Dangerous Game by Max Maven and Jack Tighe

Effect

The Dangerous Game trick is a mentalism routine where a spectator selects five cards from a shuffled deck. They think of one card, then shuffle the selection so even they lose track of its position. The cards are laid face down, and through intuition or apparent mind-reading, the magician correctly identifies the spectator's thought-of card.

Full Details

The Dangerous Game is a variation of Max Maven's original routine from his Prism book. It involves a spectator freely choosing five cards, mentally selecting one, and then shuffling them to create uncertainty. Despite the apparent randomness, the magician reveals the correct card with precision. The method relies on subtle psychological and technical elements rather than complex sleight of hand.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This routine suits magicians who enjoy mentalism or card-based mind-reading effects. It works well for performers who want a strong, interactive piece that doesn’t rely on heavy sleight of hand. Since it involves spectator participation, it’s ideal for close-up or parlor settings.

Difficulty Level

The Dangerous Game is not overly difficult but requires smooth handling and confidence in performance. The technical demands are moderate, making it accessible to intermediate magicians. As reviewer David from Magic Orthodoxy notes, "It's not self-working, but it's not overly complex either."

What Magicians Say

David describes the routine as "a variation on Max Maven's Dangerous Game," praising its effectiveness as a mentalism piece. He highlights that the spectator shuffles the cards themselves, adding to the impossibility of the effect. The trick is presented as part of a broader bundle, but Dangerous Game stands out as a strong, engaging routine for performers who want a psychological twist in their card magic.

For magicians looking for a thought-of-card revelation with minimal sleight of hand, Dangerous Game offers a compelling option. The method is clever, and the effect is strong, making it a worthwhile addition to a mentalism or card magic repertoire.