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Liam Montier: The False Shuffles and Cuts Project Review
One DVD, a TON of material and $30 bucks. Is it gem or is it rubble? Stay tuned to find out.
Effect/Method
Another in the "Project" series from Big Blind Media. Here we'll learn 16 false shuffle, 3 legitimate cuts that are the foundation for the 14 false cuts to come. Finally, you'll learn 4 effects that utilize false cut(s) and/or false shuffle(s).
Most of the false shuffles are relatively common and you probably (unless you're a beginner) know most of them. However, of the 14 false cuts, there were several that I was not familiar with. Some are old classics from Royal Road and Tarbell, while others are more modern (e.g., Mini Sybil). Some of them I knew about but never learned. Others, I'd never heard of, and others still I used to know (or at least read about) but have since forgotten them.
The combination of false cuts and false shuffles is a powerful tool for the card worker's arsenal. Liam shows just how powerful they can be with the four effects that he teaches. With the effects is also taught the "Eight Kings" set up that is used for a couple of the effects.
This is a solid foundation and resource for one's library.
Ad Copy Integrity
Take a moment to read the ad copy and watch the ad trailer. It is exactly what you get. Although the video mentions 18 shuffles, there are only 16. Other than that, everything is 100% accurate.
Product Quality
As I sit here and stare at my one-of-kind, extremely rare photo of a clean shaven, slicked back hair havin', three piece suit wearing Owen Packard, I ponder this question: how is it that Big Blind Media continues to produce so darn many top notch productions? Well lit, well mic'd, well shot and well taught . . . super easy and well organized DVD menu, etc., etc. On top of that, Liam does an excellent job of giving simple yet complete instructions on each cut, shuffle and trick.
Final Thoughts
This series is starting more and more to feel like a modern day version of The Royal Road to Card Magic. In each DVD from the set (Elmsley Count, Double Lift, Forces) including this one, they cover the moves in detail. Then they teach a small handful of tricks to put the moves in action. It's a great formula for success in teaching this kind of stuff. This is well suited to a beginner, but I believe that even the advanced technicians amongst us will find some value here as well.
Final Verdict:
5 Stars with a Stone Status of Gem.
2 Comments
Totally agree. So much new to me, I could spend a month or so on it. Your review is packed with well-deserved praise for these DVD’s, and hopefully will inspire those who want to widen their arsenal or learn some basics to make the well-worth-it purchase. This is for everyone. Great effects too!
@Daniel – I agree, and thank you. 🙂