Hey guys. Just wanted to chime in here about a few things. I’ve known Reuben for about 5 years, and know he’s extremely dedicated to his craft. I know him as more of a stage manipulator, so I was very pleasantly surprised when I saw him do this. He’s been honing this routine for 4 years and has worked it in the real world. There are certainly angle considerations, and as with any sleight-of-hand routine, you will need to practice to get it down smoothly. I don’t think this quite makes it worthy of being considered “unpractical”.
Research in magic is a tricky subject. People can only do the best they can. With a plot like TnR, it’s quite difficult to find everything out there. Also, with Reuben’s routine being developed and honed over such a long period of time, I’m sure that most similarities to other routines are the result of independent creation. With that said, the Blue Crown (and Reuben) think it’s very important to give credit where it’s due. So if there’s a stumble there somewhere, I’m sure it will be addressed.
As to any kind of “lies” or “false advertising” in Fourfit, I simply can’t agree. Fourfit doesn’t just teach a single routine or method. Reuben teaches each phase in multiple ways, so different people could very well construct different routines out of the material taught. Depending on which variation of a move you use, not EVERYTHING will all be possible at once. Some versions allow a signature, while others do not. However, the material is available if you want to do a signed version. I personally don’t think that any visual TnR effect requires a signature. I’ve yet to ever have a layperson question the fact that a card wasn’t signed. If they’re watching the card get reassembled piece-by-piece in front of their eyes, why would they think, “Hmmm, it wasn’t signed!!”
In regards to handing the fully-restored card out at the end, once again, Reuben offers multiple methods. One version of the final restoration does not allow you to hand the card out immediately. Another one does. Those who don’t care about handing it out can use one method, and those who do want an instant hand-out can use that one. This is all about customization of your methods according to your personal preferences.
So, can the card be signed and handed out immediately? For some versions yes, and for some versions no. Which one you choose is up to you. Personally, I’d probably go for an unsigned version that can be handed out immediately. I’ve watched the DVD and learned exactly what I needed to present it that way.
For any particular version, you will need a small bit of “preparation”, which I guess some people could refer to as a gaff or gimmick. All you need are ordinary playing cards and your 2 hands though, so I don’t consider Fourfit to involve gimmicks. Brief prep yes, gimmicks no.
Bottom line, Reuben has traveled all over with his magic act, and along the way he has shown Fourfit to top industry pros like Jon Armstrong, Jeff McBride, Mac King, and others. The routine has been widely praised as original, visual, and practical. I don’t own every TnR out there, but I do own several. I don’t have a single favorite among them, but I did learn new and valuable ideas from Fourfit that I can apply to my performances.
