“Shinkansen” is Japanese for bullet-train, and Phil Goldstein was his first name before he became known as Max Maven. Putting all of these together tells us that this is an old effect invented by Max Maven (when he was Phil Goldstein) and it is about the transposition of playing cards called the “Cards Across” plot.

In effect, 4 red back playing cards are counted and then re-counted and confirmed by spectator no 1. Spectator no 2 is shown 4 blue back playing cards. The blue back cards are mixed up face downwards and spectator no 2 freely chooses one card. Let us assume it is the five of spades. The 2 spectators are positioned a distance apart from one another.

The magician magically causes the chosen card to vanish from the blue back packet looked after by spectator no 2 and re-appear among the cards in the packet of 4 red back cards held by spectator no 1. The transposition of the chosen blue back card happens quite instantly without the performer having to bring the 2 packets of cards near to one another.

You are supplied with all the necessary blue and red bicycle back cards. Although they are gimmicked, there are no double indices. Instructions are in the form of a nicely illustrated and printed 20-page booklet.

This is typical clever Max Maven thinking. It requires you to be able to perform some basic card sleights with a packet of cards. You are taught in the instructions how to perform them. They include the Marlo/Osborne Unlimited Display, the Glide, the Half-Pass and the Slip Cut.

The effect was first made available more than 20 years ago. A “Cards Across” plot is suitable for parlour performance. Using the gimmicked cards and some card sleight of hand, the transposition of the chosen card appears to be very fair and most efficient. (Rated 5/5 stars)