SleightfulBaton Ruse by Century Magic
Created by: Century Magic
Where to buy
 | Alakazam Magic | Baton Ruse by Paul Carnazzo | £56.65 | 🇬🇧 Shop |
 | Magicbox | Baton Ruse by Paul Carnazzo | £57.72 | 🇬🇧 Shop |
Key features
Spectator freely chooses a colored rod from a set of six.
The rod is placed in an opaque tube with a permanently affixed cap.
No secret compartments or gimmicks—fully examinable.
Repeatable with no reset needed.
Relies on strong misdirection and presentation for maximum impact.
Pros
Clean and deceptive effect.
Fully examinable props enhance credibility.
Versatile for various performance styles.
No reset required between performances.
Cons
Requires strong presentation skills to maximize effect.
May not suit performers who prefer gimmick-heavy tricks.
Effect
In Baton Ruse, a spectator freely selects one of several colored rods. The rods are mixed in a bag to ensure randomness, and the chosen rod is placed inside a black, opaque tube. The performer then reveals the exact color of the rod without any apparent method. The tube is fully examinable, and the effect can be repeated, making it a clean and deceptive mentalism piece.
Full Details
Baton Ruse is a mentalism effect where the spectator’s choice of a colored rod seems impossible for the performer to know. The rods are identical in length, eliminating any suspicion of differences. The tube is presented as completely opaque with a permanently sealed cap, reinforcing the impossibility of the revelation. The trick relies on strong misdirection and presentation rather than complex mechanics.
Who Should Consider the Trick
This trick is ideal for mentalists and magicians who want a straightforward yet powerful divination effect. It works well in close-up or parlor settings and can be adapted to different performance styles. Those who enjoy clean, examinable magic with minimal setup will appreciate Baton Ruse.
Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform
The method is not technically demanding, but strong presentation skills are key. The performer must sell the fairness of the selection and the impossibility of knowing the chosen color. Since the tube is examinable, confidence in handling it naturally is important. Beginners can learn it quickly, but experienced performers will find ways to enhance the effect through storytelling and audience engagement.
What Magicians Say
- Magic Orthodoxy (David) describes Baton Ruse as a deceptive effect where the spectator secretly chooses a colored rod, and the performer accurately predicts it despite no visible method. He includes it in a high-value mentalism giveaway, indicating its appeal among professionals.
- SaturnMagicShop (Paul Carnazzo) emphasizes the trick’s cleanliness and repeatability, calling it a "colored rod divination effect" with no hidden gimmicks. He highlights the importance of misdirection and spectator belief in the randomness of the selection.
Both reviewers agree that Baton Ruse is a strong, deceptive mentalism piece that relies on presentation rather than complex mechanics. Its examinability and repeatability make it a valuable addition to a performer’s toolkit.
What people are saying about Baton Ruse
magicorthodoxy says...
Baton Ruse: A routine where a spectator secretly chooses a colored rod, which the performer accurately predicts. It's a clean, deceptive effect that fits perfectly into any mentalism act.
SaturnMagicShop says...
The spectator freely chooses a colored rod, places it in an opaque tube, and the performer reveals the color without any apparent method. It's repeatable, examinable, and utterly baffling.
Promotional videos
Magic Giveaway - 212 Big Box of Mental Magic
magicorthodoxy mentioned this magic trick in this video.
Saturn Magic - Baton Ruse by Paul Carnazzo
SaturnMagicShop mentioned this magic trick in this video.