Billets

Effect

Billets are small pieces of paper used by mentalists and magicians to gather secret information from spectators. The performer may ask a participant to write down a thought, name, or number on the billet, which is then folded or concealed. Despite never seeing the writing, the magician reveals the information with impossible accuracy. The effect is clean, direct, and leaves the audience baffled.

Full Details

Billets are a foundational tool in mentalism and close-up magic. They allow performers to secretly obtain information while maintaining the illusion of mind-reading or supernatural insight. Common uses include:

• Q&A routines – Spectators write questions, and the magician answers them without seeing the writing.
• Predictions – A participant writes a thought, and the magician reveals it later in the performance.
• Psychological forces – Subtle techniques guide the spectator’s choice while maintaining the appearance of free will.

Billets can be made from index cards, business cards, or specialized paper designed for durability and ease of handling. Some performers prefer pre-folded billets for quicker use in performance.

Who Should Consider the Trick

Billets are essential for:

• Mentalists – They form the backbone of many psychological and psychic routines.
• Close-up magicians – Useful for impromptu mind-reading effects.
• Stage performers – Can be adapted for larger audiences with proper handling.

If you perform any form of mentalism or want to add a convincing mind-reading element to your act, billets are a must-have.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The basic use of billets is straightforward, but mastery requires practice in:

• Folding techniques – Ensuring the billet is concealed properly.
• Switches and steals – Advanced methods for secretly exchanging or reading billets.
• Psychological misdirection – Keeping the audience focused away from the method.

Beginners can start with simple billet peeks and folds, while experienced performers may incorporate more advanced techniques like the Center Tear or Billet Switch.

What Magicians Say

• Alan Jones includes billets in his desert island essentials, stating: "Billets and a Sharpie – essential for any mentalist." He pairs them with tools like the Stealth Assassin for Q&A effects.
• AJ DeBeck mentions "billets from the 1914" as an honorable mention, praising their playing-card quality and handling.

Billets remain a trusted method among professionals for their versatility and strong audience impact. Whether used alone or combined with other mentalism tools, they provide a reliable way to create impossible revelations.