Color Prediction & Schrodinger Principle by Gabriel Werlen

Effect

The Color Prediction & Schrodinger Principle is a mentalism routine that combines multiple effects into a cohesive performance. The magician appears to predict a spectator's chosen color, then engages them in a heads or tails game with an imaginary coin. Despite the spectator's attempts to deceive the performer, the magician reveals that they knew every decision in advance—including which hand the coin was placed in, whether it was heads or tails, and even the fact that the spectator would "win" by fooling the magician. The routine concludes with a prediction that matches all these impossible details.

Full Details

This routine is part of Gabriel Werlen’s Penguin Live Lecture, which focuses on language-based mentalism. The Color Prediction & Schrodinger Principle is a longer performance piece (around 10-12 minutes) that integrates:

• A color prediction at the beginning.
• A heads or tails game where the performer knows the outcome in advance.
• The Schrodinger Principle, a method that allows the performer to adapt to the spectator’s choices while maintaining the illusion of total prediction.
• A "loser wins" principle, where the spectator believes they have fooled the magician, only to discover that the magician predicted their exact actions.

The routine does not rely on sleight of hand or gimmicks. Instead, it uses carefully structured language and psychological subtleties to create the illusion of mind-reading.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This routine is ideal for:

• Mentalists who want a strong, multi-phase performance piece.
• Magicians looking to add mentalism to their act.
• Performers comfortable with language-based magic rather than physical sleights.
• Those who perform in close-up, parlour, or stage settings, as the routine is adaptable.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

• Mechanically easy: No complex sleights or gimmicks are required.
• Performance-heavy: Success depends on delivery, timing, and language precision.
• Intermediate-level challenge: While the method is straightforward, selling the effect convincingly requires strong performance charisma and the ability to adapt the script to one’s style.

As reviewer Sebastian notes:

"Everyone can do these effects, but not everyone can do these effects well. That's the thing you need to remember."

What Magicians Say

Sebastian, who reviewed the Penguin Live Lecture, praises the routine:

"The material is straight fire... I’ve already gigged with it after learning it and plan to use it much more in the future."

He highlights the foolproof nature of the method:

"Even if the spectator tries to trick you, it will work. That’s brilliant about the method."

The routine is also angle-proof and reset-friendly, making it practical for live performances.

Final Thoughts

The Color Prediction & Schrodinger Principle is a powerful mentalism routine that plays strong for audiences while being methodologically clean. It’s best suited for performers who enjoy language-driven magic and are willing to refine their presentation for maximum impact. If you’re looking for a versatile, impromptu-friendly mentalism piece, this is a strong contender.