"Split Up" by Docc Hilford
Suggested Retail USD$25.00
Available from your favorite dealer
In a Blink: 10 Out of 10

"Split Up", the latest release by the ever-creative Docc Hilford, takes an old plot and twists it just enough to be unique, powerful, and, ultimately, entertaining while retaining all the charm of the original.

It's safe to say anyone reading the description of this one knows that "Split Up" is Hilford's take on the classic "Do As I Do". Hilford, though, upped the ante by adding a prediction to things and just enough strangeness to make this one leave a mark on spectators' minds.

The effect is easy enough to follow and the presentation a cute one. The performer begins by explaining that a friend of his -- a magician, of course -- is splitting up with this girlfriend and that she demanded everything be split evenly, including his cards which she cut with a meat cleaver. At this point, the performer brings out a deck of cards that has been cut in half (giggles follow). The performer goes on to explain that he believes they will get back together and proceeds to show why. The deck is cut in half and the spectator shuffles her half while the performer makes a couple of notes which are set aside. The performer and the spectator both pick a card from their shuffled cards (free choice, here). From there, things start to happen. The two notes predict not only the performer's card, but also the spectator's, but that's neither here nor there: both cards are the same and match precisely. More, the only two halves that match in the entire deck are those of the chosen card.

I have to say I really like this one. First, I love the "Do As I Do" plot. It's engaging and packs a punch when done well. Second, Hilford has given this a bit of an "Overkill" feel to it, with the logical climaxes building easily on each other without stress or strain to credulity.

Third, Hilford has made this a breeze to perform in many circumstances. The set-up is simple, reset happens as the cards are being put away, everything can be examined, it packs incredibly small... All of this makes this one perfect for strolling and close-up situations. Then there's the working, which is beautifully easy and sneaky, and makes use of only a single sleight.

To be honest, that sleight, though incredibly easy, is one that makes a lot of performers cringe. Here, though, Hilford has added so much misdirection at the critical point that pretty much anyone can get away with it. However, Hilford knows his audience and includes two additional handlings: one gets rid of the sleight entirely, the other allows the entire effect to be done hands-off (this last variation is particularly good if you decide to step back and let two spectators do all the work).

More than anything, though, "Split Up" is entertaining and engaging. Women in the audience particularly seem to eat this one up, as you would expect. All in all, "Split Up" packs a lot into a half-deck and the pay-off is handsome.

Do I recommend this one? Big time. The only questions to ask here is if this fits as an act of mentalism or that of magic and, if your answer is mentalism, does the use of cards fit your persona and style. For myself, it plays more as magic (given the presentation) and therefore pretty much anything goes.

Basically, with no practicality issues and no hard work involved, if the theme is attractive to you then you'll find yourself doing "Split Up" often and to great responses. It's an excellent effect to say the least.

"Split Up" by Docc Hilford
In a Blink: 10 Out of 10

Practicality: 10
This one packs very small (a half a deck, for heaven's sake). The set-up is almost non-existant, and the reset is instant. If there is a problem, it's in repeating this with different outcomes, but even that's easily managed. All in all, this is an extremely practical piece of work.

Workmanship: 10
The half-deck here is Bicycle stock and very well done.

Documentation: 10
Hilford outdid himself here. Not only do you get the details of the presentation and routine, he's included different variations to work through (and around) the one sleight used in the routine. Big thumbs up here.

Effect: 10
It's essentially a "Do As I Do" and that always plays very well. Hilford's variation, courtesy of a slick handling and an excellent presentation, take the classic up a notch or three; this is one that will leave a mark.

Presentation: 10
Hilford's verbal presentation is a fun one, but he wins points here for the structure of the routine more than what is said. Hilford's use of multiple small touches add up to a powerful piece of work.



Shane

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