Cheerful by Rick Relish and Craig Petty

Effect

The Easy Tones deck creates a mentalism effect where a spectator freely thinks of a color, and the performer instantly reveals it without force or memorization. The deck appears to contain hundreds of unique color samples, making the revelation seem impossible. The performer can also link the chosen color to the spectator's personality, enhancing the emotional impact.

Full Details

The Easy Tones deck, created by Rick Relish and Craig Petty, uses color psychology to create strong mentalism effects. The deck disguises its method by presenting itself as a collection of color samples. A subtle marking system on the card backs allows the performer to identify the chosen color instantly.

Two key cards, Hot Tones and Cheerful, play a central role in the routine. The performer guides the spectator’s choice by asking personality-based questions, such as "Who is the most hotheaded?" or "Who is the most cheerful?" This makes the selection feel organic while ensuring the correct card is chosen.

The deck works in multiple performance settings, including close-up, parlor, and stage. The method requires no memorization or fishing, making it practical for repeated performances.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for mentalists and magicians who want to move beyond traditional card effects. It works well for performers who enjoy psychological engagement and audience interaction. The Easy Tones deck is especially useful for those who perform in social settings, such as table-hopping or corporate events, where color-based mentalism can create a strong emotional connection.

Difficulty

The Easy Tones deck is designed to be easy to use. The marking system is subtle but straightforward to read, requiring minimal practice. The performance relies more on presentation and audience management than complex sleight of hand. Beginners can learn the basic routine quickly, while experienced performers can expand it with additional psychological framing.

What Magicians Say

Rick Relish, a close-up mentalist with 15 years of experience, calls Easy Tones a "game-changer" and performs it at every table. He highlights that audiences react more strongly to colors than traditional playing cards because they associate them with emotions and memories.

In his demonstration, Relish explains how the deck allows for instant color revelations without forcing or fishing. He notes that the routine works seamlessly in different performance environments, from one-on-one to stage shows.

The subtlety of the method is praised, with Relish stating, "The markings are very easy to read using the letters on the back design to mark the front." He also emphasizes the versatility of the effect, saying, "People relate to colors... there's just so much more you can get out of it rather than revealing an Ace of Spades or a Queen of Hearts."

Overall, Easy Tones is recommended for performers looking for a fresh, psychologically engaging mentalism tool that delivers strong audience reactions.