devilsknew
03-05-2005, 10:10 PM
I developed an original magic trick that I have practiced often and performed several times. Now, I know there are many smart, creative, and talented people here and I thought you might be able to help me out with the refinement and fine tuning of this original mental(ist) illusion and suggest an alternative patter or presentation and perhaps suggest a name for this effect. The effect is stunning and nearly impenetrable (as you might be a magician or just viciously clever.). But the patter I use currently is just OK - it lacks something, and I've never fully developed the delivery to live up to the potential of the actual illusion, maybe someone will have an idea or suggestion that will lead to an improved version.
I will only describe the effect. I will do my best to adhere to the first rule of the code of ethics of the International Brotherhood of Magicians (http://www.magician.org/CodeOfEthics.htm) and not reveal this illusion. Many may, of course, discern how this trick is done, as it is not really new but simply, the old compounded and made new ... you may speculate as to how it's done, but I would prefer help with the patter and presentation. I admonish: The first rule of Fight Club...
(Point of Integrity: Initially, I present this as real and in the character of the mystic but I always eventually reveal myself as a magician. I never reveal this trick, however. This is one of my stunners and makes for a truly amazing and entertaining presentation.)
Effect:
I enter the room carrying a stack of nine assorted books stacked under my chin with two packs of cards- one red backed, one blue. I set the stack of books to the side and present the two packs of cards.
I start by having the participant chose a pack of cards. After he has chosen, I remove the deck from the box and begin to shuffle the deck. I then place the deck before him and ask him to, "Cut the deck and take the card that you have cut to. Do not show me the card."
After he has chosen his card, I urge him to, "Think of your card's name in giant letters on a marquee lit in red! We need to project this card into the ether! I have a card in mind too, I am also picturing it lit up in giant letters on a marquee!"
I remove the second deck from its box and shuffle the cards. I hand the participant the deck and ask him to " Spell your card's name out loud, dealing one card for each letter." Let's say he has chosen the four of spades. He spells, "F-O-U-R-O-F-S-P-A-D-E-S" dealing out a card on each letter. I ask him to turn over the last card. Amazingly, it is the four of spades! I ask him to lay the two matching four of spades in the center of the table.
I spread the nine books out before the participant and ask him to choose three of the nine books. He then chooses until only one book remains.
While holding up the pair of fours, I instruct him to, "Turn to page four of the book you have chosen." He finds a sealed envelope on this page: "Remove the sealed envelope and open it!"
He opens the sealed envelope and removes a piece of paper.
I ask him to read it aloud.
The paper reads: "You have chosen the four of spades. D.K. (initialed by me)"
As you can see, it lacks some dialogue on my part and needs more structure. The way I perform it now does have some advantage as I don't really lead too much with my suggestions and the illusion remains open ended and truly mysterious. I let the participant act upon their own assumptions.
However, I know it could be better and would be well served by a story or some kind of theme.
Perhaps a different angle? Any ideas?
What should I call this effect?
(If you are a magician and pick this one up and actually use it, I ask only for attribution if origin should come up.)
I will only describe the effect. I will do my best to adhere to the first rule of the code of ethics of the International Brotherhood of Magicians (http://www.magician.org/CodeOfEthics.htm) and not reveal this illusion. Many may, of course, discern how this trick is done, as it is not really new but simply, the old compounded and made new ... you may speculate as to how it's done, but I would prefer help with the patter and presentation. I admonish: The first rule of Fight Club...
(Point of Integrity: Initially, I present this as real and in the character of the mystic but I always eventually reveal myself as a magician. I never reveal this trick, however. This is one of my stunners and makes for a truly amazing and entertaining presentation.)
Effect:
I enter the room carrying a stack of nine assorted books stacked under my chin with two packs of cards- one red backed, one blue. I set the stack of books to the side and present the two packs of cards.
I start by having the participant chose a pack of cards. After he has chosen, I remove the deck from the box and begin to shuffle the deck. I then place the deck before him and ask him to, "Cut the deck and take the card that you have cut to. Do not show me the card."
After he has chosen his card, I urge him to, "Think of your card's name in giant letters on a marquee lit in red! We need to project this card into the ether! I have a card in mind too, I am also picturing it lit up in giant letters on a marquee!"
I remove the second deck from its box and shuffle the cards. I hand the participant the deck and ask him to " Spell your card's name out loud, dealing one card for each letter." Let's say he has chosen the four of spades. He spells, "F-O-U-R-O-F-S-P-A-D-E-S" dealing out a card on each letter. I ask him to turn over the last card. Amazingly, it is the four of spades! I ask him to lay the two matching four of spades in the center of the table.
I spread the nine books out before the participant and ask him to choose three of the nine books. He then chooses until only one book remains.
While holding up the pair of fours, I instruct him to, "Turn to page four of the book you have chosen." He finds a sealed envelope on this page: "Remove the sealed envelope and open it!"
He opens the sealed envelope and removes a piece of paper.
I ask him to read it aloud.
The paper reads: "You have chosen the four of spades. D.K. (initialed by me)"
As you can see, it lacks some dialogue on my part and needs more structure. The way I perform it now does have some advantage as I don't really lead too much with my suggestions and the illusion remains open ended and truly mysterious. I let the participant act upon their own assumptions.
However, I know it could be better and would be well served by a story or some kind of theme.
Perhaps a different angle? Any ideas?
What should I call this effect?
(If you are a magician and pick this one up and actually use it, I ask only for attribution if origin should come up.)