100th Monkey by Chris Philpot

Effect

The 100th Monkey is a mentalism trick where a spectator loses the ability to read a simple word written on a card. The audience sees the word clearly, but the participant struggles to recognize or pronounce it. This creates a baffling and often humorous moment, as the spectator appears unable to perform a basic task they normally do effortlessly.

Full Details

The trick uses specially designed cards with words that exploit visual perception principles. The method relies on dual reality, meaning the audience and the participant experience different things. The performer can control which version of the card the spectator sees, making it seem like their ability to read has been temporarily taken away.

The effect comes with printable PDFs, allowing customization of word choices and card sizes. It can be performed close-up or on stage, making it versatile for different performance settings.

Who Should Consider the Trick

• Mentalism performers looking for a strong, baffling effect.
• Close-up magicians who want a quick, interactive routine.
• Stage performers who need a visual and engaging piece.
• Anyone who enjoys psychological illusions that play with perception.

Difficulty

The 100th Monkey is self-working, requiring minimal sleight of hand. The main challenge is managing audience reactions and ensuring the participant doesn’t have vision issues that could disrupt the illusion.

What Magicians Say

Alex Kirk from Monster Magic Shop calls it "one of the strongest mentalism tricks ever created." He highlights its simplicity and impact, noting that it baffles both lay audiences and magicians.

He also mentions that Darren Brown and Penn & Teller have performed versions of the effect, proving its power in professional settings.

The only caution is to avoid participants with poor eyesight, as they may see through the illusion.

Overall, the 100th Monkey remains a standout mentalism effect due to its strong reactions and ease of performance.