Hi all, here's my experience of the Workshop on Second Thoughts on the Second Deal by Shade:

The content of the workshop was worked in a manner such that it catered to those who owned the DVD and those who do not. Thus, despite having the DVD, I still felt that I got a lot out of the workshop.

The teaching of the second deal provided an opportunity for me to review my second deal, sort of like having a mental check list to see that I have the correct technique and how it can be further improved. There was a video camera used to show the close-up of Shade's hands and the deck on screen. I thought that the teaching was clear. Shade even covered details on how to deal thirds, fourths and fifths (I can't remember if this was taught in the DVD, I think it's an extra for the workshop only).

I liked the effects taught: practical and strong; after watching the effects, I immediately thought that these were effects I would want to add into my repertoire. The effects were presented as a set that could be performed one after the other and this provided me with the opportunity to study the way in which the entire set was routined together - valuable food for thought!

Shade also briefly shared on variations on the Zarrow and other card controls. Most of these are not found on the DVD.

Lastly, Shade also provided notes for the workshop which covers the effects taught. I thought that the instructions were very well written and clear. There should be little difficulty in following it. Point to note: The notes were provided for free! Shade is very generous and sincere in teaching the material to the extent that I think he forgot to promote his own DVD. =P It's very unlike lectures nowadays which often promote products at the expense of teaching time.

Thus, all in all, the workshop was a very good one. For those who didn't get the chance to attend it, hopefully it'll be offered again in the future.

I think that Jonathan already covered most of the points so I would just mention a few other things. The workshop I felt was too generous. There were many interesting routine and moves that were taught in the lecture. Definitely a lot more than what was advertised. Despite having already learnt the move from the DVD, I have learnt a lot more uses, application and subtleties of the second deal. I felt the workshop was a little rushed and that there should be more time for individual practicing or even less content. The workshop really complemented the DVD, highlighting common mistakes on the second deal and providing additional content to those who have the DVD to work on. The small size of the class really aided learning though the classroom could have been slightly bigger.

The only thing that was missing from the workshop was the sale of the DVD. To those that were there and were amazed by the applications on the second deal but found it too fast, get the DVD. There is a lot more of additional content and you can take your time to rewind and play again to learn the nuances of the second deal.

Actually, the DVDs were on sale at the workshop, but no one seemed to asked about it.

But either way, if you are interested in purchasing the DVD, please contact Shade. The email address can be found on the lecture notes you received.

ZiAn

Thanks to everyone who took the time and effort to come by. I know Ulu Pandan CC isn't exactly the most central location, but they have been by far one of the most supportive places I know.

We owe Danny Dunsford (Ulu Pandan CC) a great debt of gratitude for his support and help in getting the room and future collaborations! (Hope you're reading this pal).

Anyway, I do apologise for the rush - I was trying to cover more material but I suppose I did go a little too fast at times in my enthusiasm. I hope everyone who attended took something home with them. I welcome any email/feedback from all the attendees.

Finally, thanks go out to:

1) All the Mods who have - in spite of their damn busy schedules - given so much to make this happen.

2) IBM attendees - it's always good to have you guys with us for our events.

3) Peter - Great of you go pop by! Your insights and feedback are always so valuable and great food for thought!

4) Enrico - your little green pad was the highlight of the evening!

5) Uncle Bob - for simply being there even when you didn't have to be! :D

6) SMC members - you guys are the reason we still bother.

7) Shawn (camera guy) and Jonathan (video guy) - won't be the same without you.

Take care all until the next one.

SHADE

PS: I did bring a few DVDs, but my purpose that night was sharing; not sales. I didn't think it was necessary to plug it. If you're interested in getting one, just email me (do identify yourself from the workshop); I'd be more than happy to let you have one at a special rate of $60.

To be honest, this is my 1st workshop :rolleyes: and I really enjoyed the workshop ^_^

Overall the materials delivered are more than what it was promised before.

It's a little unfortunate that the time is a little bit to tight. With added time, I'm sure everybody will have more chances to practice a while longer while Shade, and all the mods can help to correct little mistakes here and there.

I find that Shade's teaching is clear enough for a beginner like me. I seriously never dealt second before :unsure:

That, with additions of Zi An and Adrian who also helped to see our works really are another good points for the workshop.

At the end of the workshop, I could not join the chit chat and supper time. I wish I could be there too :rolleyes: but then again, given that there's something i must do afterwards, maybe next time :)

So i want to thank Shade and all the mods who deliver this wonderful workshop. Hope there'll be more in the future.


Another thing, i want to thanks Uncle Bob, for still remembering me ^_^ even though it's almost 2 years ago.


Thanks again everybody.

I guess nobody will doubt that it was a rewarding working.

For those who came, and those who had bought the DVD, the next gathering, you are more than welcome to come show off what you have practiced. We may even have a session specially for those who has the DVD or went for the gathering just to get together and talk about seconds.

This time round though, there will be no teaching of specific effects or what not. Just for people to get together and session on their second deal.

So from now till then, do pick up your deck of cards and start practicing.


Zi An

I've added a post on my BLOG with the photos of the event.

Feel free to take a look at http://blog.cardshark.sg

Shade