Nice take on original plot. Nice card handling subtleties and reveal worth cost itself
It is assumed you are aware of the classic Chicago Opener.
Tom's handling of cards, although incidental to the trick, and the other I saw of his, is worth study because of it's smoothness but also near lack of sleights. Watch lazily and what should be the most obvious display or boldness will fly by. Nice subtleties that will fool laypeople, although advanced magicians have been critical.
The main problems with Chicago Opener - in my mind - is almost 100% lack of face-up display of cards. Tom's routine, although an improvement, still doesn't address this problem, as far as I recall. He said he looked for other sources of CO material but had to invent his own.
However, Pop Haydn has a face-up version of his own called Chicago Surprise. This is a far stronger trick, although only doable by advanced magicians (includes a slightly modified Classic Force, with different possible outcomes, etc).
I suggest grabbing a copy of Chicago Surprise also, even if you aren't a master of sleights, as the documentation is great material on psychology of card tricks.
For the average hobbyist, Tom's work is more doable so still highly recommended. The two tricks aren't competing.
The ending is a killer. Someone pointed out the final Double Lift has problems, but the sleight (or move), depending on how you do it, is part & parcel of the original CO. If you aren't happy with Tom's version, and know a better DL, no problems.
Adding a DL to the end of a trick, or midway (depending on version of CO), can be tough, even for the original trick, so I experimented with a moving thick card to take heat off hands while also automating a perfect DL. The handling is your choice.
Tom's take on the plot is great. If unhappy with his handling, add your own.
There is something to gain by watching his basic handling and relaxed attitude.
This suggests buying more of his material on the site, which I plan to do.
Recommended.
