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 and not reveal this illusion. Many may, of course, discern how this trick is done, as it is not really new but simply, [ESOTERICSECRET]the old compounded and made new[/ESOTERICSECRET] … 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 can’t help you with the trick or the patter, since I’m no magician, but this sounds pretty damn cool. When you get it down I’d like to see a video of it or something. People who can perform magic well just blow me away.
audiobottle, you needn’t be a magician to help with the patter, any imaginative suggestions are welcome! Something that would complement your vision of what I have described, something mysterious, funny, interesting, a twist…
Sounds like a fairly commonplace magic trick I’ve seen countless times where the magican offers a structured card pick then tells person what they chose, and shows them “proof” they knew the card, usually with sealed envelopes etc.
This is most entertaining when the magican has a twist ie
Hi devilsknew. Pro magician here. First of all, while I honestly don’t mean to discourage you at all, it isn’t an original magic trick. It is two elements of standard repertoire joined in the middle. Secondly, a much better place for this question to be asked and answered would be over at the Magic Cafe. There you will receive a better overall critique of your effect, and the suggestions for patter and presentation will come from other magicians who can offer advice based on relevant experience.
In my estimation, I would say it is as original as any “original” magic ever gets. I feel comfortable calling this an original illusion.
Repertory standards, yes. But an original presentation and overall effect that has never been presented or performed in this way. It is a new take and embellishment on the old, which I’m sure you would agree is the raison d’etre of all modern original magic.
I thought about the Magic Cafe, but I decided I might get some fresher, creative, and more naieve, if you will, (and I mean that in a positive way) ideas here at the Dope.
The Magic Cafe does have a forum for thoughts on creativity, scripting and patter, but it from the viewpoint of the magician. I have asked fellow dopers here for thematic ideas for parts of my act and have gotten some great suggestions.
I do have an idea on how this effect works (At least I know how I would do it if I were to do this effect). The thoughts I have on your routine are just suggestions. Feel free to use (or not use) whatever you like.
Have you ever thought of having the spectator select one of the books first, and hold it throughout the routine? That way when he opens it at the end, it would not seem as if you are slipping the envelope with your prediction into the book at the last minute.
Also, consider using bookmarks with the prediction written on them instead of envelopes. Bookmarks make more sense than envelopes to be in books.
I don’t really have a suggestion for a theme or script for this, but I would try to think of a logical reason for having the books there. Just bringing a stack of 9 books on stage with you doesn’t make sense. If you can find a good reason for having the books there, the effect will be much more powerful.
If you end up posting this question on the Magic Cafe, look me up. My id there is, “Cybermage”.
I tend to agree with ianzin.
I think there’s little NEW in the way of closeup magic.
And what you’re doing is more on the lines of mentalism rather than magic.
But maybe try this angle.
They choose their card and you proceed to look for it in the second deck as usual.
However, you’re unable to find their card. You try and try, but still you fail.
Then, you move on to another illusion.
A bit later (fifteen minutes?) something happens to interrupt the flow of the evening. Let’s say a knock at the door. Someone goes to answer the door and there’s the person’s chosen card taped to the door.
Jump up and exclaim “Is THAT your card?” Or perhaps the waitress deliveres the bill to the table and the chosen card is taped the back of the bill.
Or else, inconspicuosly tape his chosen card to his back and just wait. Sooner or later, someone is sure to notice. If after a while no one notices, then make the announcement that I think there’s something on your back" when you’re several feet away from him.
