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Charades by Dan Ives and Alakazam Magic

Created by: Dan Ives, Alakazam Magic

Charades by Dan Ives and Alakazam Magic is a mentalism trick disguised as a board game, perfect for close-up or parlour settings. Spectators think of a film, act it out, and the performer accurately guesses it every time. The deck features thick, high-quality cards with no obvious magic branding, making it feel authentic. The trick includes multiple routines, dual reality elements, and audience interaction, with an extensive tutorial covering all details. It’s designed for fun, informal performances but requires confident audience management.

Key features

  • High-quality, non-magic-branded deck for authenticity

  • Multiple routines and dual reality elements included

  • Extensive tutorial with detailed instructions

  • Requires confident audience management and interaction

  • Not angle-sensitive but may have visibility issues in low light

Pros

  • Engaging and fun for spectators

  • Well-made and authentic design

  • Multiple routines and creative possibilities

  • Strong mentalism effect with dual reality

Cons

  • Requires confident performance to avoid awkwardness

  • Not suitable as a show closer

  • Visibility may be an issue in low light

Effect

Charades by Dan Ives is a mentalism trick disguised as a board game. A spectator thinks of a film, acts it out, and the performer correctly identifies it every time. The effect plays on the classic game of charades, making it feel familiar yet impossible. The performer can also predict the film before the spectator acts it out, adding an extra layer of mystery.

Full details

The trick includes a deck of high-quality cards designed to look like a board game rather than a magic prop. The cards feature illustrations of films and are made from thick stock for durability. The set comes with an hour and a half tutorial video covering multiple routines, including a dual reality effect where the audience and participant experience different outcomes. There are also additional routines based on card tricks, blending mentalism with traditional card magic.

Who should consider the trick

Charades is ideal for performers who enjoy interactive mentalism and audience participation. It works well in informal settings, such as social gatherings or casual performances. Those who like props that don’t look like traditional magic tricks will appreciate its board game aesthetic. However, it requires confidence in handling spectators and guiding them through the routine.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The trick does not require difficult sleight of hand or memory work. The main challenge lies in audience management—choosing the right participant and keeping the performance engaging. Some routines involve subtle handling, but the tutorial covers these in detail. Visibility may be an issue in low light, but most methods are angle-proof.

What magicians say

Steve Faulkner from RealMagicReview describes Charades as "a nice bit of entertainment" that blends mentalism with a game-like experience. He praises the high-quality design and multiple routines but notes that it requires confident performance to avoid awkwardness. He says, "It’s not a mind blower, but it’s a good solid fun piece of magic." The dual reality effect and additional routines make it more deceptive than it first appears. Faulkner recommends it for performers who enjoy interactive magic but advises against using it as a show closer.

What people are saying about Charades

Steve Faulkner (RealMagicReview) says...

The deck features thick, high-quality cards with no obvious magic branding, adding to its authenticity. [...] The main effect involves spectators thinking of a film, acting it out, and the performer accurately guessing it every time.

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