Five Roads to Vegas by Michael Breggar

Michael Breggar, renowned for his “Auto-Magic” column in The Linking Ring, focuses on delivering professional, practical magic that minimizes sleight of hand. He believes that while self-working magic allows performers to focus on their presentation, the tricks themselves must be clever, layered, deceptive, and entertaining. Performance takes precedence over method.

This collection, Five Roads to Vegas, features reimagined versions of the most popular tricks from Breggar’s column, alongside new effects published for the first time. The title effect, originally featured in Genii Magazine, has proven to be a successful opener in various professional performances. Each effect is accompanied by detailed descriptions and engaging patter, allowing you to adapt them to your unique style.

What’s Inside?

• The Five Roads to Vegas: A captivating opener with audience involvement. You act as a Vegas croupier, dealing cards to five spectators. As they call “STOP,” the cards they select form a royal flush, which you have predicted in advance. To add to the surprise, the remaining cards in the deck are blank!
• Three Numbers and a Lady: A triple prediction effect that cleverly addresses the common weakness of the third prediction, culminating in an unexpected twist.
• Coin-Seyan Economics: A humorous lecture on Global Economics that transitions into a stunning multi-phase prediction effect, perfect for stand-up and stage performances.
• Drawing on Emotions: Michael’s go-to drawing duplication effect for parlor and stage, easily adaptable for close-up performances. It feels organic and direct, avoiding the typical “trick” vibe.
• A Principle in Search of an Effect: A straightforward prediction effect that showcases a lesser-known principle with Gilbreath DNA, inviting readers to unleash their creativity.
• Monopoly-S-P: A delightful mentalism routine inspired by classic board games.
• Self-Fulfilling Prophesy: Elevates Bill Simon’s “Prophesy” move, performed entirely in the spectator’s hands without sleight of hand.
• Three Spies and the Extraction: A narrative-driven performance piece that brings the “Self-Fulfilling Prophesy” to life, complete with an engaging spy story.
• Absolutely ACAANY: A self-working “Any Card at Any Number” effect that has garnered exceptional feedback. Additionally, Breggar shares three never-before-published sleight-free ACAAN versions. The book concludes with two insightful essays on the philosophy of sleight-free magic and its significance in the art form.