Brainwave by Andy Nyman, Roberto Giobbi, and Stephen Tucker

Created by: Andy Nyman, Roberto Giobbi, Stephen Tucker

Brainwave is a classic mentalism and card magic trick where a spectator freely selects a card from a deck, and through a series of deceptive interactions, the magician reveals the chosen card in a surprising and impossible manner. This trick is versatile, suitable for close-up, parlour, or stage performances, and often involves psychological forces and examinable props to enhance the illusion of fairness. Buyers should note that some versions may require preparation or specific setups, but many are designed to be self-working and accessible for magicians of all skill levels.

Key features

Self-working or easy to perform with minimal skill required
Uses ordinary or custom-printed cards that remain examinable
Incorporates psychological forces and dual-revelation principles for a layered effect
Suitable for various performance settings from close-up to stage
May require some preparation or setup, limiting impromptu use in some versions

Pros

Strong visual impact and fooling effects that baffle audiences
Commercial appeal and versatility across different magic genres
High-quality lecture notes or resources available for deeper learning

Cons

Setup requirements can restrict impromptu performances
Some versions may involve complexity in staging for beginners

Effect

Brainwave is a mentalism card trick. A spectator freely names a card. The magician shows that every card in the deck is face down except one. That one face-up card is the spectator's named card. The effect is direct and visual. It creates a moment of surprise and impossibility.

Full details

Brainwave uses a standard deck of cards. The method is self-working. No sleight of hand is needed. The trick relies on a specific setup. This setup allows the magician to reveal the chosen card in a clean and visual way. The deck can be handled by the spectator after the reveal. Some versions, like Andy Nyman's, are noted for their strong visual impact. Other variations exist, such as Roberto Giobbi's 'Three Roses', which adds a poetic presentation to the selection process. Stephen Tucker's 'Alpha to Omega (ESP Edition)' applies the Brainwave principle to ESP symbols instead of cards.

Who should consider the trick

Brainwave is good for magicians who perform mentalism or card magic. It is suitable for close-up and stage settings. It is ideal for performers who want a strong, visual trick that is easy to do. It is also good for those who like self-working methods. Mentalism enthusiasts will appreciate its direct and baffling effect.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

Brainwave is easy to perform. It is self-working. No advanced skill is required. The method is simple. The main requirement is the initial setup. This setup means the trick is not truly impromptu. Once set up, the performance is straightforward. Andy Nyman's version is described as accessible for all skill levels.

What magicians say

Magicians praise Brainwave for its impact and simplicity. Sebastian Toca notes that tricks like Brainwave in 'Eleven Years Later' are easy to perform but require some preparation. He says the material has fooling effects and commercial appeal. Magic-tv states that Andy Nyman's version is self-working and has a strong visual impact. They mention the method is simple but note the setup limits impromptu use. Another review from magic-tv highlights Roberto Giobbi's 'Three Roses' as a creative twist on the classic, using an ordinary deck with a poetic presentation. Stephen Tucker's ESP version is promoted as a profound routine that relies on psychological force and remains examinable.

What people are saying about Brainwave

magic-tv says...

Andy Nyman's version of 'Brainwave' is self-working and easy to perform. The trick has a strong visual impact.

SaturnMagicShop says...

Features custom-printed ESP cards with five phases of magic. Cards remain examinable throughout the routine.

sebastiantoca9208 says...

The tricks in 'Eleven Years Later' are easy to perform but require some preparation. Most routines are suitable for various performance settings, from close-up to stage.

UnbiasedMagicReviews says...

Covers handling tips and performance theory, aimed at enhancing and refining the routine.