Torn Too - Daniel Garcia

Torn Too. Daniel Garcia makes sure not to call this Torn 2, as in a sequel, but to have it called the equivalent to Torn Also. It makes sense, because it isn't really a sequel. It's not tearing sections of the card and restoring them; it's only one. The video is full of Daniel Garcia's weirdness and funny jokes. The video is easy and entertaining to watch - even the explanations. It really steps you through everything you need to do. It even provides a little practice session with some good music with a great beat to practice to. This video allows you to see all the angles and as many tips as Daniel can come up with. Honestly, this is an excellent product.

The effect here is that a card is freely chosen, placed in the deck, and it then rises to the top. No one can see how this happens. The reason is explained because the card was marked, or crimped. To illustrate how a crimp can't be viewed by the untrained eye, the card has a corner torn off. It is explained that this type of modification to the card is not noticable to the untrained eye. The torn section is placed either on the spectator's hand or on the table. The tear is shown to be very helpful in finding that card, since it's the only torn card. Then, the little piece of card is placed on top of the torn card, and with a swipe of the thumb the card restores. The deck can be spread to show that there aren't any corners of cards anywhere to be seen in the deck.

Ok, let's break it down a bit more. The effect claims that it is Instantly Repeatable. YES! You can! Strolling close-up magicians, this is one for you! Perform, and when you're ready to do it again - it's ready too!

The handling is simply genius. I've seen other torn cards with a similar technique with the tear, but none as good as the restore (No loose pieces to be careful of). The restoration DOES take some practice. Once you have it down, you will say it is really easy. Daniel Garcia says that if you can spread the cards, that you can do this trick. It's pretty much true. Once you get it down, it's going to be as easy as cutting or spreading cards.

What I really like about this effect is that you can do it with a signed card. All of us card magicians know what kind of treat it is to "prove" our magic. The routine outlined in the video is good. It doesn't quite fit my personality, but modifications are do-able with this. This is definitely an effect I can make my own, and I highly recommend any close-up, strolling magician to get this one. Even if you just perform magic as a hobby for friends and family - this is a must have.

The only downside is that the spectator's can't examine the deck. After such a presentation, they probably won't want to. This is probably a good reason to make sure to spread the cards after performing, so that they can see all the cards spread out. Spreading seems to be enough examination, but if they are grabby spectators, they will find out how this works.

One last thought - again - a portion of the restore DOES take some practice. Don't feel like this will be one of those effects you'll get and perform within 10 mins of getting. There is some initial setup that takes a bit of time, and maybe a shopping trip if you haven't got all the necessary materials. The video does a great job stepping you through everything you need to know for the preparation, performance, and even how to handle the reactions.