"Suits You" by Steve Bates
Suggested Retail USD$19.00
Available direct from World Magic Shop
In a Blink: 7 Out of 10

"Suits You", a packet trick by Steve Bates, is a good version of "Follow the Leader" with some nice touches worth a look by hardcore packet trick enthusiasts but for the most part falls short.

The effect varies a bit from the traditional plot (see the demo video here) in that nine cards are placed into three piles and the three "leaders" are moved around. This is a neat touch. Another neat touch is the use of non-gimmicked cards to pull this off (the cards are gaffed, but not so casual spectator examination will reveal anything). "Suits You" is also simple enough, relying on basic sleights usually found in packet tricks. But really, after that, you're into familiar ground here.

Think "Counts, Cuts, Moves, and Subtleties" and you get the idea. A turnover here, a false display there, a strip-out someplace else, and you're done.

Like the other WorldMagicShop release, "Gobsmacked", this is one that would be worth it in a book or on a disc, collected with other material, but on its own, it's weak.

First up, the handling is loaded with finger-flinging. That's to be expected, what with no gimmicks and being a packet trick, but there's nothing new here. In fact, it feels somewhat pedestrian. As I watched this, I got the feeling I was watching something from Mentzer's "Packet Tricks". I wasn't far off.

Second, there's just not much "there" here. There really needs to be something here -- a backfire sequence, maybe; I'm not sure, really -- to take this up a level and make it a worthy addition for everyone to consider. And there ain't.

Think of it this way: if you like the plot and can't work a way of doing it yourself, then "Suits You" is probably worth a look. If you can, then what you came up with is probably just as good as what you get here.

In the end, it's worth a look at if you're really, really into packet tricks; if you're not, this one is likely to disappoint you. It brings little to the table that other packet tricks haven't done before, and certainly the theme is common enough that other version may suffice. That makes it hard to recommend other than to the die-hard packet trick types (like yours truly).

"Suits You" by Steve Bates
In a Blink: 7 Out of 10

Practicality: 10
It's a packet trick, but it overcomes the typical drawbacks. It uses duplicate cards so bringing out them is less suspicious. The cards are gaffed but not gimmicked (think "Color Monte" here). Reset is a breeze. Lots going for it in the Practical Department.

Workmanship: 10
The cards are on Bicycle stock. That explains that.

Documentation: 5
The documentation is good enough, as is the DVD. No worries here; it's the least you'd expect from a good trick.

Effect: 5
It's "Follow the Leader" with a couple of neat touches. It plays, not more than anything else out there.

Presentation: 5
"Suits You" could be cleaner in the handling, but otherwise there are not serious problems here; it's just lacking in power. Work with it a bit, come up with your own ideas, and this could be something more.

Shane