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Canned Laughter by Rich Relish and Craig Petty

Created by: Rich Relish, Craig Petty

Canned Laughter is a mentalism trick utilizing the Easy Tones deck, designed to look like color swatches from a paint store. This unique deck allows for a variety of mentalism effects, including predictions and revelations, by leveraging its 50/50 forcing deck nature and cyclical stack. Each card presents four color options, enhancing the illusion of free choice for the spectator. The deck is marked for a book test, though performers can achieve effects without relying on these markings. Ideal for mentalists, the trick offers a creative and visually appealing tool for performances.

Key features

  • Designed to resemble color swatches, enhancing the mentalism experience

  • 50/50 forcing deck with a cyclical stack that maintains order after cuts

  • Each card offers four color options, increasing perceived possibilities

  • Marked for a book test, though not necessary for all effects

  • Includes a well-structured, hour-long tutorial with multiple routines

Pros

  • Unique and visually appealing design

  • Versatile for various mentalism effects

  • Well-made with Bicycle cards quality

  • Tutorial is easy to follow and comprehensive

  • Allows for a sense of free choice for the spectator

Cons

  • Some routines may feel similar to those in other decks

  • Tuck case and reveal cards could have been better integrated into the main tutorial

  • Primarily suited for mentalists, may not appeal to traditional card magicians

Effect

The Canned Laughter trick is a prediction effect performed with the Easy Tones deck. The spectator freely selects a color from the deck, which appears to be a completely free choice. Despite the apparent randomness, the magician accurately predicts the chosen color, creating a strong mentalism effect. The deck's design enhances the illusion by presenting multiple color options per card, making the prediction seem impossible.

Full Details

The Canned Laughter routine is part of the Easy Tones deck system, which is designed for mentalism rather than traditional card magic. The deck resembles color swatches, with each card displaying four distinct colors. This structure allows for multiple outs and forces, ensuring the magician can control the outcome while maintaining the illusion of free choice.

The deck is a 50/50 forcing deck with a cyclical stack, meaning cuts do not disrupt the order. While the backs are marked for a book test, these markings are optional, and the trick can be performed without relying on them. The Canned Laughter effect leverages the deck's forcing properties to create a clean, baffling prediction.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for mentalists or performers who want to move away from traditional card sleights. It suits those who prefer prediction-based effects with minimal handling. If you enjoy routines where the spectator does most of the work—such as cutting or shuffling—this trick will fit well into your repertoire.

Magicians who already use forcing decks or marked systems may find Canned Laughter a fresh addition, especially if they appreciate visually distinct props. However, those who primarily perform card magic with standard decks might prefer more traditional methods.

Difficulty

The Canned Laughter trick is not technically demanding. The deck does most of the work, and the handling is straightforward. The tutorial included with Easy Tones provides clear instructions, making it accessible even to those with limited experience in mentalism.

David from Magic Orthodoxy notes that the trick is "not too difficult at all" and "could be within anyone's wheelhouse." The focus is on presentation rather than complex sleight of hand.

What Magicians Say

David praises the Easy Tones deck for its clever design and versatility, calling it "another fun deck" and "another creative deck." He highlights the Canned Laughter effect as one of the strong routines included in the tutorial.

However, he also mentions that some effects, including Canned Laughter, feel similar to routines found in other forcing or marked decks. While the execution is solid, those familiar with similar systems may recognize overlapping concepts.

Overall, the trick is well-received for its practicality and strong audience impact, particularly in mentalism performances.

What people are saying about Canned Laughter

magicorthodoxy says...

The deck's primary purpose is to provide a unique tool for mentalism routines. [...] It's a 50/50 deck, essentially a forcing deck, but with multiple ways to achieve a selection and a cyclical stack that maintains its order after cuts.

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