THE BLURB:
A greatly improved version of my Trick 3 Choice
The wallet has been completely redesigned and now fits in
the shirt pocket.
The wonder worker (that would be you) removes a small credit
card wallet from his pocket, flips it open and reveals three
different banknotes: �10, $10, �10. You then hand a
spectator your business card stating that it has a
prediction written upon the back. Whilst your back is turned
away the spectator is invited to remove one of the banknotes
from the wallet (free choice here, no forcing!) and hide it
away in one of their pockets. Once done, they are asked to
take another banknote and hide it in another pocket.
Finally, they remove the last banknote and hide it in
another pocket.
Of course, you have turned away throughout so that you have
no idea which banknote is in which pocket. OR DO YOU???
Now the magic begins.
You are immediately able to name the whereabouts of each and
every banknote. Not only that, you point out that you
actually knew, way in advance, what the outcome of this
strange experiment would be. To prove it, ask the spectator
to read the prediction aloud. It tells exactly which
banknote would be in which pocket! Wow!
Taking Notes is so easy to do and instantly resets and comes
complete with a small luxury leather JOL credit card type
wallet.
MY COMMENTS:
Originally, Dobson released this under the title of 3 Choice
and the wallet was 4 x 6, which was kind of an odd size for
a wallet (at least, for those in the U.S.). For this
release, the wallet is the size of a credit card wallet and
is easier to carry in the shirt pocket. Also, you are using
folded bills, while the larger wallet allowed for greater
flexibility in the types of items being chosen. That wasn't
necessarily an advantage, though. The following then are my
comments on the earlier effect, 3 Chance, which still apply,
with some slight editing.
Taking Notes is Dobson's version of Stephen Tucker's Visa
Cabaret, an effect that is no longer available and that has
recently been touted by Andy Nyman, who included it in his
close-up set at the Magic Castle. There's not much
difference between the two versions. This version uses
three different bills, instead of three different credit
cards. Also, the special wallets are different sizes. This
one is the size of a credit card wallet. Tucker's was a
checkbook size wallet.
Despite the comparisons, this is a very good effect, though
it relies heavily on audience management and patter choice.
The participant must not be aware that you know instantly
when something is taken and what was taken. In a discussion
that I had with another mentalist, I pointed out that an
effect as simple as "Free Will" accomplishes the same impact
without the need for a special wallet. However, this effect
is still very strong and if you can use it, then it will
certainly be a killer routine.
