It’s Saturday at 9:00, which means it’s time for the Monster Magic Saturday Show. A chilly morning on the water, but still perfect for reviews. First, a big happy 60th birthday to Wolf Krueger.
The Pinnacle by Joel Dickinson (£85.99)
Joel Dickinson’s The Pinnacle transforms the concept behind Joshua Jay’s Balance into a practical close-up routine using everyday objects.
You balance a highlighter on your finger, then stack a card box, a playing card, a matchbox, and finally a match on top—an escalating, visual sequence that ends with everything toppled by a blow.
The set includes a real, working highlighter, a matchbox, a few small attachments, and protective cards. Joel’s clear 30-minute tutorial covers setup, small bits of prep, variations, and performance handling. Once assembled, the effect is nearly self-working; the key skill is selling the illusion of genuine concentration as you “balance” each object. Cleanup is simple but involves resetting each item individually.
It’s a strong opener, great for drawing attention at tables or trade shows, clean, angle-proof, and memorable.
https://monstermagic.co.uk/products/the-pinnacle-by-joel-dickinson
Synchronous by Javier Natera (£12.99)
Synchronous is a streamlined, gimmicked take on the classic “Do As I Do” routine.
After shuffling, the spectator splits the deck, performs a series of guided under-the-table actions, reverses a card, and returns it. Both packets are spread to reveal matching reversed cards—then the effect is repeated with no further handling of your deck.
The method trades some of the classic plot’s freedom for subtleties that still feel spontaneous when presented well. The half-hour tutorial by the two Javiers is clear and friendly, teaching several handling options along with a gimmick-free version.
The included gimmick limits you to red-backed cards, though the backs aren’t openly displayed. Cleanup is explained, though Javier rarely uses it in real performances. It’s a strong piece, leaning slightly toward magician-fooling territory.
https://monstermagic.co.uk/products/synchronous-by-javier-natera
Segment: “What Do I Know?” — Handling Performance Nerves
To manage shaky hands, clench and release your fists to diffuse adrenaline. More importantly, avoid inflating the moment—your goal is simply to share something you enjoy. Friends and family want you to succeed; even if you slip or accidentally reveal something, it’s not catastrophic.
Adopting a light persona can help reduce self-consciousness, and selecting simple, self-working tricks removes technical pressure—effects like Out of This World, 10-Card Poker Deal, Gemini Twins, and many others hit hard without demanding precise sleights. Practice by speaking your patter out loud, not just silently, and rehearse with your gaze directed away from your hands.
Pocket Miracle by Alex Zhan & TCC (£25.99)
Pocket Miracle is a deceptive matching prediction using a freely shuffled deck and an envelope containing a single odd-backed card. The spectator deals cards into your hand and stops anywhere; the card they stopped at matches the one in the envelope. A blank-deck kicker and an optional drawing duplication can be added.
The method is remarkably simple and elegant—one of those solutions that feels like it must have been discovered by accident. The move is motivated, bold, and invisible with proper timing.
Cards are ungimmicked; you only use standard decks plus the envelopes, paper clips, and small provided components for optional add-ons. Everything ends clean, and the envelope never feels suspicious.
https://monstermagic.co.uk/products/pocket-miracle-by-alex-zhan-and-tcc-magic
Color Spot Monte by Murphy’s Magic (£10.50)
A refreshed version of the classic “Color Spot Monte,” you display three cards: two with blue spots and one with red. The spectator repeatedly guesses wrong—top, middle, bottom—losing “money” each time. The finale reveals a green card with a pound sign as the unexpected climax.
The packet includes multiple currencies, raised/embossed spot cards, and subtly marked backs for orientation. Handling is simple, with light moves such as a push-through alignment. The 20-minute tutorial covers the routine phase by phase. The effect is story-driven and benefits enormously from lively presentation.
https://monstermagic.co.uk/products/colour-color-spot-monte-by-murphys-magic
That’s the show for this week. Thanks for watching and for helping the channel reach 2,000 subscribers. Leave your thoughts or questions for the next “What Do I Know?” segment. Until next week—grab some magic and have fun with the best hobby in the world.