The Tab Test by Wayne Fox and World Magic Shop is a divination/mind reading effect using the words that appear on the tab of the tuck box. You ask a spectator to look at one of the words from the tab, after allowing them a split-second glance at the tab, and you then guess the word without asking any questions or fishing. The spectator is not actually given a totally free choice of words on the tab because the performer prohibits the spectator from choosing three word in the right corner (Ace of Spades) or the bolded capitalized words on the bottom of the tab. This trick is designed to be used with a deck of Bicycle cards.
First, let’s review the ad copy and promotional video.
Although the ad copy does not say much, it claims that this trick is “a mind reading effect that you are guaranteed to carry, always.” I believe that to be a massive overstatement. Although I do not think anyone will actually consider this more than marketing puffery, it will not be accurate for many performers.
Then, when you look at the promotional video, it displays the well-made DVD packaging box, which also has some claims that I take issue with. The text claims that “Your spectator thinks of any word on the TAB of a card case” which is then revealed without any fishing. While the “no fishing” part is true, it is not true that the spectator can pick any word on the tab. This claim suggests that the spectator can look at the tab and select a word of their choice. In fact, Wayne Fox specifically teaches you to instruct the spectator not to choose the words “the Ace of Spades” from the upper right hand corner of the tab and also not to choose the bolded capitalized words at the bottom of the tab, thereby instructing the spectator to choose from the remaining words on the top left and middle of the tab. I believe that this limitation also detracts from the overall effect. Once you eliminate those specified words, there are between 16 to 20 different words on an actual tab box, depending on when the card box was printed. And, in some cases there are a total of only 34 words on the tab. This is an important point that I will get back to below.
The promotional video shows the creator holding the box out for the spectator to look at it and pick a word, but what it does not show is how quickly the box is displayed and then yanked back. The way in which the video was edited leaves the potential purchaser with the belief that the spectator examines and freely picks a word when in actuality the tab is displayed so quickly that they don’t have a real chance to see the words. This may leave some questions in the spectator’s mind as to why they were only permitted to examine the tab for about half a second. Fox also claims that “your spectator can look for any single word on the tab” and then instructs the spectator to “get one word in your head.” This claim is misleading. The spectator cannot look for any single word. And, as described above, the spectator is are lucky if they are even able to see one single word on the first try because the tab is flashed in their face rather rapidly. Fox acknowledges that can happen. For this reason, you need to make sure your spectator is wearing their reading glasses, if they need them, otherwise you will be stuck with a handicapped spectator and have to get someone else.
In the promotional video, Fox then informs the spectator that they chose from 40 words or 50 words on the tab, which also, is not true, as stated above, and because the box may be handed back to the spectator after the reveal, this can easily be shown to be false and easily disprovable patter.
This trick comes with an 18 minute DVD taught by the creator and four Bicycle style gimmicks; two red and two blue. Multiple gimmicks are provided to allow you to immediately repeat the trick and get a different outcome. Although the idea is clever and the gimmicks are well made, easy to carry around and to use, I believe the limitations to the trick do not make it as appealing as proffered on the promotional video and ad copy.
Another problem: not all Bicycle box tabs are the same. Some have different wording which makes the gimmicks obsolete since the spotted reveal word may not actually be on the box tab. Some of my older boxes of cards had all the reveal words, but all the newer boxes have this word deficiency issue. Fox addresses this on the DVD and indicated that it used to concern him, but he now thinks it is a strength because if the reveal word is not on the tab, you can convince the spectator that the performer “forced” them to think of a word that was not even there. I don’t believe that is a benefit or a strength. I think it is a weakness to the cohesive nature of the trick, patter and effect. In fact, Fox indicates that you may not want to hand out the card box to the spectators. I think it is unavoidable to do so because the curiosity may be very strong and distracting. Even though this trick has these notable issues, a strong performer can pull it off without a problem.
Many current boxes of cards have tabs with the following words spread on four lines as follows:
BICYCLE, BICYCLE and Design, BICYCLE Logo,
the Ace of Spades design, the Joker design and associated marks,
logos, designs, card back designs, number and finishes are trademarks of
The United States Playing Card Company
As stated above, you will notice that there are a total of 34 words. And, when you eliminate “Ace of Spades” or here “the Ace of Spades” and the bottom line, you are left with 16 different words. Another problem here is that the words “Ace of Spades” do not appear on the top line on the right, which causes a problem, for reasons I won’t go into here to protect the method. Bottom line, it is a problem.
The DVD instruction is clear and easy to follow and it contains portions of Fox’s live performances. Most of the DVD is Fox sitting on a couch explaining the trick, its variations, how to clean up and give out your business card as part of the revelation. It is very easy to perform this trick and very easy to clean up and end clean. The reset is instant. I believe $30 is a bit expensive for what you get, but the gimmicks are well made.
There is no question that you can get positive reactions from some spectators, but I don’t think you will knock ‘em dead with this trick. If you like the idea of being able to transition from card tricks to mentalism, this provides you with a good segue way.