Howard Hamburg – The D Notes

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“Many have asked me to share insights into the art of magic and personal anecdotes about my dear friend Dai Vernon, who enriched my life from 1970 until his passing in 1992. I’m excited to present some of my favorite effects.” – Howard Hamburg

This beautifully crafted booklet is divided into two parts. The first part offers a captivating personal and historical narrative of Howard’s journey as a friend and student of Dai Vernon, featuring stories and photographs that are rarely seen within the magic community. Howard’s storytelling will engage you just as it did those in the lecture room, including the touching tale behind the title of his booklet, “D.” I won’t spoil it, but it’s one of the most heartfelt and revealing stories about Dai Vernon I’ve ever encountered.

The second part is where the magic happens! You’re in for a delightful experience. I only wish you could have witnessed the performance live, as we were all thoroughly amazed by Mr. Hamburg. His routines reflect years of mentorship and experience with the master and his contemporaries at the Magic Castle. Each routine is designed to entertain and astonish your audience without being overly complex. Howard’s magic is grounded in reality, ensuring that spectators leave feeling joyfully deceived. My personal favorite is “Hidden Prediction,” a clever masterpiece that unfolds right before your audience’s eyes, delivering a surprising and delightful conclusion. I’m certain you’ll enjoy exploring this gem, “D.” (written by Jack Carpenter)

Featured Effects:

• Hidden Prediction: After a series of cuts and shuffles, five cards appear to be randomly chosen. The total value of these cards matches the amount of change placed on the table before the trick began.
• Perfect Poker: A spectator shuffles a “straight” poker hand into the deck. Under fair conditions, the magician deals the hand to himself, repeating the process while explaining a center deal.
• Taste of Curry: Two packets of ten cards are offered to a spectator in A-10 order. One packet is secured with a rubber band and placed in a pocket, while the other is mixed. In the end, both packets match perfectly.
• Clipped: An ambitious card effect where the top card is marked with a paper clip and visibly rises to the top of the deck. The clipped card is handed to a spectator, yet it still rises to the top, creating a captivating in-the-hands transposition.
• Aces Galore: A card is freely selected and lost in the deck. The magician elegantly produces an Ace, followed by all four Aces, with the selection sandwiched between two of them.