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Review of Flux Deal by Alex Moffat
One Streaming Video, 28 minutes, 1 sleight, multiple ideas and 15 bucks plus two more named Dan and Dave . . . is it Gem or is it Rubble?
Effect
Basically, this is one move that is a card switching technique that allows for many effects and ideas. Some of the effects shared on the video are:
Ace Assembly
In this case, the Flux Deal allows a very clean and deceptive laying down of the cards.
4 4 4 Switch
This is an effect where you cleanly and clearly show the four Kings (for example), and cleanly deal them one at a time face down on the table. Yet when turned over, they have turned into the four Aces (for example).
4 Card Switch
A two packet transpo. Lay four Kings one at a time to your right. Then lay four Aces one at a time to your left. In a blink, they change places.
This is a small sample of what's possible with this versatile move.
Method
As mentioned, the method is what this video is about. It's a dealing technique that allows you to switch cards as you deal them. It's similar in concept to Lennart Green's Laser Deal. The method is smart, clever and very hard to do. Luckily, Alex takes the time to break down the handling and some of the nuances. During the viewing of the video, I was finally able to get the beginning mechanics down, and I was able to do the first part of the practice technique that he taught. This move is very angly. If you're right handed, you cannot have any one on your left side and vice versa for lefties. Having not-short fingers is also helpful in performing this move.
Many of the effects are improved by having the ability to lap cards. One effect in particular, Flux Force, must be performed seated, and you must have the ability to lap and recover from your lap. The rest of the effects, however, can be done without lapping. You need to, in some cases, ditch cards back on to the deck. Alex briefly touches on that, but not in any depth. I felt a little more depth should have been warranted.
Overall, the method is very solid if you have control over your audience's seating . . . nobody to your one side.
Ad Copy Integrity
The ad copy is very good. If you watched the video, what you see is what you get. It's very clean. Just keep in mind the fact that anyone sitting to Alex's right would have an extra peep show. Also, the ad copy claims that "The deal is not only imperceptible, but indistinguishable." I'm not sure what is meant by indistinguishable. Indistinguishable from what? As for Imperceptible, well . . . that's true, unless they're on your bad side. One other odd thing: they mention that this is good for mathematical effects. Alex also mentions this during the video, but he never gives an example of how to use it that way. At the end of the video, he said he might release a future project with some of those ideas. That was a little bit of a bummer. Don't advertise a use of a move if you're not going to teach that. Overall, however, a pretty solid ad copy rating.
Product Quality
This is a streaming video that you have through your login and password on Dan and Dave's site. The audio, lighting, footage, etc. are well shot and clear. The majority of the footage is close up shots of Alex Moffat sitting at a table demonstrating the move and effects.
It's taught very well and thoroughly with the one exception of lack of information on ditching cards onto the deck.
Final Thoughts
I think $14.95 is a reasonable price to pay for a good utility move that's as versatile as this one. You are given eight different effects you can do with the move, plus some pretty in depth teaching and extra finesses on how to use the move. Further, there are so many other things you can do with this move. It will take a lot of practice, but it's worth it I think.
Keep in mind that it's hard and it cannot be used surrounded. But also keep in mind that when you are in the right setting, it's a killer utility to have in your tool belt that can make some extremely visual and powerful magic (typical Alex).
Final Verdict:
4 Stars with a Stone Status of Gem.