Deep Breath by Matt Parrott

Effect

In Deep Breath, the audience sees impossible-seeming tricks where cards or other objects behave in ways that defy logic. For example, a spectator shuffles cards, yet the magician can still predict their order. In one routine, a lottery ticket prediction comes true. Another effect involves Scrabble tiles revealing a chosen word. The tricks feel fair because spectators handle the objects themselves, making the outcomes even more surprising.

Full details

Deep Breath by Matt Parrott teaches the Gilbreath Principle, a mathematical concept applied to magic. The principle allows tricks to work even after spectators shuffle the cards. The tutorial includes:

• Out of Breath: A color divination where spectators shuffle cards, yet the magician knows their order.
• Poker in the Rear: A gambling-themed routine where multiple hands all turn out to be winning straights.
• Lottery Prediction: A prediction effect using numbered cards that match a real lottery ticket.
• Scrabble: A non-card version where Scrabble tiles reveal a spectator’s chosen word.

The teaching avoids complex math, using visual demonstrations with poker chips and cards to make the principle easy to understand.

Who should consider the trick

This is ideal for magicians who want:

• Strong mentalism-style effects.
• Tricks that work with minimal handling (spectators do most of the work).
• Versatile methods that apply to cards and other objects like Scrabble tiles.
• A deeper understanding of the Gilbreath Principle for creating original routines.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The tricks rely on the Gilbreath Principle, which is not technically difficult but requires proper setup. The hardest part is ensuring spectators shuffle correctly (riffle or interleaving shuffles). The teaching includes ways to guide them subtly. Some routines, like Scrabble, need additional preparation, but the instructions cover setup clearly.

What magicians say

• The1914 describes the teaching as "clear, practical applications that make the principle feel like pure magic." They note the preview is engaging but wish full details were revealed.
• Mentalistonashoestring praises the tutorial, saying, "Matt explains the principle really well—even I came away going, 'Ah, now I get it!'" They highlight the spectator involvement, noting, "The Spectator does most of the work, making it feel fair." They also appreciate the extra tips in the performance videos, advising, "Watch the demos—there are subtleties you might miss in the tutorial."

Both reviewers agree the content is valuable, especially for the price, and suitable for performers who want strong, self-working effects.