The first time I saw a similar effect to DragonScale was ten years ago with E.S.P. by LabcoMagic and I was suitably amazed with Soren Harbo’s beatuiful effect. DragonScale has more features for about half the price but that is because you get to use the full power of your smartphone (iPhone or Android are supported). The two biggest criticisms of DragonScale I have read are:
- It should come with a custom reader, not just a smartphone. The price would sky-rocket.
- I can do everything with a stacked deck without DragonScale. Good luck doing the described effect with a stacked deck and not once looking at the cards 🙂
I’m not a big lover of anything to do with electronics but you have to give this effect its due. If you are performing more formal close-up, as opposed to walk-around where I’m not sure I would recommend this effect, you can create some outstanding miracles that could not be done simply with a stacked deck (even if you are lucky enough to remember one!).
One of the routines in the tutorial that took my eye was when the performer leaves the deck on the table and looks away. The first spectator cuts a portion of cards off the deck and you can tell him what card he cut too. The next spectator cuts off a portion and you are able to tell them how many cards are in their hand. Finally the third spectator cuts off a third portion and you are able to tell them how many clubs, hearts, spades and diamonds are in the packet.
In no instance do you turn around or need to see the cards. Zero memory work too and you could even use your own stack if you wanted.
I did found you should not use a close-up mat when performing this – it works best when on a hard surface like the table or bar. But if your close-up pad is stiffer then it could also work, but my mats are fairly plush and I found it a little less accurate.
So if you are looking for that one killer effect this could easily be it. Use a new deck, keep your battery charged and go for it 🙂
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