Performance Notes

There are advantages to both types of prediction cards. In the case of the blank faced prediction card, the card can be shown back toward the audience, as you comment that you have a card that matches the spectator's, then turned over to display prediction. With the prediction written on the back of an indifferent card, the face can be shown as if it was your prediction giving the spectators the impression that it is incorrect until you turn it over so they can read the prediction written on the back.

The Whamo Deck is based on various trick decks. It is vaguely a variation of the Svengali Deck with all long cards. The written message might be traced back to Ken Brooke's 'Fido,' and speaking of that effect, for a special presentation making up 52 predictions that include a predetermined spectator's name is worth the trouble. The idea of asking the spectator for a color first to eliminate half the cards I'd credit to Hen Fetsch although it probably has been around forever.

One really strong way to use the deck is as a kicker to the Card In Wallet effect. The traditional routine is presented. As an afterthought the performer asks for another card to be named. Again the wallet is removed to reveal that it contains the prediction.
By Richard Robinson
Photographs by Ellen Lebowitz
source : www.allmagic.com