Chip Reader by Dave Forest

Effect

Chip Reader by Dave Forest is a mentalism effect where the magician correctly identifies a poker chip selected by a spectator from a small set. The spectator freely chooses a chip from a bag, examines it, and keeps it hidden. Through a series of questions or intuitive mind-reading, the magician narrows down the possibilities and reveals the exact chip—including its casino name and dollar value—without any peeking or sleight of hand.

Full Details

The trick includes five high-quality poker chips, each from a different Las Vegas casino and with distinct dollar values. The method relies on a clever system that allows the magician to deduce the chosen chip through structured questioning or psychological cues. No electronics, magnets, or gimmicks are involved, making it a low-tech but highly effective piece of mentalism.

The spectator can handle the chips freely, and the magician never sees the selection. The method ensures that even if the spectator initially denies a clue, the magician can smoothly redirect and still arrive at the correct answer.

Who Should Consider the Trick

• Mentalists looking for a clean, impromptu-style mind-reading effect.
• Close-up and walk-around performers who want a quick, engaging routine with minimal setup.
• Casino-themed acts seeking to enhance their repertoire with a believable chip-based revelation.
• Beginners since it requires no sleight of hand, though presentation skills are key.

Difficulty

Chip Reader is easy to learn but benefits from practice to refine the presentation. The method is straightforward, but the performer must develop confidence in guiding the spectator’s responses naturally. As reviewer AlakazamMagicUK notes:

"It’s super simple to do... but you will get better each time you perform it. The more you do it, the slicker and smoother everything will become."

What Magicians Say

• AlakazamMagicUK praises its practicality:

  "This is brilliant for skeptics because they literally pick any chip—regular chips—put the rest in a bag, and you never look. It’s perfect."

• SaturnMagicShop highlights its method:

  "It’s a low-tech effect with a classic 'fishing' approach, but the way Dave handles 'no' responses is smart. You can turn a negative into a positive convincingly."

• Performance versatility is a recurring theme:

  "Great for walk-around, mentalism sets, or even as part of a casino routine. The chips are lovely quality, and the method is clever."

Chip Reader is well-regarded for its simplicity, strong audience impact, and professional-quality props. While it may not be repeatable for the same group, it’s a powerful addition to any magician’s toolkit.