Review of "Second Thoughts on the Second Deal" by Shade

Product
2 X DVDs
First DVD runs about 1 hr 05 mins
Second DVD runs about 1 hr 35 mins
Selectable scenes and chapters including menu screen.
Works on all computer systems and DVD players (region-free).
Performer and instructor - Shade
DVD edited and produced by Baha Video Productions

Intro
Firstly this is an advance review, so I want to thank Shade for giving me a first peek of the dvd. The review will be divided into two sections pertaining to content and the dvd itself (production qualities) respectively, so as not to confuse the two. The second is one of those fables of magic and cardsharping that everyone who has spent two weeks working card magic or read Erdnase knows of and immediately hopes to master. There are many instructions out there for learning the second deal, but ALL handle the subject fleetingly. i recently heard from someone on the SMC forum saying how Simon Lovell's instructions on mastering the second deal involves the following: Showing how to execute the deal; and then telling you to keep doing it till you get it. Sure, sounds great, if only it's overhand shuffling we're talking about here.

From the get-go, it's obvious this DVD set is not for beginners. Firstly, it's a study on one and only one sleight: the second deal. Secondly, it includes 5 effects that are meant to be presented as a routine. Too many instructional DVDs out there shows you effect after effect after effect without a link between them and without any kind of structure in the performance. Here, the DVD set gives you a whole routine mainly based on the second deal, mixing both magical presentations to gambling demonstrations. Which means that upon mastery of the second deal, one is already able to perform an entire 30 minute routine of effects. Good for those who seek to routine their magic, but not as ideal for those who just want to learn a few quick effects for that dinner with friends or for a party. Suffice it to say that all the effects are tablework unless you intend to perform magic on the palms of your spectators all lined-up to form a kind of table for you to work on.

Content
Second dealing, coming from someone who has spent quite a many hour in the middle of the night holding a pack of cards and cursing aloud each time I make a mistake, is something that requires lots of practice and thought. It's not a sleight one executes on the whim because it is requires skill in technique, presentation, and misdirection. For instance, how do you ensure you deal only one card when you do a strike second? Trust me, that is the first problem you will encounter when you practice. Where do your hands go when you deal? Should they both move or should your left hand (hand holding the pack) remain stationary? What about the push-off second? How can I ensure a successful push-off every time? And why is it that there are so few effects using the second deal? How useful is it exactly?

The DVD set's main purpose is to answer that last question. Most card magicians don't bother with the second deal, considering it a gambling move, or that it's rewards do not match up to the amount of practice required. This attitude also explains why there has been scant discussion and instruction on the second deal beyond the basics of how to execute one. So to answer the nay-sayers, the first DVD is an hour long performance and explanation of 5 effects:
Ace of Spades Trick
The Fastest Card
Gwen's Choice
The Crossing
The Slayer

As mentioned, they are supposed to be presented as a routine, but by themselves, they are fairly powerful stuff. The Slayer is aptly named because the effects combines locating a chosen card, a Triumph presentation, a small gambling demonstration, and a colour separation all in one. It would have been called The Devastator if everything didn't come together into one smooth and elegant presentation. I must admit that this effect is my favourite in the whole disc.

The explanations are done by Shade alone, without the help of assistants, and are thorough enough for anyone to understand. It goes into details like angles to watch for, suggested patter, variations of presentation, and shows crucial stages of each effect a couple of times so that you don't have to rewind the DVD if you missed it the first time. It does assume that the learner has a fair amount of magic and card skill. For instance, on the Zarrow shuffle, Shade's advice is, "If you don't know the Zarrow shuffle, then....... check out Herb Zarrow's DVD or Expert Card Magic." So no point watching this DVD and hoping to be able to do the effects on the same day. It's going to take some work, so get cracking.

The real gold is in the second disc (appropriately enough for a treatise on the second deal). It is one and a half hours of nothing but teaching on the second deal. From the types of decks to use, to the different grips, discussions about surface tension and how to ensure the cards don't stick, to advice on the tells to avoid and how to control noise. Tips on how to practice to get the best results in minimal t time was extremely helpful. In short, it covers everything you can think of. Shade is wonderful, wonderful teacher and seems to know exactly what to zoom in on to make the sleight work so you don't have to fiddle around with the deck by yourself to discover these helpful pointers. Everything is explained clearly and I had absolutely no problems following what he is talking about.

This is Shade's first DVD shoot and at parts it shows as it's clear Shade is much more comfortable communicating with the participants/helpers than he is talking the camera. But the instructions are painstakingly clear and important points are repeated for emphasis. The participants are luckily not distracting and on the second disc, they ask some good questions that people new to the sleight would no doubt have on their minds.

Production quality
The video image is great, with lots of close-ups so you get to see how the sleight is executed and used in different situations, and the camera work is generally good. The only problem is the sound. Firstly, you would be inclined to lower the volume because the menu music is blaring at top volume, only to find that the actual instructional parts are very soft. While Shade's words and volume is good and clear, the two participants/audience can hardly be heard half the time. This isn't so much of a problem for the first disc but for the second disc, where the teaching is in a format of a coaching session cum Q&A (similar to Bob Chua's DVD), sometimes the participants asks some questions that you really have strain your ears to hear.

To add to the problem, the background music tends to drown out the conversation sometimes. While it's not so loud as to become distracting, it sometimes makes certain parts hard to hear. I found that by watching and listening to the disc with earphones helped tremendously as the sound capture is actually very clear and unmuffled, just soft.

Some of the cuts from the wide angle view to the close-up view of the cards and Shade's hands were a bit jarring but these won't be a concern for the student learning from the disc as the close-ups are there to illustrate a fine point in handling or to show exactly how to execute the sleight properly.

The DVD plays well and there were no problems with skipping chapters and navigating the various sections. No jumps and skips or lags were experienced.

Conclusion
While not a lavish production, the DVD is definitive on the second deal. It's content is unmatched in terms of clarity of instruction and attention to detail compared to the DVDs that I've watched. There may be some reservations that these two DVDs are on just one sleight, but all such concerns will be quelled the moment one watches the first disc and sees how Shade really works the second deal and converts it from a sleight to a powerful and effective tool for card magic. Enrico made some helpful comments on how the second deal used as a change, a DL, a false count and others. So by learning the second deal, you're actually able to use it to perform several other sleights as well.

I really loved the format of the second disc as it feels more like a round table discussion and study of the sleight than just a normal "do this and then do that and then do this and then do it until you get it". Because of the Q&A, many details were covered and surprising tips and pointers were given which would otherwise not be touched on if it were just a normal instruction. And you can actually see the helpers learn the sleight as the session goes along and see how from never having done the sleight before to being able to do a push-off properly.

I highly recommend this to all card magicians, especially those interested in gambling routines. Not for the beginner but this DVD is testament to how a studious and concentrated study of just one sleight can produce fantastic effects and a wonderfully useful sleight. Just one caution: Never practice this in front of the lay people, and never EVER EVER expose the second deal as a kind of gambling move. It's too useful and powerful a sleight to be exposed as a method of card cheating. I really hope Shade plans on producing more DVDs of such studies on sleights in the same format. They're definitely what every serious card worker needs and probably ever going to need.

Purchase details
Currently the DVD is still in post-production (at the point of writing) but check Shade's site at http://www.cardshark.sg or email him at shade@cardshark.sg as he plans to release this very soon.

I would just like to add that in the above review, I said that the effects are tablework only.

This is not true.

Shade said that all except the last two effects can be done in the hand, walkaround, without a table. The last two require displays, so they are the only ones on the DVD that do require a table.

Review of Second Thoughts on the Second Deal by Shade (Part 1)

Like Maddened, I was fortunate to be one of the pre-release reviewers for this 2 DVD set on the Second Deal. Much has been covered by Maddened, so I'll try to minimize overlap and touch on other aspects of the DVD set.

Disc 1: The Effects
Disc 1 contains 5 effects utilizing the Second Deal, presented as a complete routine, escalating in both impact and difficulty. I will share some of my opinions on each effect, but I won't go through the description of the effects as you can find them on Shade's site.

Ace of Spades Trick
Although presented as a Card At Any Number/'Stop' Trick, this effect has a multitude of applications, only limited by your imagination. It can be used as a demonstration of card control ability, a prediction, etc. If anything, I find it particularly useful for practising and building your confidence in both the Strike and Push-off techniques. This effect is more suited for table work, though it can be adapted for performing without a table.

The Fastest Card
Short and sweet, this effect can be done without a table, making it a versatile option for walkaround/strolling magic as an opener or just a quickie.
It can also be used as an alternative to the hot shot or top shot.

Gwen's Choice
I really like this transposition effect. It's clear, direct, clean. This effect is a fine example of the versatility of the Second Deal, and the principle can be applied in many other areas. It is also possible to perform this effect without a table, which adds to the appeal. I can see myself doing this regularly after sufficient practice.

The Crossing
Easily my favourite effect in the DVD next to Gwen's Choice. This belongs to the table. Lots of hard work to practise and get it down, but definitely worth the effort. A poker deal with a killer ending. 'Nuff said.

The Slayer
There's a good reason why this is the closer effect of the routine, and the effect speaks for itself. There are many effects out on the market that are nothing more than an amalgam of different effects thrown into the blender and mishmashed together. Although The Slayer combines several effects together, it does not suffer from this malady as it is presented in a sensible manner that exhibits logic-defying card control at the table. If one is willing to put in the effort to work on this effect, the reward will be a powerful closer worthy of 'slaying' your audience. Not something I would do in a heartbeat, but definitely something I wish I was able to do even if I don't perform it. (Did that make sense at all?)

Summary for Disc 1
Disc 1 is really a demonstration of the relatively unknown/unexplored versatility of the Second Deal. It is proof that *gasp* there is life for the Second Deal outside of gambling routines. Personally I find it impractical to learn a sleight (a difficult one in this case), only to realise you can't or don't know how to apply it in your magic. Rather than just teaching the technique, Shade 'equips' the viewer with these effects and ideas as a headstart, so that they don't have to start 'blind' only to end up nowhere in the end.

As already mentioned by Maddened, there are some 'NG-worthy' parts in Disc 1, such as thunder rumbling in the background, someone asking Shade to repeat a particular sleight during the explanations, etc. All in all, the video quality is good and clear, Shade's voice can be clearly heard throughout the DVD, but unfortunately the 2 spectators' voices were very soft in contrast. It does have the studio recorded type of feel rather than the budget home-made video category, which is a good thing.

Another great thing about this project is that it encourages the viewer to think and apply 1 sleight for many different uses, rather than scope the viewer to think that a sleight is only used in a particular way just for a particular effect. It will definitely change one's perception of the Second Deal as a 'One Trick Pony' to that of a 'Utility Move'.

That's all for my review of Disc 1. I'll put up my review of Disc 2 in a later post once I've gone through it in greater detail.

AdrianLee

Shade, when will this be for sale?

Thanks for the kind reviews guys. It's good to know that my efforts haven't been in vain. My sincere hope is that anyone who walks away with this set will feel that they got more than their bargain's worth. It should speak for itself.

ChiaWK:
I'm still working out some details. I sent a few copies out for review and feedback so I know I'm not releasing trash into an already messy DVD market. Once I have gathered enough feedback, I should open to pre-orders. Pre-orders will give me a good idea of the number of copies to produce.

But my target schedule is at the moment to open to orders sometime at the end of this month (before December) and ship the orders just after Christmas.

Thanks for all your support guys.

SHADE

Congrats Shade for releasing an excellent dvds on seconds.

Anyway, what I wanted to mention has been mentioned by Maddened and Adrian Lee.

Worth keeping it as a reference. A lot of efforts has gone into the making. Keep it up Shade.

Uncle Bob

Dear all SMCians

I will not attempt to add to what has already been written. I have been given the privilege to take a look inside this piece of work. And I am going to attempt to write a guide of sorts, if you will, for people who are contemplating purchasing it.

What is this DVD
1) This is a two DVD set on purely the Second deal, one of a kind in the market.

2) 1st DVD shows 5 effects, ultilizing 2 variations of the Second Deal, while the 2nd DVD goes through in detail everything you need to know. The details of what's included are found on the website: http://cardshark.sg/secthoughts/


Deeper inside the DVD
1) Shade is an amazing teacher, not only as a profession, but also as a mentor in magic. Those who has attended in SS sessions and RRTCM workshop will atest to that.

2) Those who know Shade personally, and know of his life, will know that whatever he is releasing here means alot to him. But he holds no reservations when he decides to teach something. In here, he goes through just about EVERYthing you need to know about dealing seconds, and they are not things he made up. They are in fact snippets of life experience.


Who this DVD set is for
1) This is not a DVD like many on the market that are marketed for just about everyone. Those that claim that it will bring you from zero to hero within minutes of watchin the DVD, this one is not.

2) This DVD set has a very specific target audience:
a) People who are well versed with card control techniques
B) People who wants to learn the second deal and do it well
c) People whom already know the second deal but wants to improve on it
d) People who knows the second deal and wants to know learn some applications for it.
e) People who have heard of Shade's reputation and would like to see him in action :rolleyes:


Who this DVD is NOT for
1) $80-$100 is a lot of money, even for 2 DVDs. I could buy myself new clothes since Chinese New Year is around the corner.
2) It runs for a total of 2 and 1/2 hours, and sound would rather spend that time watching a movie, Superman Returns for example. I could get myself to changi village for supper and back home in that amount of time.

3) So this is not for you if you are:
a) People who just started in card magic. Not trying to put you off but the techniques taught in this DVd really isn't easy.
B) People who will purchase any DVD just to know the secrets. You will be disappointed as there really isn't any secret here. Second dealing is exactly what you think it is. No point buying something to see something you already know
c) People who wants to learn Second dealing for the purpose of 'exposing' gambling technique, or as a sleight demonstration. This DVD set teaches you how to hide it, not flaunt it.


Final Comments
This DVD is definitely not for everyone. But, if you are going to purchase it, make a commitment to yourself that you will put in the time and effort to practice. Don't let it end up in your junk drawer, I know all of us have one.

In all, Shade is really doing an amazing job with this DVD. The efforts that were put in were evident to people around him.

Personally, I was reaching a plateau in my magic where i felt there wasn't really anything I really wanted to learn, or spend the time practicing. 'Second Thoughts' spurred me on a little to pick up a deck of cards again.

Shade is indeed elavating the level of magic in the local scene, in his own very special way. And as a friend, I am very proud.


Zi An

Thanks for all the kind reviews guys. The DVD set is available for pre-orders now.

SHADE

Congratulations Shade.

Have always enjoyed your cardwork. Not many have the dedication and discipline that you are gifted with. I suspect this is actually the first Dvd of its kind to be launched here. Will definitely be checking this out and oh, let's catch up sometime too.

Wow, thanks for taking the time and effort to write the reviews. That was really helpful. I'll consider whether to get this.

Thanks Nique; that does mean a lot coming from you. :)

Of course we'd catch up soon and make sum noise. Heh.

Shade