Black Door Pro by Riccardo Berdini

Apparently, a bunch of big names are into this. Banachek, Daniel Garcia, Paul Vigil, all giving it thumbs up. Diamond Jim Tyler even joked about keeping it quiet, probably hoping no one else catches on. Classic.

Black Door Pro looks like a regular black envelope, but it's got a trick up its sleeve. Stick a card, billet, or note inside, hand it over, and it changes like it's got a mind of its own. The secret compartment locks with magnets, so your audience can poke around without finding a thing. You can use it to force, switch, vanish items, or even as a two-way out. It's popped up on shows like America's Got Talent, so it's not just me saying it's got a bit of clout.

These envelopes are made from Tyvek now, which means they won't fall apart after a few shows. You get two of them, and Riccardo Berdini explains it all in a 90-minute video. He even throws in a bit where he reads a serial number on a borrowed bill, which is a nice touch. There's also a bank night effect that predicts choices and changes of mind. It's full of little nuances that seem to get people going. Took me a while to see why everyone loves it, but there it is.

Here's what you can muck about with:

• 50/50 Prediction
• Back Night Routine
• Bill Switch
• Serial Number Divination
• Card Force
• Q and A
• Magazine Test
• Lacuna Effect
• Mind Reading
• Add a Number

The envelopes are small (70mm x 113mm) and easy to carry around, whether you're on stage or just showing off at the pub. And if you care, the black colour does look pretty sharp. Comes with two envelopes and the video, so you're not left scratching your head wondering what to do next, unlike when I first started out.