Diabolical Prophesy relies on a deck of cards and an envelope. The spectator grabs a random bunch of cards from the deck of cards and secretly counts the number of cards in his bunch, which gives him a secret number. The cards are returned to the deck which is then shuffled. The magician displays cards one-by-one from the top of the deck and the spectator is asked to remember the card at his secret number. When the envelope is opened, it is shown to contain a letter that specifies the spectator’s number and the identity of his card.
More Mentalism
In Mock, a chosen card is quickly located, thanks to the use of a stacked deck. This one is all presentation and Normansell demonstrates how to milk this one for all it’s worth. While he presents it as a close-up effect, it could work on stage.
In Devil's Triangle, three decks of cards are shown. Two spectators select and take a deck each and shuffle the cards. The shuffled decks are set on a table and then the cards are shown, one-by-one from the top down. Interestingly, two of the turned-over cards match. When the remaining third deck is opened, it is shown that the same card is reversed. Another easy and baffling effect that can work on stage or close-up.
A virtual demonstration of memorization, Double Decker asks two spectators to each cut a deck of cards and remember a card. A spectator shuffles the deck and then the magician “memorizes” the deck-the order of the cards. The spectators are then asked to move their cards out of order and the magician is able to locate their cards.
This DVD offers a collection of solid mentalism effects that are easy to learn and perform. If any of them sound as if they’ll work in your show, the DVD may be worth a look. And if you’re building a mentalism act, there are several strong effects here that may provide a good fit.
-Wayne N. Kawamoto
Dealers can purchase from Murphy's Magic Supplies, Inc.
