Back Twist by Mathieu Bich

Hi folks

I first met Mathieu Bich some 10 years ago at the IBM British Ring Convention in Scarborough.  Since then, I have had the pleasure of meeting him on a number of occasions and have watched in wonder countless times as he has performed effects that his brilliantly creative mind has created.  He is one of the performers who fooled Penn and Teller on their ITV series earlier in the year but I'd like to tell you a wee story about one of the first things he ever showed me.

One night, in the hotel bar, Mathieu was performing a few things for some folk.  I managed to catch the last piece that he performed.  He crouched down so everyone could look down on what he was doing and showed 4 blue backed cards.  It looked like he was performing a version of Lee Asher's "Asher Twist" as, one at a time, each of these blue backed cards turned red backed.  We all thought "that's an interesting idea".  We all thought we knew what he was doing and what he was using to accomplish the effect.  But little did we know that he was leading us down the garden path and about to turn the hose on us as once each of those blue backed cards had turned red, he turned them over to show 4 aces!  Where had the blue backs gone?  Seriously, where the smeg were they???  Mathieu was not for tipping the method that night.

Have a wee look at the trailer for it above...

Now, some 10 years later, we can finally discover the ingenious method to this wonderful effect as Mathieu has finally released it under the title "Back Twist" (when you click on the link you will also be able to see a video of the effect itself).  I am tempted to ask you not to buy it as I want to be the only one to have it but I don't think Mathieu would appreciate it.  It is a phenomenal piece.  I am not one for buying "tricks" as such but I will certainly be buying this one!  I think you should do too.

Go on and treat yourself - it's nearly Christmas!

Speak soon.

The Cardman :-)

POSTSCRIPT
Mathieu e-mailed me a couple of days ago letting me know that he has posted a video with the handling that I saw him perform all that time ago.  So, have a wee watch at this and allow your brain to hurt - lots!