Contains : The Invisible Deck - You know the classic: a card is named, and it's the lone face-down card in a face-up deck. But trust me, when you watch the performance, you'll be left scratching your head. Michael's streamlined handling uses a regular deck (no fancy stuff), drawing on routines by Bruce Cervon, Allan Ackerman, and Steve Beam. Magicians worldwide have speculated about this one—now you get to learn all the nitty-gritty. The Smiling Mule - A Roy Walton classic, but Michael’s made it even better by eliminating that one pesky "bad moment" that usually leaves you sweating. This routine is a favourite for both close-up and stand-up gigs, and it’s a staple in the repertoires of top card magicians (and trust me, they know their stuff). The Ooh-Ah Bird - Give your fingers a break! This is the ideal trick for entertaining kids at restaurants. It’s simple, colourful, and downright funny—plus, the kid gets an origami figure as a souvenir (so you’re basically a hero). You’ll also pick up some nifty techniques on the classic Cross-the-Cut Force. If you’re new to card magic, this one’s a peach. The Pothole Trick - Now we’re talking! This trick has had more chatter than a gossiping grandmother, and for good reason. While there are other “moving hole” tricks out there, none have quite the punch of The Pothole Trick. If you could actually move holes, this is how it would look. Plus, your spectators get to take home your business card in a truly impossible condition. Even if magic isn't your full-time job, this trick is a money-maker. Michael’s been keeping the method under wraps for ages, and now it’s all out in the open. The secrets revealed here are worth the price of admission alone. Dr. Strangetrick - This version of Card Warp might just be the most mind-bending handling you’ll ever see. Designed to leave the sharpest spectators baffled, it’s Michael’s go-to opener. This is the first time all the ins and outs have been laid bare—nothing is off the table. The Judah Shoelace Routine - A classic penetration effect gets a makeover! Stewart Judah’s brilliant trick fell out of favour because it needed a paper straw. Michael’s clever tweak makes it easy to carry your props right in your pockets (no more awkward bag searches). A Trick for O'Brien - George Orwell would have been chuffed. This prediction effect takes the concept of "who controls the present controls the past" to miraculous heights. The principle can be applied to loads of other effects too—versatility is key! The Imagination Tester - A quirky origami effect where a paperfold of a belt buckle turns into the real deal (because why not?). Tut Tut - Four Aces spaced out come together to trap a selected card. This sneaky little number lets you shuffle the deck to your heart's content whilst still being primed for some memorised deck wizardry. Myopia - This is about as close to genuine mindreading as you can get. Two spectators think of cards, you ask one question, and BAM—you name them both. Simple as that. The Birthday Book - A spectator picks a card. You show a date book that has a card next to each date, and lo and behold—the card next to their birthday matches the one they selected. Michael Close has used this method to leave magicians and laymen alike in utter disbelief all over the globe.
