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Bonus Phantom Method by Michael O'Brien

Created by: Michael O'Brien

Bonus Phantom Method is a specialized mentalism book test routine that allows the performer to divine a thought-of image from a page in 'The Phantom of the Opera' hardcover book, without any forcing, fishing, or memorization. As a close-up or stand-up mentalism effect, the spectator freely chooses a page and mentally selects an image (e.g., an illustration or diagram), and the performer reveals it using principles similar to the Flashback and Flashforward methods—knowing details from the current or next page instantly. This hands-off approach makes it ideal for creating impossible moments of mind-reading with a classic book, enhancing the illusion of genuine psychic ability. Buyers should note this method is exclusive to the 'The Phantom of the Opera' book from the Progressive Book Test system and requires no prior setup or complex learning.

Key features

  • Zero memorization required for any methods

  • Exclusive to 'The Phantom of the Opera' hardcover book

  • Allows divination of a thought-of image from any page

  • Uses Flashback and Flashforward principles for consistency

  • Hands-off performance with no forcing or fishing

  • Suitable for both close-up and stand-up mentalism

  • Integrates with the broader Progressive Book Test system

Pros

  • No memorization needed, making it accessible for all skill levels

  • Clean and hands-off, enhancing the illusion of real mind-reading

  • Versatile for different performance contexts (close-up or stand-up)

  • Includes multiple routines for varied and engaging performances

  • Books look like ordinary off-the-shelf volumes for added realism

Cons

  • Limited to the 'The Phantom of the Opera' book, restricting book choice

  • Requires purchase of the full bundle for maximum versatility

  • May involve additional cost if not buying the complete system

Effect

The Bonus Phantom Method allows a performer to know a thought of image from a book page. A spectator opens a book to any page. They look at the illustrations or pictures on that page. The performer names the specific image the spectator is thinking of without asking questions. The method works with no forcing of pages and no fishing for information.

Full details

The Bonus Phantom Method is part of the Progressive Book Test system. This method is exclusive to The Phantom of the Opera hardcover book. It uses the same principles as the Flashback and Flashforward methods but applies them to images instead of words. The performer can divine a spectator's mental image from the page. The books are designed to look like ordinary store bought copies. The Phantom of the Opera is a stand up title with a hard cover and larger print. The system requires zero memorization. All methods across the eight books are identical for consistency.

Who should consider the trick

Mentalists who perform stand up shows should consider this trick. It is good for performers who want a visual element in their book test. Anyone who wants a method with no memorization will find it suitable. Performers looking for a clean, hands off method for image reading can use it. It is ideal for those who already use or are considering the full Progressive Book Test system.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The method is designed to be user friendly. It requires no memorization. The system is intuitive and easy to learn. Performers can know the spectator's thought without fishing or forcing. The method uses the same core principles as other routines in the system, so learning one method helps with others. The difficulty level is low for mentalists familiar with book tests.

What magicians say

Chris Edwards states the system has "zero memorization required." He notes the Bonus Phantom Method allows you to "divine a thought of image from the page." The reviewer explains that methods are "identical across all titles, so you don't need to learn a new system for each book." He says the books are designed to look like "ordinary, off the shelf volumes" which helps the illusion. The creator, Michael O'Brien, designed the system to be "worry free" and "powerful."

What people are saying about Bonus Phantom Method

ChrisEdwardsMagic says...

The Bonus Phantom Method allows you to divine a thought-of image from the page using the Flashback and Flashforward principles, with zero memorization required and no forcing or fishing involved.

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