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Color at Any Number by Rich Relish and Craig Petty

Created by: Rich Relish, Craig Petty

Color at Any Number is a mentalism trick utilizing a unique deck designed to resemble color swatches from a paint store. Each card in the deck features four distinct colors, creating the illusion of endless possibilities for the spectator. The deck is a 50/50 forcing deck with a cyclical stack, allowing for multiple selection methods and maintaining its order after cuts. It's marked for a book test, though performers can achieve effects without relying on these markings. The trick is best suited for mentalists looking for a visually appealing tool for predictions and revelations, offering a variety of routines including predictions, book tests, and more.

Key features

  • Designed to look like color swatches, enhancing the mentalism aspect.

  • 50/50 forcing deck with a cyclical stack for versatile performance options.

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

  • Each card features four colors, increasing the perceived impossibility of the trick.

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

Pros

  • Unique and visually appealing deck design.

  • Versatile for various mentalism routines.

  • Well-made with Bicycle cards ensuring quality.

  • Tutorial is easy to follow, featuring expert instruction.

  • Allows for spectator's sense of free choice within a forced selection framework.

Cons

  • Some routines may feel similar to those in other decks.

  • Limited integration of tuck case and reveal cards in the main tutorial.

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

Effect

The Color at Any Number trick is a mentalism effect performed with the Easy Tones deck. The deck resembles color swatches from a paint store, with each card displaying four distinct colors. The magician invites a spectator to freely select a card and a color from it, creating the illusion of an impossible prediction. Despite the spectator believing they have complete freedom, the magician accurately reveals their chosen color, often through a dramatic reveal method.

Full Details

The Easy Tones deck is designed for mentalism rather than traditional card magic. It features:

  • A 50/50 forcing mechanism, ensuring controlled outcomes while maintaining spectator freedom.
  • A cyclical stack, meaning the order remains intact even after cuts.
  • Marked backs, primarily intended for book test applications rather than color identification.
  • Four color options per card, increasing perceived randomness.
  • Revelation cards, allowing for multiple prediction methods (written, visual, or disguised).

The deck is best suited for mentalists who want to perform strong prediction effects without relying on traditional card sleights.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for:

  • Mentalists who want a visual and interactive prediction tool.
  • Performers who prefer minimal sleight-of-hand but still want strong, audience-tested effects.
  • Magicians looking for a fresh alternative to standard marked decks.

It may not be the best choice for those who primarily perform card magic with traditional decks.

Difficulty

The Color at Any Number trick is low to moderate in difficulty. The deck handles most of the work, so performers do not need advanced card skills. However, proper scripting and audience management are crucial to maximize the effect.

What Magicians Say

David from Magic Orthodoxy highlights several key points:

  • "The deck is well-made and visually appealing, using Bicycle card stock."
  • "The forcing mechanism is cleverly disguised, making spectators feel they have a free choice."
  • "Some routines feel similar to other mentalism decks, but the color-based presentation adds a fresh twist."
  • "The tutorial is well-structured, featuring Rich Relish and Craig Petty, making it easy to learn."

He also notes that while the deck is marked, the markings are not necessary for most effects, making it accessible even to those uncomfortable with marked deck reading.

Overall, Color at Any Number is a strong mentalism tool for performers who want a visually engaging and methodologically sound prediction effect.

What people are saying about Color at Any Number

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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