The first printing of this sensational 224-page photo book sold out immediately. Now, Often Rarely that Simple is finally available again in limited quantities as part of the celebration for the launch of another Alex Hansford gem: Missing Almost Every Thing.
Inside this gorgeous hardcover book you’ll find eight meticulously-crafted routines, as well as their diverse variations. This celebration of direct, attractive and fooling card magic was inspired by the early work of the Buck Twins (Dan & Dave Buck), Guy Hollingworth and Ernest Earick. There are no gimmicks or duplicates used. It’s purely sleight of hand with a single deck of cards
This perfect blend of effects progresses from intermediate to advanced and offers something for everyone. There’s everything from hands-off effects to visually-stunning, technically-complex routines.
Of course, as you’ve come to expect from The NEAT Review, the production quality of the book itself is unrivaled. The unique photo-learning experience makes Often Rarely That Simple as much a collectible work of art as it a manual of remarkable card trickery. This beautiful linen hardback is a breathtaking addition to any library.
Contents of Often Rarely That Simple
Control the First
This astounding variation of the multiple card control plot is a total fooler. Your audience watches as, one by one, you place all four Aces back in distinctly different parts of the deck. Then, with a single shuffle, it is revealed that all four Aces have been brought to the top of the deck. By cleverly combining multiple methods, and then layering them on top of a novel false shuffle (being taught here for the first time), Alex ensures that nobody stands a chance of following how this is done.
Control the Second
A versatile and powerful in-the-hands card control that can be done with any amount of cards. With just one riffle shuffle, you can control 4, 5, 6, or even 10 cards to the top of the deck. No breaks or crimps needed. You can take a four-of-a-kind, royal flush, or even multiple selected cards, and place them out-jogged throughout the deck. They're fairly squared and then, as the deck is dribbled from hand to hand, the cards are controlled to the top of the deck.
The Limestone Yearbook
This brilliant take on the Spectator Cuts to the Aces Plot is a perfect glimpse into the genius of Alex Hansford. The Aces are seen to be widely spread throughout the deck as you spread it face-up on the table. You then neatly square the deck, place it face down, and your participant still manages to find the four Aces. No second deals. No bottom deals. No palms.
Faro Multiple Shift
The name says it all. You place the four Aces openly into different parts of the deck and dribble the cards from hand-to-hand to prove there are no breaks or crimps. Then, under the guise of a Faro shuffle, the Aces are controlled to the top of the deck.
Traveling as You Please
Alex has wonderfully blended a 19th-century Hofzinser plot with a classic 1970’s Paul Harris idea to create a fun and amazing crowd pleaser. You set the Aces on the table and have a chosen card lost in the deck. Despite the Aces never coming near the deck, one of them manages to cleanly vanish from the pack. The deck is immediately spread to reveal the Ace of Hearts is face-up in the middle. While still reversed in the center, this Ace transforms into their chosen card (let’s say it’s the 7 of Hearts). As an extra kicker, the other Aces are now revealed to have changed into other three 7’s.
Alternate Handlings
Suggestions and variations on the above effects based on months-long discussions and jam sessions with Andrew Frost, Justin Higham, and Bradley Hodgins.
Two Card to Pocket Methods
These two fresh new spins on very rare, long-forgotten methods for card-to-pocket are bonafide magician foolers.
Being Change and Back
A quick-fire routine where two jaw-dropping invisible color changes happen in quick succession. The first phase is in your hands and the next one is in theirs
