General Magic

Impromptu mentalism with nothing but a pen and your business card! Based on an effect by the remarkable Max Maven. You write something on the back of your business card and set it aside. You give your participant three imaginary coins. She chooses one and then flips it into the air. She tells you whether it landed heads or tails up. You turn over your card, revealing that you wrote which coin she would choose and its orientation.

This ebook has been rewritten in much more depth, with a lot more of the thinking and philosophy behind the routine.

"Assertive Positive Negative" has been my all-time best seller. The appealing aspects of the routine: It's an anytime, anywhere impromptu miracle with NO set-up, NO extra props besides any scrap of paper and a writing implement (both of which can be borrowed), NO sleight-of-hand, NOTHING to clean up or ditch!


QUOTES

"Scott, GREAT thinking on that Assertive Positive Negative!" - Ron Bauer

"There is a great effect on Max Maven's DVD called Positive/Negative that over the years has taken on quite a life of its own. In Max's version you were always right but half the time you couldn't give away the prediction. Scott Guinn has come up with the best solution I have read and I have read and tried many of my own. It is structured into the routine in such a way that it actually improves it no matter the outcome. Bravo, and thank you, Scott!" - Dr. Bill Cushman

"Assertive Positive Negative is brilliant!" - Richard Webster

"How many people can truthfully say that they have improved a method by Max Maven? Well, Scott Guinn can because he really has!" - Richard Busch

"Scott Guinn's Assertive Positive Negative is wonderful. It is quite a bargain and the effect is top-notch." - Elliott Bresler

"Performed Assertive Positive Negative this morning. Killed with it. Thought it'd get good reactions, and it got GREAT reactions." - Mike Ince

"I was never able to warm to the original version of Positive Negative. Probably because I always wanted to hand out my business card. Scott fixed that. His changes may seem small to some but for me he transformed it into a routine I will do always." - Dan McLean

"I can say APN is a clever twist that allows you to hand out the revelation card for the spectator to keep. I really like this." - Christopher Carey

"Another winner from Scott. I always liked the idea of Max's trick but always felt it had one weakness. Scott's lateral thinking has removed the weakness and made me want to add this to my performing repertoire." - Andi Peters

"This effect is worth the money and has become one of my favorites. I would highly recommend that you do yourself a favor and buy this." - Brett Bauscher

Here it is! The routine that earned Scott a worldwide reputation...

With just three sponge balls, a purse frame and a "special something" (readily available from virtually any magic dealer), Scott has created a routine that is fun, charming, and extremely commercial. It has proven to be mystifying and tremendously entertaining for audiences of all ages, and has garnered praise from laymen and big name magicians alike. Many magicians have said that this is the best sponge ball routine EVER!

Thoroughly explained along with photo-illustrations, this routine teaches a couple of utility moves you might not have come across before. But it is the construction and presentation of the routine that really makes it something special.

Without a doubt, this is Scott's favorite and most-performed routine. Order it now and you'll see why!

Level: Easy-intermediate

Your sponge routine is funny, it’s fun and it fools. It’s the closest thing to a perfect routine I’ve ever seen. - Brett Bauscher

This is probably the most entertaining and magical routine you can do with sponge balls. Once you get it down you will have a routine that you’ll love performing. - Frank Galia

I LOVE Peanut, Butter, and Jelly! - Dan Fleshman

Your sponge ball routine is charming and commercial; just terrific! - Paul Green

“Peanut, Butter & Jelly” is a solid routine and very entertaining. - Guy Camirand

Wonderful sponge ball routine and flawless Aldo Colombini impression!- Dean Dill

PB&J is excellent. I like that it finishes off with a vanish of the balls and you’re reset. - Paul Preston

I can vouch for Scott’s PB&J sponge ball routine. Very nicely structured. - Geoff Williams

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: this is the best sponge ball routine EVER! Scott’s routining and subtle convincers are just amazing. I’ve had to start carrying it in my pocket wherever I go as it is my most requested effect. - Burt Yaroch

What makes this handling of the sponges better than most is the way Scott has structured it. He starts clean, and when the balls vanish at the end, they are GONE! Best of all, the reset is instant. - Victor Brisbin

I saw Scott perform this routine on stage at an adult show and kill with it. I’ve seen Scott do this close-up at a restaurant, for kids and for adults. It is really amazing how much magic and amusement for a whole array of venues you can get out of one routine. - Darrin Cook

That's a GREAT sponge ball routine--VERY commercial!" - Marvin Roy (Mr. Electric)

"Peanut, Butter & Jelly" is one of the best sponge routines I've ever seen!" - Aldo Colombini

"The sponge ball routine is perfect. Thanks again for a great work of art." - Merritt Ambrose

The Cups and Balls is probably the most-performed effect in magic's long history. However, it is rarely seen by the public these days, especially by table-hopping close up performers. Table-hopping magicians aren't willing (or able) to dedicate so much precious pocket space to one effect.

Scott developed this routine with the Table-Hopping environment in mind. It sacrifices less pocket space and the table room required is minimal.

In addition to significantly fewer props, by eliminating one cup and two balls, the routine is easier for the audience to follow - there is more clarity of effect.
Other important points are:
- It can be done standing or seated.
- It can be performed surrounded.
- There are no false transfers.
- There is no sleeving or topiting.
- It resets quickly and easily

Best of all, the routine is hard hitting and very magical. And it isn't limited to table-hopping venues! Scott also performs this with full sized cups in a variety of different performing conditions!

If you work in the real world…this is definitely worthy of your consideration.

Level: Easy to intermediate

An extremely valuable contribution to cups and balls literature. Attainable by the amateur in terms of difficulty, and simultaneously Feng Shui in terms of structural and logistical integrity. There are no rough spots. Its value far outweighs its cost. - Ron Giesecke

I purchased your Table-Hopping Cups & Balls. Great Work! I am going to start using your two cup routine mixed with my my own version. - Merritt Ambrose

The cups and balls by Scott is fantastic.For me it is the most practical cups and balls routine. Two cups, a ball, a wand, no difficult moves and plenty of surprises. - Chappelly

Scott's finger ring and string routine flows along in a harmonious blend of magic!


A string is held at both ends and the loop is dipped into a purse clasp (coin purse with no bag). When the string is lifted out of the clasp, a ring is dangling from the loop! The ring penetrates off the string only to be found on your finger. More magical antics ensue, the routine building as each phase gets progressively stronger. Finally, the ring vanishes back into the purse clasp from whence it came. You are clean and reset to perform the routine again if necessary.

This is strong, commercial, practical magic with ordinary items. Pure sleight of hand accomplishes the powerful magic, but it's nothing difficult to learn. This is a routine you'll be proud to include in your performing arsenal. A great routine for all skill levels and virtually any close-up performing situation!

Great Scott's Symphony for Ring & String is an instant download eBook of 26 pages. The routine is fully explained in Scott's well-known thorough, clear style, and the written instructions are accompanied by 38 large photos to make learning a breeze. For only $10, it's a great value.

Scott, your download "Symphony for Ring and String" is excellent . My personal favorite phase was when a empty loop from a string is dipped into a purse frame and a ring appears in the loop. The beauty part of Scott's routine is that you can take any phase and incorporate it into your own routine. The best part though: the instructions! They're very clear and easy to follow, and to help, every critical hand position is shown with photos. Scott, I am a very big fan of ring and string yours is a must! - Vinny Marini, The Godfather of Magic

"Symphony for Ring & String" is yet another example of a man that knows his magic. This manuscript is clear, well designed and absolutely walks you through every moment of the effect. Great Scott's work is some of the only work out there that doesn't necessarily need a dvd to be better illustrated. You can see he takes great pain in making things concise and comprehensible. Simply put, it all just makes good sense. I'll be working on this one and I recommend that you do as well. It really looks like a lot of fun, and if it's a lot of fun for me, it's going to be a blast for all those that I show it to! Just good magic through and through from Scott. His books should be on every magic shelf; cards, coins, closeup, whatever--he's done it and done it good. - Marion Boykin

One of the best parts of this download is that you can take it with your and practice anywhere -- not possible with DVDs. Scott's attention to detail and fine photos mean you can learn these moves, not just think about them. He offers a couple of moves I already knew but hadn't done because I didn't believe they would impress a spectator. Now I see that they will. Scott's material is always "real world" stuff. - Ken Muller

Another routine that has helped to earn Scott's reputation, both in the magic community and with lay-audiences. Combining some well known moves with some that will be new to you, this is a multi-phased routine where a solid metal ring magically penetrates on and off an ordinary rope. The penetrations become progressively more clean and amazing, leading up to a killer finale!


The ring and rope are completely unprepared and may be examined.The ring is never just put on or taken off the rope--it goes on magically, and then it comes off magically. It is also modular, so you can do the whole thing or any series of phases--stop anywhere along the way.

This routine is perfect for strolling or table-hopping, but is still visible and mystifying for parlor and platform shows! And while this may well turn out to be one of your strongest performance pieces, it's not difficult. Once you learn the sequence, if you want to you can perform it impromptu with a lady's bracelet and a borrowed length of cord or rope!


A feature routine that is not just the "same old, same old".

Level: Intermediate

I picked up Scott's Ring & Rope Routine and am not sorry. Though I'm a mentalist at heart, I love performing for kids - but this is so good, I'm wondering if I could slip it into my mentalism act somehow. - Chet Cox

Check out Scott Guinn's ring and rope routine. A great routine that blends one move into the next very magically. - Leo Reynolds, Jr.

Scott Guinn has a fantastic ring and rope. I love it. In researching these types of routines, I was often disappointed that most routines looks like a series of knot "puzzles," and didn't look very magical. This was not the case with Scott's routine. The routine has multiple phases (I use 6-7 of them), each with very magical penetrations on and off the rope.Give this routine a try. - Corbett Troyer

Great Scott's Ring and Rope Routine is an excellent multi-phase routine. - Harv Sweetman

I think I have just about every ring and rope routine in print or on tape/DVD. Scott's is my favorite. I just love magic that's visual and can be done for anyone, anywhere - and the routine really moves along with no confusing knots and such. - Ron Reid

Learn Scott’s Ring and Rope Routine! It works for any venue (even one-on-one), can be performed nearly surrounded (or fully surrounded if you are daring and aware of angles, as your body can provide cover at vulnerable points), the length can be adjusted as needed, and the routine simply leaves spectators/participants in knots, especially if you make it a point to casually let them handle the ring at some point. And it's fun to do! - Paul Menzel

Scott’s ring and rope routine plays close-up, parlor, and even stage. Each time, the ring goes off or on magically --you never just put the ring on or take it off to set up an effect-- which is logically consistent, economical (fewer moves), and just plain good routining. I'm going to add this to my restaurant repertoire -if you do mini linking rings, you already have the ring you need. The props are compact, but the effect plays up off the table and is visible to large groups. Learn this, and you're always ready, regardless of the venue. - Darrin Cook

This is quite possibly THE SINGLE STRONGEST ROUTINE in Scott's arsenal! A clean, magical, and effective Bill in Lemon routine that is audience tested and approved!

A spectator's dollar bill (verified as the same bill at every step of this process) is identified, such that everyone in the audience knows it is HIS bill. The bill is then openly (no envelopes) burned by the same spectator. Another spectator has been holding a package since before the show started. He brings it forward. The first spectator opens it and removes its contents: some napkins, a lemon, and a knife. The spectator cuts the lemon in half and from its center he removes HIS BILL!

New, updated manuscript, with a much more in-depth explanation, full presentation, theory behind the routine, and alternate ending. 24 pages, photo illustrations

A real winner! They'll talk about this one (and YOU) for a very long time!

Level: Easy

Bottom line, its 24 pages greatly details Scott's routine, covers every nuance, every joke and all the psychology behind the effect. That's one of the things I like about Scott's work, he, like myself, believes that the performance and psychology of magic are key elements in being a true magician. If you presently perform a "Bill in (fill in the fruit)", have ever thought about it, or are looking for a strong effect to close your stage act with then check this one out; I know you won't be disappointed. - Hank Morfin

I saw Scott conclude a show for several hundred with this effect, and it killed. He got plenty of laughs, and something that isn't mentioned in the write-up is that by having several people play different roles (holding the lemon, the knife, writing the serial number) in separate parts of the audience, he moved the effect from the stage and into the audience, in a way that involved the entire audience. Interacting with several different audience members makes the effect play large and provides plenty of opportunity to get laughs.It is also important that Scott shares his reasons for why he does what he does, and carefully analyzes the pros and cons of various approaches (e.g. signed vs. unsigned, envelope or not, torn corner identification, and so on). Even if you don't go with Scott's approach, or decide to modify it, it will be because you have thought through the effect and the ramifications of various approaches. This is a strong routine, is very thorough, and for the price, I don't see how you could beat it. - Darrin Cook

I love your bill to lemon routine. It is just so darn practical! I love the idea of identifying the bill as it is burning. And the fact that you don't use envelopes. It really blows my mind how magicians buy $400 bill to lemon routines, when there is gold like this routine available for 10 dollars! Brilliant work, my friend! What you will find here is a highly entertaining effect, with some very solid routining. I must admit, I currently use another marketed bill to lemon routine in my parlour act. After reading Scott's manuscript, I've decided that I'm changing to his routine. This is the way BTL should be performed. Here are some key points to remember..
*The lemon is handed out prior to the bill being borrowed
*The spectator cuts open the lemon themselves
*The bill is identified so that the spectator is certain that the bill is his! (There is a subtlety that Scott utilizes during the burning of the bill that is priceless. My absolute favorite part of the routine.)
Bottom line... Buy this now! This is my first experience with Scott's work, and it certainly will not be my last. Excellent job Scott! Keep up the great work! - Aaron Smith

This is a very strong routine and for $10 it's a real bargain! Scott goes into lots of depth and covers details that can only be learnt after performing a routine hundreds of times - he has done the hard work, so we don't have to! - Iain Moran

This is in my opinion one of the strongest handlings in this plot line. Like I said I truly respect and admire your routine, and I gained a lot from it. At the very least anyone that shells out the lousy ten bucks to buy your manuscript will be getting one of the GREATEST gags I've ever heard in a routine like this. Guys shell out between three and four hundred dollars for those so called "ultimate" methods, hell I did, what's another lousy ten dollars on top of that? - Mac Stone

Just wanted to let you know, I received your "bill in lemon". It's without a doubt "THE" best version I have ever seen. I can't wait to pick up some bills and try it out on someone. It’s gonna kill, I can tell just by reading about it. It just amazes me that you would sell this for so cheap--I can honestly say that if I thought of it, I would never give it up; I would keep it to myself! Thanks again for this great effect. I have studied and performed quite a few of the versions out there: Barrie Richardson, Ammar, Cloutier, Eason, Malone, etc. This is still without a doubt the best. Great Job, my man! - Bobby Forbes

Scott's "Bill in Lemon" routine is one of the best I have ever seen or read about. Scott has thought of everything and his version is very clean and very strong. The spectator and the audience are all absolutely convinced that the spectator's bill has been burned and totally destroyed...and then is inexplicably found restored inside of a lemon that the performer never touched during the entire performance. A very nice tight, logical, motivated and entertaining effect. It is a thing of beauty to behold and will be an absolute pleasure to perform. I can well understand why Scott uses this effect as his closer. - Mike Sturgeon ("Turk")

Scott's version of the classic 3-Ball routine, with some fun twists and turns along the way, including color changes, perpetual productions from the mouth, and more! A lot more variety than most routines of this type.

Scott's clear writing style, combined with tons of photos accompanying the text, will have you ready to perform this in the very near future.

This is a strong, commercial, professional routine, and it is unlikely that your audiences have ever seen anything like it. It's a great routine to put in the middle or at the end of your set, and it doesn't use cards or coins! Modular, so you can stop at any time, and you can perform one phase while learning the next! Takes up almost no pocket room, and is great for virtually any performing environment.

A great value, too, at only $10!

Level: Intermediate

This is very nicely done, nothing hard but guaranteed to amaze if you put in some practice. Magic with these little balls is fun to do, packs very small and just jumps out at you. Again, Great Scott shines-up one of his pet effects for you and puts his usual meticulousness and creativity to the package. Not only that but it's just $10 bucks so you can't go wrong, it can only make your overall bag of tricks better. Scott's body of work is like a college course in magic but he keeps it easy and fun; yep Professor Prolific he is. I highly recommend this one. Get it, and start Having a Ball today! Marion Boykin

The 3rd and final installment of this series, volume three contains great magic from Scott's early books Great Scott! It's MORE Magic! and Magishing My Way. This is stuff Scott has been making a living with for over a decade! No filler here!


5 close-up routines that don't use cards or coins, 4 routines for parlor/platform, and three routines for kids shows!

CONTENTS
CLOSE-UP ROUTINES:
STICK AROUND - ring & stick
JELLIS - Ellis ring
RINGS OFF...RINGS ON - keychain rings & string
STRUNG OUT - borrowed finger ring & string
A TRUNK FULL OF NUTS - 2-in-hand, 1-in-pocket

STAND-UP ROUTINES
RINGS OFF...RINGS ON...AGAIN! - bigger rings & rope
GUINNWARD, HO - an original linking ring move
INVISIBLE CARD IN GLASS
WATER MONTE

STAND-UP ROUTINES FOR KIDS SHOWS
PLUMBERS BOTTLE - Tricky Bottles with a twist
THE MAGIC JUMPROPE - great rope routine for kids/families
MILLION DOLLAR CHOCOLATE - great take on Miser's Dream

As always, clearly written and profusely photo-illustrated. Full of practical, commercial material, this is a real bargain at only $22.50!

You've heard it before -- if you find one effect or piece of advice which you can use, it's worth the price of the book. There are TWELVE such effects in Scott's *My Best to Youl #3*, and "Million Dollar Chocolate" is going in my kids' act right now. No, I'm not even going to give the plot away; it's that good and I want it all for myself. BWA-HA-HA-HAH! Scott's work is always fun, full of energy, and darned playful. If you have any desire to bring a bit of astonishment and some chuckles to your audience, I heartily recommend his ebooks! - Chet Cox

I've been privileged to see Scott perform these routines in front of live audiences (as opposed to dead audiences, I guess). How do you follow magic legend Shimada after he's just finished his classic act? That was the dilemma Scott found himself in at a magic convention, and he used his magic jumprope routine, which was a huge success. It's a great routine for kids and family audiences, and the difficulty level is just above zero. The chocolate miser's dream is a great kids show routine that is a must-have if you do kids shows. I've seen him whip a room full of kids into a frenzy with this, and you end with a great give-away that makes you a hero. The water monte is a great stage routine that is mystifying, entertaining, and yet easy to do. If you are looking for penetration effects, such as ring and string and ring and rope, Scott not only has an encyclopedic knowledge of all of the sleights, but has a knack for routining them so that they flow smoothly into a magic routine. Plus, the book is an instant download, so you can get your magic fix at 2 in the morning.
- Raymonde Crow

The Magi shows a set of food cards that aid him in choosing an item for dinner. The spectator also picks a card, but picks up something unexpected.

Comes complete with the graphics files of the food cards. Just print them out and you are set to go, but you can also customize the cards to the restuarant you are working in. This is a fun routine.

Read Scott's Magic Cafe review: Click Here