A Triumph and a Talk

Video download by Darwin Ortiz
Price: £4.75£5.70inc VAT
87 reviews
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A Triumph and a Talk
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Darwin Ortiz is the author of two of the best selling magic theory books of all time: Strong Magic and Designing Miracles. But we wanted to bring those books to life.

At The Session 2011 we had Michael Vincent ask Darwin some important and interesting questions about magic, and the result is this inspiring, informative download. Questions like how do you make your magic relevant? How do you practice? How can we view magic from a spectator's viewpoint, and much, much more. Darwin is a confident and intriguing speaker and we think that his answers will help progress and develop your magic.

Of course, we couldn't film a Darwin Ortiz download without sharing a trick! His Fast Company is a full multi-phase routine based around Triumph that completely astounded everyone at The Session. This previously unpublished routine will take some practice, but is an absolute blockbuster!

Running time: 55 minutes

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Customer reviews for A Triumph and a Talk

Ben
Astounding. Utterly breathtaking. This man is one of the greatest card handlers of all time.
Neil
Both of these downloads are great. If you love advance technique and thinking you will love these downloads. Mr. Ortiz is clearly one of the best card handlers of all time, but he is also one the great philosophers of magic too.
Craig
WOW! The "Talk" at the second half of the video is well worth the $10 by itself. And the triumph is packed full of beautiful moments. Not as difficult as I thought it would be. Thank you for this!
Nicholas
The effect itself is fantastic, however the instruction is 'okay' at best.
Darwin just says things like "You drop two, hold back three", and he doesn't actually tell you which pile "drops two" or "holds back three", etc. It's very frustrating and VERY annoying, because it is NOT well explained AT ALL.
Please re-record this one, Darwin. I would hate to see a great effect like this one get lost for some reason.
Sergio
Darwin Ortiz' insights into magic design never cease to amaze me. Listening to him speak is one of the greatest pleasures you will ever get. All these years he has fooled us into thinking he is one of the greatest card handlers of all times. The truth is he is a scientist. A craftsman. A psychologist. An anthropologist. His books should be on the shelves of every curious person. His way of reasoning reminds me a lot of Richard Feynman, who incidentally was considered "a magican of the highest calibre" by mathematician Mark Kac.
JAIME TREJO C/O
A great triumph routine! If you know Darwin Ortiz you know the quality of his magic, enough said. His talk is very inspiring, this is an opportunity to listen theory and advice from Darwin, his analogy of a killer is great! Highly recommended!
Sebastien
Getting into magic at an old age, I deeply appreciate the insight shared by Mr Ortiz.
The trick in itself is beautiful, but more important for me is all the reasoning behind, that gives glimpses how one can think to create beautiful moment (for family and friends for me).
Trevor
I love Darwin Ortiz' card magic and this Triumph was definitely interesting, unfortunately I couldnt follow his techniques too well. his explanations are precise yet still hard to follow and pull off. I will watch again and again till I get it right. His talk with colorful stories was a treat. I recommend this just to see a fascinating card man.
Ian
Absolutely fantastic! Darwin is such an articulate and talented teacher. When he teaches, he shares the subtleties and logic behind them. His thoughts into the minute details, as seen through the eyes of the spectator, are insightful and powerful. His understanding of the psychology of both laypersons and magicians oozes from the screen.

So many nuggets of pure gold, I’ll come back mining many times for sure!
Jim
Darwin Ortiz is truly a one-of-a-kind magician. What skill he possess in sleight of hand is eclipsed by how intellectual he is about his craft. This is a must.
Kerry
This is a great version of Triumph. One of the best, and certainly makes this video worth purchasing. But: Of at least equal value is the second half of the video, which is, sort of, the Cliff-notes version of "Strong Magic". Great stuff, and very extremely relevant. It was, I might add, a lot of fun to see Darwin speaking in a more unscripted format, with a lot of humor interjected that made the more didactic contents particular fun to watch.
Mustafa Kemal
Legend
Nicholas
The talk is worth the price. The trick is very good and well explained. Cannot recommend enough.
John
Wonderful advice from a real master. Always love watching Darwin Ortiz perform and more so when he speaks. Awesome.
Desmond
Firstly, the premise behind the effect is brilliant. Adding humor and added audience participation to the Bannon-Style triumph. In the end it plays as two effects, which naturally build on each other. Further, the subtle details Darwin has added to make the triumph more convincing show that the piece is truly polished. The talk at the end is well worth any magician's time.
Ken
Fantastic. As a friend and former student of Darwin, it made my day to get this "fix" of the master. Thanks for sharing it!
Wesley
Thank you for the download.

I was saddened to hear of Mr. Ortiz's passing. As you said in your message, he was an exceptional performer and an magic intellect rivaled only by Marlo and Vernon.

I had the pleasure of being able to attend one of his lectures a while back. He was incredible and his card magic was astounding.
Kalv
Wonderful !
Albert
This is an excellent video lesson. The last half is where Darwin's love and understanding of magic really shines and is so very instructive and useful. It is so sad to lose a genius like Darwin Ortiz. Get his books now, if you don't already have them.
Charles
Excelent
Mike
Great talk by Darwin and thanks for making such a generous offer to the Magic community
Ben
Fantastic! Darwin drops some hard truths here. And it applies to all types of magicians, not just card magicians, and not just close-up magicians. His advice on practicing is GOLD and will probably piss off more than a few magicians.
Darwin also touches on making your magic relevant, how to look honestly at your magic, using gaffs, and more. Highly recommended.
Nicholas
Fantastic learned more about myself from watching this video. the theory of mind is so true some of us worry about sleights we are about to perform rather than just performing them. Practice is so very important as well. Overall Darwin's explanation about performing are so true and thought provoking.
John
Thanks for this wonderful tribute to Darwin Ortiz. Very generous of you and great work for Darwin as a tribute! The Triumph routine, the point about 1/2h per day practice and the Tell-tale Heart analogy were highlights for me. He had a nice way of "theorizing" without condemning anything; comes across as just wanting to share what he's learned in a lifetime of professional card magic, not as lecturing. And you gotta love those hands, which can be seen to some extent in books but infinitely better in live footage (timing, gestalt impression, etc.). Thanks again for this generous tribute.
Best,
John (Vancouver, Canada)
Richard
Love the "Tell-tale Heart" analogy!
Thomas
Excellent. Darwin has always been one of my favorite magicians. His two books on magic theory are a goldmine. His passing is a great loss to us all.
Giuseppe
Couldn't believe this wonderful Artist has left us. His words are pure gold and the effect explained is one of the rare pearl amongst the huge amount of precious plots and effects he created. Thank you very much to Vanishing Inc. for having kindly shared these thoughts.
Tommy
Wonderful insight into a dedicated and skilled entertainer that creates magical experiences with only a deck of playing cards. I am proud to say his influence on my abilities as a hobbyist magician will, in some small, perpetuate his legacy. RIP.
Mohd
Great session
frank
GREAT LECTURE AND INSIGHT FOR ALL MAGICIANS AT ALL LEVELS. A GOOD PERSPECTIVE TO SEE 'WHAT IS MAGIC', AND THE WAY YOU ARE PERFORMING FFROM A SPECTATORS VIEW. EXTREMELY THOUGHT
Juan
Extraordinary video. Ty. Highly recommend. Extraordinary magicican and Extraordinary lecture of explanations.
Anthony
Thank you so much for this!!!! Please no one kill me for saying this but this is my first encounter with Mr. Ortiz! I am now a fan!!! My condolences to all his fans and to his family!
Julian
There are 2 parts to this video. It starts with a performance and explanation of his version of Triumph, followed by an exceptionally interesting lecture which encourages you to think beyond the trick itself. It offers a wide range of points relating to the understanding of how a layman views magic. If you would like your audience to better appreciate your performance, then this video is immensely helpful.
Bradford
Many insights and usable subtle suggestions
Leo
Darwin was magnificent! The man was a great observer, and thinker of magic.
Gary
nice
Bruce
Sage advice, and you see a Triumph routine explained well. He persuasively answers many of the questions that many magicians seem to dwell upon, such as whether showing card skill devalues the magical impact. The issue of magicians guilt I now see differs from magicians fear (of being caught). He discusses solutions to the problem of strange props (half dollars, old English pennies, and cups that don't look much like cups and balls that don't look much like balls). And he explains why magicians during performance are looking inward instead of more usefully looking outward to gauge audience responses.
Paul
Fantastic learned a lot.i wish thire more works like this.best Paul.
Lucas
It was nice. Download it
Charles
First off, very sorry to hear about the passing of Darwin , he was such an accomplished magician. I thoroughly enjoyed Mr. Ortiz's triumph routine! I do perform a couple of triumph routines, mostly Daryls' Dazzling Triumph but finishing it with a straight triumph. The thing I especially like about Darwins' triumph is that it is very clever and seemed to have fun with the interaction with the spectator. The conversion that Darwin had with the fellow magicians was very interesting and well presented. I also happen to be a fan of Michael Vincent, my dad was a friend of Michael both belonging to the Magic Circle. I do intend to learn this version of triumph. I am sure this routine will be worthy of my time. I also want to thank VI for this gift, as always you treat all who use your service with respect and caring.
Rafael
It was nice to review presentation ideas that, although some of them are common sense, will enhance your performance and connection with your audience. This is just the tip of the iceberg of what he has cultivated to offer to the magic community.

Mr. Ortiz will be missed. However, his legacy is there to refresh our memory about what a great performer you could be.

Thank you, Mr. Darwin Ortiz!
Mik
************************ great
Terry
His Triumph effect was brilliantly performed and his explanation excellent. You could see his passion for his craft and that a lot of thought had been given to how best to present his magic. I found myself agreeing with the use of items that the audience would find difficult to relate to and that is why I focus on cards, and coins, bills, credit cards etc., which everyone is familiar with. I am sure he had much more to offer to the magic world and sad that he’s no longer with us.
Angel
Excellent insight from a master. The first "half" is a presentation of triumph effect and then Darwin explains how it is done. The second "half" is Darwin providing insight and his thoughts on barriers magicians may create for themselves that prevents them from seeing magic from a spectators point of view. There are other questions that he address that deal with making magic meaningful and whether showing skill enhances or detracts from a magical experience.
Daniel
Darwin Ortiz is a legend that will live on for generations to come. His influence to the magic world will forever be carried on through his books and many other incredible works including this one. RIP to absolute legend.
Frank
Thank you, Vanishing ink. Vale Darwin
Andrew
Brilliant
Lawrence
Simply superb. Every magician should watch this.
Brett
Profound thoughts from a master! Gold!
Mason
A lot of incredible information hidden in this little download, I highly recommend it! Darwin was a genius, and will be forever missed.
Ariel
Darwin makes some excellent, intelligent, and above all, relevant points about the performance of magic. While we tend to do things exactly the way we see or read them, Darwin makes us think deeply about our magic. His passion for the art shines through.
Vic
Darwin's verbal theories hit hard to what a professional magician should do with his methods and effects in creating the illusion of magic that is powerful and something to be respected. It needs to be a big WOW in the spectators mind. Any good magician will do these suggestions from this video.
John
Ihope i gave it five stars,i was laughing and nodding my head at some of his insights. He does more, did great magic,i. I have one of my packet tricks ,dvd.Great trick,but hard to do,but his insights i use some of his ideas. would like to see more of his lectures.thanks guys for a great tribute.
Ernie
Very informative and entertaining!
Les
Absolutely wonderful.
Phil
fantastic Darwin was a legend he will be missed.
Christian
I loved the talk. Pure inspiration and insights!
Ryan
Amazing tips and advice to make magic even stronger!
Kane
First of all, the trick performed by Darwin Ortiz was amazing, great patter, fluid sequences, and a lot of punches. His teaching of the effect was also great; well paced, clear and concise instructions. The talk at the end was so insightful and I liked it even more than the instructed effect. Just his thoughts on magic and layperson management is a treasure to keep and help me grow as a magician.
tom
A legend who you would be a fool to ignore the advice of, and this lecture is full of great advice on the psychology of performance and how to be better just by changing what you present and how you think about your art. Then there is the triumph routine which is just awesome. RIP Mr. Ortiz
Michael
Sage insight and advice from one of the very best thinkers in magic. RIP, Darwin.
Luis
Very interesting. The Triumph routine explained in the first third of the recording seemed to me rather convoluted and particularly designed for magicians, who can appreciate the technical and structural complexity of what they are watching. The rest of the recording is a Q&A with Darwin, and this is where most of the value lies. Darwin gives well thought-out answers to important questions that any serious magician must confront at some point. Thank you for making this recording available.
Micah
This is one of the best downloads on the site. In the first part he explains the effect. This is an amazing trick. He added a starting phase to play it straight triumph and a new presentation to make a very entertaining and fooling trick. The next part has an interview with him and the theory he talks about is very good. I've always tried to listen to theory but just found it boring. Darwin made it entertaining and it actually made sense. Overall this is an amazing download that you should definitively purchase.
Steven
I enjoyed the magician's views on the philosophy of magic.
Harry
A legend that offers invaluable insight. Add to cart!
Barson Schmelzer
The wisdom of a sage doled out in bite sized morsels. While watching this does not obviate the viewer from absorbing Darwin's written materials, a viewing will certainly motivate those who have shied away from tackling his oeuvre to at least attempt it.
Michael
Great Triumph routine and excellent advice for any magician.
Paul
Darwin performs and explains his outstanding Triumph routine. It's by no means easy to learn but fascinating to see and understand. It's also great to hear him talk about theory and practice and relate some interesting personal experiences.
Michael
Darwin speaks most intelligently to reveal what a deep thinker he is
Brian
If you know Darwin's material, then you know what to expect. Darwin is a master at creating multi-phase card routines with a rising action and magically dramatic climax. This video is no different. Darwin was a genius who advanced card magic significantly. This is worth checking out, especially for the price. It is also worth reviewing to see Darwin's precise, technical style. Darwin is a machine. RIP Darwin Ortiz, you will be missed.
Mathieu
Great routine by one of the greatest. Interesting insights during the talk too.
Every magician should study his work. Especially his books Strong Magic, Cardshark and Darwin Ortiz at the card table. There is plenty of timeless great routines.
Thanks to Vanishing for giving this lecture for free.
Kane
The routine, incredible. The work it takes to master it is definitely not for a beginner, but a great lesson nonetheless if you are. I actually enjoyed the talk more; it was full of great insights and practical advice for someone like myself looking to improve my craft and become a professional with paid work. Thanks Darwin
David
Darwin Ortiz is still one of the most relevant card men ever. Any resource including his work and insights is worth your time.
Scott R
You can never be disappointed by anything by the late great Darwin Ortiz! I was lucky to get this on sale, which made it even better. You will be learning from one of the greats!
Chris
Darwin teaches a great version of triumph and gives great advice. Strongest recommendation. RIP Darwin.
Daniel
Very good routine and lecture on theory.
John M.
Fantastic effect & explanation. End discussion was very informative and insightful.
Joshua
This was an enjoyable cheap, short watch. The triumph method was well thought out, though I have no interest personally in performing it (I don't do a massive amount of card work). I bought this to see the questions and answers having enjoyed Darwin's books. Some of it is similar to content within the books, but it's all messages that are worth repeating. Ideas around how spectators think, magicians guilt, ideas for enhancing other routines. It's probably not going to teach you any new tricks, but we all have more than enough tricks already. Where it may help is improving the tricks you already own.
Frank
This was Darwin at his best. Breaking down something into details and talking about what really matters in the effect. I have been doing card magic for 30 years, and some of these concepts I glossed over early on in my development as a magician or had to learn through trial and error. Highly recommended.
James
This download does bring an understanding to the books by Ortiz. Pretty insightful thoughts. Highly recommend.
Eisen
U will always learn something when u review Darwin’s video over n over again. The best part is not about the trick taught, but on how to handle audience, the practice n improvement on being a better magician.

This is a difficult trick, not in handling, but in the performance.
Sean
It's a great effect and a true delight.
Jeffrey
Tremendous value!
Jeff
Another great one gone too soon. When Darwin talks, just shut up and listen. You’ll be glad you did!!
Zecharia
He was a legend and a great teacher! A Triumph and a Talk blends expert theory with strong performance. Darwin Ortiz shares insights and a killer Triumph routine—great for anyone serious about magic.
John
Great tips from a master. Mr. Ortiz's wisdom is greatly missed
Tyler
This is a really cool triumph and talk. The triumph is amazing but also his experience is so good it just makes you saw wow. Anything made by Darwin Ortiz is worth buying. This is no expecting by any means

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