Black Mirror by David Jonathan

Effect

Black Mirror is a digital prediction system that allows a magician to reveal a spectator's freely chosen lottery numbers in an impossible way. The spectator writes down six numbers, and the magician's phone displays a photo of a lottery ticket from the past that matches those exact numbers. The effect is clean, direct, and leaves no room for suspicion, as the magician never handles the spectator's phone after the initial setup.

Full Details

The Black Mirror Expansion Pack enhances the original Black Mirror system by introducing a new input method. Instead of writing numbers on paper, spectators enter them directly into their phone's Notes app. An NFC chip loads a shortcut onto their device, and when they input their numbers, the magician's phone instantly displays a "past" lottery ticket matching their choices. The handling is streamlined, with no suspicious phone exchanges, making it ideal for walkaround or close-up performances.

The expansion pack works with existing Black Mirror shortcuts and supports multiple APIs, including Inject and Notoriz, for seamless integration. It also includes options for digital impression pads, allowing for even more versatility in performance.

Who Should Consider the Trick

Black Mirror is ideal for magicians who perform with smartphones and want a highly commercial, tech-based prediction effect. It suits those comfortable with NFC and shortcut-based magic but also appeals to performers who prefer minimal handling. The expansion pack is especially useful for those who already own Black Mirror and want to modernize the input method for a cleaner, more direct presentation.

Difficulty

The trick is moderately easy to perform, requiring basic familiarity with smartphone shortcuts and NFC technology. The handling is straightforward, with clear instructions provided. The expansion pack simplifies the original method, making it more accessible for those who found the paper-based version cumbersome.

What Magicians Say

Craig Petty from Magic TV describes Black Mirror as "brilliant" and praises the expansion pack for its clean handling, stating, "This is so good, I could see this being used as a TV spot." David Jonathan, the creator, emphasizes its real-world practicality, noting that the lotto routine was the "home run hit" of the original release. The expansion pack builds on that success, offering a more streamlined approach that eliminates the need for paper and reduces handling.

Magicians who have used the original Black Mirror appreciate the expansion for its added flexibility, with many calling it a "no-brainer" upgrade for those who already own the system. The ability to perform the effect entirely on the spectator's phone without suspicious handling makes it a standout addition to any tech-based magic repertoire.