Pages from the magician at the bridge table

INTRODUCTION "Why on earth didn't someone think of that before?" That is what I said, when I first saw.

"Jake" Stafford perform this novel routine. And you will think the same when you try it.

Could anyone hope for a more propitious time to exhibit skill with the pasteboards, than after—bridge? With an audience already card-minded, and in a receptive mood, the battle is half w o n — and every effect herein is cleverly linked to some aspect of the game, psychological or otherwise.

I was particularly impressed with the variety and natural continuity of Stafford's routine. Avoiding, so nicely, the deadly monotony of the usual "take-a-card-and-find-it" offerings; he strikes out boldly into hitherto untrodden pathways of mystery.

Stafford "breaks the ice" with the quiet mysticism of pseudo—science, as exhibited in Psychic Bid and Vulnerable; but soon captures attention and inveigles interest by the glistening brilliance of such effects as Grand Slam. The audience is rapidly carried, in awe—stricken crescendos, thru the startling surprises of the Holdout and others to the grand climax— Culbertson vs. Lenz.

Prom the audience view—point, an entertaining series of skillful demonstrations; but, from the magician's angle, an ingenious application of simplicity and subtlety. Not a difficult sleight in the entire routine, but just notice how the performer "works ahead" of his audience all the time I Effective? Well, I could think of a lot to say, but I would rather have YOU tell me. It has been, a delight to review, edit, and finally bring to you — T H E MAGICIAN AT THE BRIDGE TABLE...

Sincerely, Howard P. Albright