Cataclysm by Brian Caswell

Created by: Brian Caswell

Cataclysm is a mentalism trick that combines card memorization and future prediction for a striking effect. The performer uses a numbered deck and a pre-taken photograph to predict three spectator-chosen cards. This trick requires no sleight of hand, making it accessible to magicians of all skill levels. The photograph serves as a strong, impossible prediction, enhancing the trick's impact. Setup takes about 20 minutes initially, but the trick offers an instant reset and no gimmicks, allowing for easy repetition. Ideal for walk-around magic, Cataclysm is highly rated for its simplicity and strong audience impact.

Where to buy

Alakazam Magic

Cataclysm Armageddon by Brian Caswell

£24.99

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Key features

No sleight of hand required
Uses a photograph for a strong, impossible prediction
Instant reset and no gimmicks for easy repetition
Setup takes about 20 minutes initially
Combines card memorization and future prediction
Highly rated for its impact and simplicity

Pros

Accessible to magicians of all skill levels
Strong audience impact
Instant reset
No gimmicks
Versatile for walk-around magic

Cons

Initial setup time of 20 minutes
Requires significant preparation and memorization skills

Effect

Cataclysm is a mentalism trick that combines card memorization and future prediction. The magician uses a numbered deck and a pre-taken photograph to predict three cards chosen by the audience. The photograph serves as an impossible prediction, creating a strong and memorable effect. The trick is designed to be performed without sleight of hand, making it accessible to a wide range of performers.

Full details

Cataclysm involves a deck of cards where each card is assigned a number. The magician memorizes the deck and then predicts the future by matching audience-named cards to pre-photographed ones with corresponding numbers. The trick requires an initial setup of about 20 minutes, but once prepared, it offers an instant reset and can be repeated easily. There are no gimmicks involved, which adds to its versatility and practicality for walk-around magic.

Who should consider the trick

Cataclysm is ideal for magicians who enjoy mentalism and want a strong, impossible prediction effect. It is particularly suited for those who prefer tricks that do not require sleight of hand. The trick is accessible to beginners but also offers depth for more experienced performers who can enhance it with a memorized deck backstory or other presentation elements.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

Cataclysm is relatively easy to perform, with no sleight of hand required. Matt from magic-tv mastered the trick in just one hour. However, it does require significant preparation and strong memory skills, as the magician needs to memorize the deck and recall the numbers associated with each card. This makes it more suitable for performers who are comfortable with memorization techniques.

What magicians say

Matt from magic-tv gives Cataclysm a perfect score of 100, praising its ease of learning, strong audience impact, and versatility. Craig from the same channel rates it 79, noting a style mismatch but still appreciating its strong effect. AlakazamMagicUK highlights the trick's engaging performance and clear audience interaction, though they caution that it may not be ideal for beginners due to its complexity. Overall, Cataclysm is highly rated for its simplicity, strong effect, and practicality.

What people are saying about Cataclysm

AlakazamMagicUK says...

This dual demonstration of memory and prediction creates a striking effect. [...] The performance is engaging, with clear explanations of the method, but the trick demands significant preparation and memorization skills.

magic-tv says...

The trick's presentation is praised for its impossibility, especially with the photograph as a prediction. [...] Pros include instant reset, no gimmicks, and versatility for walk-around magic.