This is an effect that was originally put in the Stars of Magic video review. Although my methods differ significantly from the book, it was included to show the Ace Assembly effect and not necessarily Vernon’s handling.
This is the Ace Assembly that I use in informal situations. While I love gaffed ace assembly handlings, I never seem to have the necessary items on my person when a performing situation arises. This handling is my attempt at discarding the parts of ace assemblies that I hate and emphasizing those elements that I think most resonate with spectators.
Of course, all assemblies have their pros and cons:
Pros:
- Impromptu–no gaffs, etc. Only a deck of cards required. No matter how much I like the gaffed versions, I’m rarely in a situation to perform them.
- Progressive Assembly–I’ve always had a fondness for versions where the aces move one at a time without a bulk switchout in the beginning. This handling accommodates that preference.
- Casual and loose handling–One of my biggest irritations in ace assemblies is the generally tight handling before the aces are laid down (which is admittedly done because the cozy handling is often part of the method) and the over-proving and over counting the indifferent cards onto each ace. This handling starts with the aces already laid down and the counting of cards onto each packet is done in a casual and relaxed way.
- Psychologically Deceptive–Without getting into specifics, the routining of the assembly utilizes method cancelation and most of the dirty work is done at times of low heat.
- Everything is Examinable–In reviewing the video it looks like I’m being too deliberate with the ace pile and that it might contain additional cards. It doesn’t. I was just trying to add a little extra drama to the 4 ace display. The ace pile is just the 4 aces.
Cons:
- Sleight Heavy–although nothing is knucklebusting there are quite a few moves throughout the routine which isn’t a problem for me as I’m the one who came up with the handling in the first place.
- Angle Sensitive–This routine cannot be done surrounded. In fact, the absolute limit is 3 people sitting across from you. This also isn’t a problem for me because it is situationally appropriate. In other words, I only perform ace assemblies when it’s time for a “pipe and slippers moment” and it’s quiet and I have someone’s attention that really wants to watch a trick. If I were surrounded and had the attention of a large group of people, an ace assembly is the last thing I’d perform.
Here is the explanation video for the trick demo’d above. It’s a long explanation weighing in at just over 35 minutes. I wanted to ensure that all of the subtleties and important scripting points were covered. You need to sign up at the bottom of this page in order to receive the password for the explanation. I would appreciate prospective signees not sharing the password with anyone. Also, there’s nothing to stop you from immediately unsubscribing after getting the explanation other than your own sense of what’s right. I only send out 1 or 2 newsletters a year so you won’t be getting spammed. Enjoy.
I loved it. Prob one of my fav versions of the ace assembly. I really do like the causual handling. Great stuff
Thanks, Michael. It’s a lot of fun to perform.
Hi..I have just watched this and it is fantastic… I have been watching a number of videos of slow motion aces and I think yours is the most relaxed and amazing……would you do a tutorial at some point ?
Kind regards
Paul
Thanks, Paul. Relaxed and casual was exactly what I was shooting for. And yes, this will definitely be published at some point in the near future.
Oh boy… You caught me completely off guard with this one. Very well executed and, yes, your relaxed style makes it even more pleasurable to watch (and to be fooled). Loved it !
Concerning Ace assemblies, I like one of John Bannon’s patter very much (where he explains to his lay audience that they are privileged ones because it’s a trick magicians normally only show each other when they gather for their secrets meetings/session…).
I’m really looking forward to a tutorial as well.
And thanks for the wonderful reviews, they are a pleasure to watch as well.
J.
Thanks, Jérémie. And I agree about Bannon’s presentations, but then again, I’m not very objective where Bannon is concerned. I’m an unabashed fan. And thanks for the kind words about the reviews. It may not seem like it, but more are definitely on the way.
Stevie
That’s absolutely the best Slow Motion Aces I ‘ve ever seen in my life.
I’m interested to buy a booklet or something explaining it!
Thanks, Matt! I’m definitely going to be publishing this at some point. Most likely, it will be included as part of a larger set of my card magic stuff.
Have several other projects in front of this one but I’m excited to start on this.
Steven,
This is the best ace assembly I have ever seen! An elegant handling combined with an economic solution – brilliant!!
Thanks, Tim! Of the things I’ve come up with, this is my favorite. I don’t know why because I’ve never been partial to Ace Assemblies but I really do like this one.
Nice Ace Assembly! Wouldnt mind the password…cheers
Adam
Adam,
If you susbscribe to the site at the bottom of the page you’ll be sent the password. I average about 1 email per year and it’s been over a year since my last one so this isn’t going to cause any undue spam if you do decide to sign up. Thanks for your interest.
Looks like you’ve incorporated some of One Arm McDonald’s ideas into your routine. Are you familiar with the Derek Dingle version? I performed that 30+ years ago!
Best regards,
Chris
Chris,
No, I’ve never heard of it! The only Dingle book I have is the one written by Kaufman and it only contains something called “Slow Motion McDonalds Aces” which I don’t think is what you are talking about. I’d love to get a reference of that trick as you mention there are similarities with my version. Any pointers in the right direction would be appreciated. And thanks for the reference!
Fooled me and do a lot of Ace Assemblies.
Thanks, Mike! Glad you enjoyed it.
Thank you! Loved the assembly!
You’re very welcome, Mark! And thank you for taking the time to comment.
I love your version…i d love to get the password
Thanks a lot!!!
If you sign up with the link at the bottom, the password will be sent to you in the “welcome” email.
Password doesn’t work for me.
I’ll send it to your email, Phil.
Excellent handling ………………please send me the password. Thanks
Thanks, Barry! Glad you like it. If you sign up for announcements at the bottom of this page, the welcome email will contain the password. I send out less than 1 email per year so spam shouldn’t be a big concern.
The best slow motion assembly I have seen!
Thanks, Howard! Much appreciated.
Love your assembly. Have no clue how you vanished the secon two aces.
Thanks, James! It’s a fun routine to perform.
In a word… faultless. Totally got me!!! Looking forward to more.
Thanks, Alistair, that’s quite high praise! I just released my first commercial product over on Penguin. If you’ve got $10 that’s burning a hole in your pocket, check it out!
http://www.penguinmagic.com/p/6781
hi Steve,
Could you send me the password for the Assembly video?
Thanks!
Howard
Check your email, Howard.
Hi Steve,
I signed up at the bottom right of the screen a few times, but never received the confirmation email that was supposed to be sent with the password. Did I miss something ?
Thanks,
Barry
Barry,
I’ll sign up you manually. If you don’t receive the welcome email with the password in the next 24 hours, let me know and I’ll send it to you again. Thanks.
Steve
Hello Steve – That was a beautiful handling! As mentioned by others, it was a relaxed and soft handling which in turn makes it all the more magical. Thanks for sharing the performance
John
Thanks, John! Glad you liked it.
Fooled me with your ace assembly, and I have experienced a lot. Do you have a website with info? Thanks, Barry
Hi Steve. I would enjoy learning the handling of this ace assembly. Thanks.
Bill
Nice Ace Assembly, lovely handling.
Den
Nice assembly. I think you are on to something about magicians and assemblies. There seems to be no way to be creative, but i think it’s like anything else. Like, for example, not saying “leader packet” and instead saying “dealers packet.” And taking it from there…
Very good trick and nice presentation. I like it.
great ace assembly on of the best I have seen
I am french and it is The kind of Card Trick I love, thank you very much!
I happen to like ace assemblies and this one is a good one.