Business Card Peek by John Morton

Created by: John Morton

The 'Business Card Peek' is a classic mentalism effect where a spectator writes down the name of their first pet on a business card, which is then lost in a stack of other cards. The magician, using a psychic hangman-style approach on a blank business card, reveals the name of the pet, often adding details like its color and breed. This trick creates deeply personal and emotional reactions, making it a powerful tool for mentalists. It's ideal for close-up performances, particularly at events like weddings or intimate gatherings where personal connections enhance the impact.

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Key features

Creates strong emotional reactions by tapping into personal memories
Works well in close-up settings, especially at social events
No electronics or complex setups required
Can be performed with minimal props (just business cards)
Highly adaptable to different presentation styles

Pros

Produces powerful, memorable moments for spectators
Easy to carry and set up
Versatile for various performance contexts
No need for advanced sleight of hand

Cons

Relies on the spectator having a pet, which may not always be the case
Requires a confident presentation to maximize impact

Effect

The Business Card Peek is a mentalism effect where a spectator writes down the name of their first pet (or another personal detail) on a business card. The card is then lost in a stack of other business cards. The magician, using a "psychic hangman" approach, reveals the exact name written by the spectator, often adding details like the pet's color or breed. The effect creates a deeply personal and emotional moment, making it highly impactful for audiences.

Full Details

Method: The trick relies on a clever peek technique that allows the magician to secretly glimpse the information written by the spectator.
Presentation: The magician frames the effect as a test of psychic ability, enhancing the mystery.
Props: A stack of business cards and a pen are all that’s needed, making it highly portable.
Versatility: Can be adapted for different personal details (e.g., childhood memories, favorite places).

Who Should Consider the Trick

Mentalists: Ideal for performers who focus on psychological illusions and mind-reading.
Close-up Magicians: Works well in walk-around settings, especially at weddings or corporate events.
Performers Seeking Emotional Impact: Perfect for those who want to create memorable, personal moments with their audience.

Difficulty

Skill Level: Beginner-friendly, with minimal sleight of hand required.
Practice Needed: The key challenge is mastering the peek and maintaining natural handling of the business cards.
Performance Tips: Focus on presentation and audience interaction to maximize the emotional impact.

What Magicians Say

John Morton, a respected magician, highlights the Business Card Peek as one of his go-to effects for creating powerful reactions. He shares:

"If you're doing mentalism, if you can make it personal, you can't beat it. It's just an amazing reaction you get from people... I named the name of this dog that he had as a kid, and he burst into tears. To him, it was a really special moment."

Morton emphasizes that the trick’s strength lies in its ability to connect with spectators on an emotional level, making it a standout piece in any mentalism set.

The Business Card Peek is a simple yet profoundly effective trick that delivers strong, personal reactions—ideal for magicians who want to leave a lasting impression.

What people are saying about Business Card Peek

John Morton says...

I named the name of the dog that was his dog, and he burst into tears... if you're doing mentalism, if you can make it personal, you can't beat it. It's just an amazing reaction you get from people.