Less is More (Trick)

Bill

This is an exceptional effect. Totally worth the purchase. I would say its more of an illusion than a trick. I love the fact that it is super easy to do. The presentation basically performs for you. Its a great way to take control of the audience and keeps them guessing and at the edge of their seat. The reaction from your audience is incredible every time, it just blows you away. Such an incredible feeling. The handmade quality of the wood pieces are fantastic, just as described in the description. It is elegant, yet powerful. I would highly recommend it to all my magician associates.

Moshe

This is not a "trick" in the classic sense at all and the "gimmick" is something that is not at all difficult for someone to figure out. That being said, it is exactly as advertised and with a good explanation/patter it is a very useful tool. I use it as part of an intro to a mentalism/hypnosis routine to convince the audience how malleable the human mind and psyche are. It really is only as good as your explanation of it in situ. When I am too rushed or lazy and don't give it the necessary build-up and backstory/explanation, it falls flat. If I am patient and give it the "gravity" it needs, it is an effect that really amazes, and continues to even after they understand it.

Ben

Because this is not a "trick" per se, I've been interested in this for two reasons 1. I think it's a great way to practice audience management and controlling the climate in the room. 2. I use this in my office conference room as a metaphor for the power of influence in marketing.

Jim

Mike

This is exactly an extremely interesting puzzle and magic trick combined to mess with your mind as well as your spectators. It will definitely interest your audience and are beautiful pieces of wooden art to boot!

Primo

Great table/counter top piece that helps bring up the subject of magic at my shop; Then show/sell them tricks.

Brian

This is such an unusual product because it's not really a magic trick, and yet it is a mysterious object that seems like magic. I honestly didn't think this would work until I tried it on myself and was amazed. Then I started working on patter and doing it for others, finding that they were absolutely astonished as to what was going on. The wooden blocks are good quality, though the "key" block is slightly darker than the other two so it can be noticeable if your spectator gets too much time with. But for me this was a great addition to a routine I was already working on and it's well worth owning.

Charles

Easy to do as it does it all for you. The presentation is KEY. If you follow the instructions and practice just a little, it never fails. Blocks are high quality props, polished wood. The effect looks and FEELS like real magic to the spectator, and in a sense, it is real magic...real magic of the senses and mind. Well worth the price! Highly recommended.

Stephen

I am a neurologist and was blown away by this
It should be a part of our training to help students understand the concept of sensory motor perception
It would be gravest to record muscle activity with an an EMG machine and correlate itt to perceived weight

It might be interesting to have 3 blocks one triple one double and one single to see if it changes perception of the illusion

Richard

First, the box and packaging are impressive! Quality is magnificent! I read the instructions twice because I could not believe it was this easy! So the bottom line is about 15 minutes after I opened the package, I performed it for a friend and was astonished at how powerful her reaction was! I actually had to reassure her there was no supernatural element involved! Thank you!

Glenn

very good instructions even though it wasn't in English. This is a winner and delivers exactly as it promised it would.

Jeff

What fascinating trick of the mind and perception.
You have to experience to understand the brilliance of this baritone and its effect.
You’ll fool yourself !

Chris

I only ordered this this week and it has been delivered aleady;
so quickly, I am a happy bunny.

This item, it's not a trick, looks beautiful and is gorgeous to handle.
I even fooled myself. The fewer you hold, the heavier they become!

Now I am waiting for the right moment for its first outing.

Elad Yoel

I use a lot of illusions in my work to explain how the mind works (I'm a physiotherapist), so this piece, so elegant, so subtle, yet so powerful in giving people the experience of what happens when your expectations aren't met... a wonderful door for a magical talk.
Beautiful magic moment!

Russell

I really enjoyed the quality of these wooden blocks. With the right amount of thought and presentation this could be used more for a showcase piece than some coffee table trick. A+

Tony

This is an amazing illusion and the set is nicely made. I took this to a maths conference and had people wanting to try it for themselves and show it to their friends all weekend. People love it! The illusion is remarkable because even when one knows it is an illusion, it's still effective. It's a little expensive but IMO well worth it!

Rob

This is great! Looks classy and easy to do. I use it in pitches. Highly recommend.

Rob

great product well made and it works great

Bill

This is not a trick...it is an effect. If presented correctly you will slay your audience. No one has heard of the principle this trick is based on. Easy to carry and if you are into acting this will be right up your alley! 5 stars ? No...more like 10 stars! They actually "FEEL" the magic happen in their hands!
My highest recommendation!

Dennis

These wooden blocks are beautiful and the effect is just as stated in the description. These blocks will be part of a show and also when a friend asks for a magical effect.

Babak

Great quality.

Owen

This is one of my favorite illusions, even more so because it is more tactile than visual! I will probably present it to a visually impaired friend in the near future. I am certain that they will enjoy it. As it is, I have taken it with me to work (I work at a particle accelerator laboratory) and fascinated the scientists and engineers here. Most have figured out the mechanism relatively quickly, but they are still amazed! This is a case where even knowing how it works (after the initial shock of experiencing the effect) does nothing to lessen the entertainment value. It is part physical, part psychological and *all magic*!

No sleight of hand necessary, but little showmanship would not go awry.

I like how the pamphlet in the box gives a suggestion on how to present the blocks. Letting the audience handle a block or two beforehand really adds to their amazement in my experience.

I highly recommend this as a conversation piece or for an intimate setting with a friend or two.

Chi Chung

Awesome!

Kenny

I knew the concept and got this because I really enjoy the idea of manipulating someone's mind in a fun way that makes them almost confused as to what is happening. There are several tricks out there with this concept but I was drawn to this one because of the beauty of wood. It's not just the mind trick here, it's the beauty of the props. Not only are they beautiful but they do not induce questions, they are just wood which seems very fair and unassuming. If you're into this sort of thing you'll love these for sure!

William

I’m a wedding toastmaster and MC. I dabble in magic at many of my events but I’m not a regular performer. This item has served me well at wedding fairs as it attracts people into conversation and I use it to show how much my services contribute to total value. I’ve used it at wedding tables with themes like “these 3 blocks summarise the total glamour/talent sitting around this table; let’s see your contribution”. Unlike a magic trick it’s great when people want to see it again and try it.
I’ve used loaded matchboxes to do this illusion but the blocks are beautifully designed and ‘make’ it impressive.

Gary

Definitely an excellent illusion exercising the imagination. I believe presenting magic focused on spectator's imagination results in most believable illusions. Less is More, definitely a great addition to any presentation based on spectators imagination.

Zareh

Christopher

Wow this is amazing. It fools yourself and others badly. This effect will have people wondering what is going on. It's almost spooky how it feels.
It makes no sense to the mind, yet it is so.
Weather it sits on your desk or coffee table as a conversation starter or you use it as an effect you can't go wrong with this.

David

Just received it absolutely stunning
It’s made exceptionally well
I tried it on myself and it was incredible
Who would think the blocks would feel heavier
As you picked up less!! Amazing ??

Christopher

What beautifully crafted, yet simple set of "props" (non-props, really), that produces an equally - if not even more so - beautiful and very rare thing... A TACTILE illusion. We so often fool the eyes, as well as the ears, with all types of illusions, but a tactile illusion isn't something that we can share with audiences very easily or frequently. (And before someone jumps in with sponge balls multiplying in a spectator's hand, I would maintain that isn't technically illusion...) This is a true mind trip, full-on illusion, which is not seen so much as EXPERIENCED. Worth every penny!

Vincent

Less is More is the best version of the Charpentier illusion. You will receive 3 beautiful wooden blocks that will last you a lifetime. Definitely a conversation piece that will mystify all those who experience it. How many magic effects do you know that baffle the magician performing it? Even when you know the secret it is still fooling. What a joy this is to perform. Grab these before they're gone for good. The quality of these is better than anything else on the market. I would highly recommend you also grab a copy of The Magicians Guide To The Baffling Blocks by Ashton Carter for many different presentation ideas to perform this wonderful illusion.

Matthew

You can tell a lot of care went into the creation of this illusion. It looks really nice. The box it comes in is very nice. Best of all printed instructions! Which I love. This is definitely an interesting illusion. It is different than anything else I have. Even after READING the instructions the illusion is still there.

The one down side is I have no idea where I will perform this. I think this will be one of those lovely magic items that doesn’t go in a show but comes out for special guests. Definitely worth the purchase.

Stephen

A straight forward deception with so many options to create your own performance following only a few basic rules. Very flexible to enable you to perform to a variety of audiences and an engaging trick.
Natural wood and therefore sells the innocence of the principle and effect to other members of the audience as well as the person involved.
Nothing else needed, except your patter.
Brilliant and recommend if you perform close up, but don't use as a part of your routine, just put on the table and don't mention it. Your audience will ask about it guaranteed and then you're in as a closer.

Mark

Not sure exactly how or why it works but it does. Bought as a gift for my Brother's in Law, who entertain all the time. Perfect just to sit out and generate conversation. Also, quite attractive to just sit out. I think this is perfect for any spot where people or customers stop by and stand for a bit. This could have been an easy Carbonaro Effect segment.

Stanley C

When I presented my 3 blocks at a party, different people were trying to figure it out, wondering about the specific weights of the blocks. I successfully argued that in this illusion whether the blocks weigh the same or different weights—it doesn’t matter! They are all wood & are the same size. The point is 2 should weigh less than 3 & 1 should definitely weigh less than 3 or 2! Freaked everybody out. One big muscle man even looked under the table for a huge magnet! This invites individual experience. Wonderful interlude to ‘Watch me dazzle you with my cleverness.’

Christopher

I can't begin to tell you how much fun this is. It is so clean and easy, yet it blows people away. It still blows me away, even knowing how it works.

Beowulf

Very satisfied with this purchase. The video instructions are helpful in offering an alternate way to frame the routine that differs from Andi and Josh's already cool handling.

Nathan

I live in Panama City Beach Florida and have been working at Pineapple Willys for 26 years waiting tables and performing magic for my customers.We all have purchased I'm sure thousands of dollars worth of magic.This effect gets the best reactions.I've been telling people that its wood that's been struck by lightning or i bought it from a gypsy. It sets you up for some funny scenarios.Fast shipping and great quality.Its worth the price.Might not seem like it but it is..Who has lightning wood they bought from a gypsy?Vanishing Magic does.

Marien

When I receive this trick. (I live in Canada and it may be held up in Customs)....I will write a review...

Lee

Really great item. It's not really a trick, per se, but a nice item that appears to defy physics. I leave this on my coffee table at home and have fun with friends when they come over. Very well made.

Robert

Love this. Love the principle. Love the simplicity. It truly is what it says it is. And because of its design and structure, it really delivers on the impossible and improbable.

David

Marcus

bill

David

An optical illusion for your mind’s eye.Your eyes are closed, and the completely counterintuitive magic happens—you feel it happen in your own hand—the more you put down the heavier it gets, the more you pick up the lighter it gets! I mean come on!It is an uncanny sensation. And it is 99.99% self working. Effortless.It is true that not Everyone ends up completely blown away by the illusion...That said, it has on the other hand been noticed that, among “certain audiences” the illusion plays SO well, it is by no means a stretch to imagine some unscrupulous Svenjolly using it to start a cult.

Brian

What a beautiful, beautiful product and effect. This is one of those products that for me becomes a keepsake. It's so well crafted the effect is just so weird. I kept trying it and it's just confounding as to how it even happens, but hey, less work for me when I perform it. I see this as well suited for a power of suggestion effect or even some sort of pseudo hypnosis demonstration. For me, effects that involve the spectator and allow them to create the magic are highly prized, and this really fits in really well. I almost never write reviews, but this was worth it for me.

Peter

I've been looking for an effect that I can do for my brother-in-law who has recently become blind. This one is ideal. If you want to ensure that everyone at your show can participate, including those with poor or no eyesight, this is a natural.

Terry

"Less Is More" arrived today.
Great Quality and Beautiful Craftmanship!
It was worth the wait.

Only suggestion: I wish we could purchase an extra wooden block.

Loïc

Beautiful, people keep toying with it in wonder

Bob

For our audiences, this trick will be intriguing. Not shocking. Not causing twenty-somethings on the street or in bars to scream, curse, and/or run away. But rather, causing a feeling of deep personal mystery.

It is a physical/psychological illusion which can be very strong when performed thoughtfully in the proper setting. Could it succeed on stage? Probably. In the parlor? Most likely. Close-up? For certain! It all depends on how you dress it and the seriousness with which you approach it. And because spectators experience the illusion so personally, they'll remember it long after your performance.

The blocks are beautifully made and well worth the price. To the thoughtful performer, this is a great routine to add to the repertoire. And part of the fun will be, in performance after performance, finding the very best way to present it.

Mark

As others have commented, the item is itself is beautiful to look at and hold.

I haven't performed it for other people yet, as it only arrived an hour or two ago, but after reading the instructions, I tried it on myself - simply closing my eyes and following the actions, but without going through the patter, and the effect is real and uncanny.

Very nice!

Richard

This is just terrific! It has confounded both active participants and those observing. Though the trick might be considered "too perfect" presented as suggested, it's not difficult to incorporate a red herring or two. I can't wait to take this into a world where we can congregate again!

Samuel

I just received mine yesterday and they are even better than I expected. The props are beautiful and the effect is one with which you can even fool yourself. While this is not the kind of effect that causes people to say "wow, you are really good." It is the kind of effect to cause people to say "what just happened."
Even if people know how this works, the illusion is so strong that they still feel it. You could leave this on your desk in your office, use it to show that a person is "hypnotized" in a show and many other things.
While this an expensive set of props. You will see why when you get them. From the box, the instructions, and the wonderful props, this is perhaps the most impressive "psychological suggestion" trick in the world.
This could be a great piece to carry with you when you meet with a potential client about gigs. I can assure you that they will be impressed.
Highly recommended,
Sam Lamerson

Brian

I was totally taken in by Doc Eason doing this effect/experience at The Rocky Mountain Session a few years ago. Doc’s set used actual Bicycle card boxes IIRC and he was kind enough to explain it to me.

Ever since, I’ve always wanted to make a set for myself but never got around to it. So when I stumbled across these at VI, I had to order a set as soon as I could - which was an hour or so ago.

So yes I am “reviewing” these before I receive them. But I’m in the reverse situation from most folks asking questions on the edges of the method: the only thing I don’t know for sure is how the actual blocks look and feel in person. From experience, however, I know how discerning (and highly selective) the VI folks are when it comes to selling top-quality stuff - so I am not worried in the least.

If you have never experienced this effect before, I highly recommended you have a friend do it with you as the spectator before you learn what’s going on. This really is something you need to experience yourself to get a good idea of how your spectators will react.

Peter

I received it, I performed it, I love it! So fun to do and confuses peoples minds on physics how less is more weight. I’m tempted to get a second set just so y’all can’t have this ??. Pre order this you won’t regret it, it’s fun to play with .

Craig

When a magic product appears too good to be true, it usually is. This one claimed an impossible effect, with no magnets, suction cups, threads, adhesive, or other similar gimmicks. And it turns out -- it's true. These are just three blocks, and they do what they claim they will. There are no moves to learn, no parts to break, no supplies to replace, no semantics. I don't really understand how it works, but it does. You're not paying for a new invention, but rather a beautiful manifestation of a classic principle most people have never heard of. The best part is, even if someone knows the details, it still works. I would call this more of a presentation piece than a magic trick. I think it would best be used to help establish a vibe about the mind-body connection en route to a more elaborate effect. It's especially great to have your living room or office, to help emphasize what an interesting person you are to visit.

Peter

I have not received it yet but have ordered it. After reviewing the instructions, I can’t wait to get my hands on this and mess with peoples minds. I’m thinking of using a blindfold so they can focus more on the weight since it’s not a visual but mental trick.

Vance

Generally, just what I expected from the description. The only concern is that with my set, at least, the heavy block is clearly a different color stain than the other 2 blocks. I haven’t yet presented to anyone so I’m not sure if they’ll easily detect, but I could pick the heavy block 100% of the time just by looking at it. That certainly creates some risk that the audience will realize something is amiss.

Andreas

It is a beautiful piece of magic, but I doubt most people will use it in a "routine". Maybe related to hypnosis, but not as a standalone trick. That said, I think it is a fantastic thing to have on the dinner table or maybe on a shelf. People can try it out when passing by or you might even tell a story with it. They are beautifully made and look fantastic. One thing I want to point out is: The effect works, but it is no "wtf" moment. More a "ah yeah I can feel it" moment.

Glen

The product is made well and the effect is as described for most people. The price is why I'm only rating it pretty good. I don't feel it was worth the $100

John

It's a great idea that is evidently well-made, but mine not so much so ... with the descriptions of 3 beautifully made blocks, I expected better than what I received. Two issues -
1. Of the three blocks, one is slightly larger in length & width (very obvious when they are stacked). When noticed by a careful observer, the possibility that they are not all the same is more likely to come to mind.
2. Another of the three is not as well made, and seams can be seen on the wood, obviously indicating that it is not a solid piece.
It's disappointing for what they cost... I wish I could get a good matched replacement set.

Jared

I will likely update this review after testing it on people. The quality of the props and what you receive is top notch -- a rarity these days.

If you're looking to learn a new concept in magic, you won't find it here. There's no magnet or suction cup or new technology of any kind. When the description says that block will "feel" heavier, it means exactly that. It won't be heavier, just feel heavier. It's all about suggestion.

The trick seems pretty good to me, so i rated it "pretty good." If I get crazy reactions, I'll update it to something better. Seems more like a puzzle to me (the description calls it that) rather than a magic trick, but perhaps it comes down to performance.

Daniel

I was so excited for this, having performed Ryan Plunket's version, it kills every time I perform that. With that being said the product was well made, but I fear they made the top block way too heavy and the blocks could be a little smaller. I performed this about 30 times before deciding to return it. For the price tag it needs to kill every time! Out of those performances I got very mixed reactions to where the majority of them was that they felt know difference. I even did the other version side by side and got better reactions with the other version. I love the Orange Tree company, having their Butterfly box and Spark 2.0 but have to say this product was a disappointment. Sorry guys, not for me.