
Topic: Card Work of Jack Pyle
Replies: 6
Views: 577

Re: Card Work of Jack Pyle

Perhaps his son John-Yvan Pyle can help you.

He is (was?) a stage hypnotist and author.

https://geniimagazine.com/wiki/index.ph ... =Jack_Pyle
by Philippe Billot
February 17th, 2024, 6:21 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Blackpool 2024 Day One
Replies: 12
Views: 1780

Re: Blackpool 2024 Day One

I really appreciate your humor
by Philippe Billot
February 15th, 2024, 11:19 am
Forum: iGenii
Topic: Error while printing from Magic Magazine
Replies: 26
Views: 11000

Re: Error while printing from Magic Magazine

I did it. That's perfect.

Thank you, Richard
by Philippe Billot
February 15th, 2024, 3:39 am
Forum: iGenii
Topic: Error while printing from Magic Magazine
Replies: 26
Views: 11000

Re: Error while printing from Magic Magazine

We have already addressed this problem here: https://forums.geniimagazine.com/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=49777&p=377690#p377690 Printing Genii has no problems at the moment that I know. Current issue is that Magic magazine exhibits the problem. Pages do not show. I know it but in the other post I...
by Philippe Billot
February 14th, 2024, 2:02 pm
Forum: iGenii
Topic: Error while printing from Magic Magazine
Replies: 26
Views: 11000

Re: Error while printing from Magic Magazine

We have already addressed this problem here:

viewtopic.php?f=11&t=49777&p=377690#p377690
by Philippe Billot
February 12th, 2024, 4:08 am
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: The "Clue Cards" Plot
Replies: 5
Views: 1078

Re: The "Clue Cards" Plot

Look at Amazing Prediction by Harry Lorayne, page 52 in Rim Shots published in 1973.

It's pratically the same trick, except he used only two cards to reveal and count to the chosen card.
by Philippe Billot
February 2nd, 2024, 10:24 am
Forum: Magic History and Anecdotes
Topic: Professor's Nightmare turns 50
Replies: 11
Views: 2519

Re: Professor's Nightmare turns 50

I'm reviving this post because I have a quick question.

Who was the first to increase the routine by adding the transformation of the three equal ropes into two unequals then into two equals then into a large ring of rope?
by Philippe Billot
January 11th, 2024, 12:05 pm
Forum: General
Topic: Gathering for Gardner.
Replies: 1
Views: 755

Re: Gathering for Gardner.

Have you try this adress?

https://www.gathering4gardner.org/
by Philippe Billot
January 1st, 2024, 4:25 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: 2023 in Review
Replies: 15
Views: 2714

Re: 2023 in Review

Very very good. Thank you, Dustin. “I never made a mistake in my life. I thought I did once, but I was wrong.” by Charles M. Schulz, remember me a French author, Alexandre Vialatte who wrote: "Unless I'm mistaken, I'm never wrong" As we say: "Les grands esprits se rencontrent" (w...
by Philippe Billot
December 28th, 2023, 12:09 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Engblom Triumph
Replies: 14
Views: 1451

Re: Engblom Triumph

Michael Close wrote:Hi Phillipe:

I may be misinterpreting your post, but I see no way this routine is too perfect.

Michael Close



This is simply to parody Rick Johnson.

I don't know how Engblom do it but it's a very good idea.
by Philippe Billot
December 28th, 2023, 5:29 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Engblom Triumph
Replies: 14
Views: 1451

Re: Engblom Triumph

It's TOO PERFECT (as said someone but I don't remember who!)
by Philippe Billot
December 25th, 2023, 3:16 am
Forum: Columns
Topic: Has John Bannon been featured on the cover of Genii? Or even a feature on him?
Replies: 2
Views: 2544

Re: Has John Bannon been featured on the cover of Genii? Or even a feature on him?

John is on the cover of Magic, vol. 21, no 6, february 2012.
by Philippe Billot
December 24th, 2023, 8:22 am
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Ace Assembly performed by Mike Skinner
Replies: 28
Views: 4579

Re: Ace Assembly performed by Mike Skinner

Merry Christmas (Joyeux Noël)
by Philippe Billot
December 23rd, 2023, 12:28 pm
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Ace Assembly performed by Mike Skinner
Replies: 28
Views: 4579

Re: Ace Assembly performed by Mike Skinner

Not exactly. AFter showing all the aces face-up, he put them face down in a row. Next he counts the twelve cards face-up and put three face down on each card on the table. Then he assembles three packets on the table in a pile and takes the last (which contains the Ace of Spade known by the spectato...
by Philippe Billot
December 23rd, 2023, 3:46 am
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Ace Assembly performed by Mike Skinner
Replies: 28
Views: 4579

Re: Ace Assembly performed by Mike Skinner

I re-read KBV Aces by Marlo (M-U-M December 1959) and I notice his handling is simpler (with the Veeser Concept) than Skinner's method.

But maybe it's a matter of taste...
by Philippe Billot
December 21st, 2023, 9:59 am
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Ace Assembly performed by Mike Skinner
Replies: 28
Views: 4579

Re: Ace Assembly performed by Mike Skinner

OK. Thank you again.
by Philippe Billot
December 21st, 2023, 9:15 am
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Ace Assembly performed by Mike Skinner
Replies: 28
Views: 4579

Re: Ace Assembly performed by Mike Skinner

Sure because Mike Skinner has left us in 1998 and Bannon explained his trick in Mr. Myster Fantasy published in 2004.

I just wondered if Skinner's version have the same approach that Bannon's.
by Philippe Billot
December 21st, 2023, 7:19 am
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Ace Assembly performed by Mike Skinner
Replies: 28
Views: 4579

Re: Ace Assembly performed by Mike Skinner

OK. Thank you, Thomas.

Reading your first explanation, I believed this was a variante of "Iconoclastic Aces" by John Bannon
by Philippe Billot
December 21st, 2023, 5:38 am
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Ace Assembly performed by Mike Skinner
Replies: 28
Views: 4579

Re: Ace Assembly performed by Mike Skinner

You are right. Larry Jennings had a trick named Instant Aces, which was described at least three times (in differents supports). Epilogue, The Classic Magic and Apocalypse Please, Thomas, could you simply explains what spectators see because your first explanation was very bref (for me and I haven't...
by Philippe Billot
December 20th, 2023, 3:23 pm
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Ace Assembly performed by Mike Skinner
Replies: 28
Views: 4579

Re: Ace Assembly performed by Mike Skinner

I see. I understand why I don't find any explanation. it's a performance only.

Thank Bill.
by Philippe Billot
December 20th, 2023, 11:22 am
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Ace Assembly performed by Mike Skinner
Replies: 28
Views: 4579

Re: Ace Assembly performed by Mike Skinner

Or, may be this trick is described in Michael Skinner's Professional Close-up Magic (4 volumes) videos.

You can find them here:

https://www.mymagic.com/l/specials/mich ... deo-series
by Philippe Billot
December 20th, 2023, 11:15 am
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Ace Assembly performed by Mike Skinner
Replies: 28
Views: 4579

Re: Ace Assembly performed by Mike Skinner

Otherwise, if you have Marlo's Magazine, Vol. 2, you can look at pages 107-117. May be Skinner's inspiration come from Marlo's approaches.
by Philippe Billot
December 20th, 2023, 4:01 am
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Ace Assembly performed by Mike Skinner
Replies: 28
Views: 4579

Re: Ace Assembly performed by Mike Skinner

You saw him on a video or you remember him in a meeting?

His version looks like 1002nd Aces created by Alex Elmsley
by Philippe Billot
December 19th, 2023, 11:06 am
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Ace Assembly performed by Mike Skinner
Replies: 28
Views: 4579

Re: Ace Assembly performed by Mike Skinner

Page 57
by Philippe Billot
December 14th, 2023, 1:41 pm
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Topping the Deck
Replies: 16
Views: 3914

Re: Topping the Deck

I agree. R-H explanation is one of Vernon strating point as gambler's method is the starting point of Robert-Houdin because he explained first this "enlevage" (palm) in 1851 in Les tricheries des grecs dévoilées, in english Card Sharping Exposed. As said an humorist : everything is in ever...
by Philippe Billot
December 14th, 2023, 3:43 am
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Topping the Deck
Replies: 16
Views: 3914

Re: Topping the Deck

I re-read Robert-Houdin and compare with Vernon's explanation. It's pratically the same maneuver: the top card is angled and it's gripped by its diagonally opposite corners. If Vernon didn't quote R-H in the booklet, in his Genii's Columns he quoted him several times. Vernon described again his palm...
by Philippe Billot
December 13th, 2023, 2:30 pm
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Topping the Deck
Replies: 16
Views: 3914

Re: Topping the Deck

In Select Secrets, published in 1941, Vernon's palm was first explained page 7 under the title "Topping the Deck" but Robert-Houdin was not mentionned.
by Philippe Billot
December 9th, 2023, 10:51 am
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: All Backs Routine
Replies: 52
Views: 18637

Re: All Backs Routine

I wonder if anyone here is familiar with Bruce Cervon's All Backs routine in Ultra Cervon? Either I'm badly misreading the instructions, or there is a flaw after the third ace has been dealt face own on the table. Has anyone worked through this routine successfully? TIA. Rick I checked. There is no...
by Philippe Billot
December 4th, 2023, 9:13 am
Forum: Alternative Media
Topic: AI Generated Magicians From The Past
Replies: 29
Views: 4341

Re: AI Generated Magicians From The Past

Thank Joe
by Philippe Billot
December 4th, 2023, 8:07 am
Forum: Alternative Media
Topic: AI Generated Magicians From The Past
Replies: 29
Views: 4341

Re: AI Generated Magicians From The Past

I have another request:

is there a photo of Elmer Biddle (in a magic book or magazine).

Thank in advance
by Philippe Billot
November 29th, 2023, 9:27 am
Forum: Kaufman & Company
Topic: Mr Jennings... title suggestions!
Replies: 19
Views: 4554

Re: Mr Jennings... title suggestions!

Is this a subtle allusion to the fact that Jennings trained as a plumber?
by Philippe Billot
November 27th, 2023, 10:43 am
Forum: Kaufman & Company
Topic: Mr Jennings... title suggestions!
Replies: 19
Views: 4554

Re: Mr Jennings... title suggestions!

This very topic was discussed in great detail at a special dinner at FISM, The Hague, 2003. That's cool. Did anyone take notes, physical or mental? Can you share the fruits of that dinner conversation? (If a tree falls while proving Fermat's last theorem at a special dinner in The Hague, but doesn'...
by Philippe Billot
November 27th, 2023, 7:11 am
Forum: Kaufman & Company
Topic: Mr Jennings... title suggestions!
Replies: 19
Views: 4554

Re: Mr Jennings... title suggestions!

Here is a title absolutly trite:

Mr. Jennings Takes His Time...
by Philippe Billot
November 22nd, 2023, 2:33 pm
Forum: Alternative Media
Topic: AI Generated Magicians From The Past
Replies: 29
Views: 4341

Re: AI Generated Magicians From The Past

Bravo Edward and thank you.

It's page 173. He is with Sam Horowitz
by Philippe Billot
November 22nd, 2023, 10:12 am
Forum: General
Topic: Revelation/gag
Replies: 11
Views: 1983

Re: Revelation/gag

You are right, Denis. The best would be to write : "Actually, to my knowledge, untel is one of the first who do or describe this move or idea" But is this case Dave Rumfelt seems to be the first, even in 1974. In my defense, I do not own the MUM magazine collection...UNFORTUNATLY!!! And I ...

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