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Dennis Alm by Dennis Alm and Dick Barry

Created by: Dennis Alm, Dick Barry

Dennis Alm's magic trick, as discussed in the context of AJ DeBeck's 'Desert Island Tricks' list, involves the use of the Executive Pad by Dennis Alm and Dick Barry. This trick is a mentalism and close-up magic effect where a seemingly ordinary notepad is used to perform an 'add a number' routine, combined with the out-to-lunch principle. The magician can force a number that has been generated by a cryptex, creating a powerful and deceptive mentalism effect. The Executive Pad is praised for its deceptive nature and smooth operation, making it a staple for performers who value versatility and impact in their magic.

Key features

  • Combines an 'add a number' pad with the out-to-lunch principle for a powerful mentalism effect.

  • Seemingly ordinary notepad that ends clean and can be inspected.

  • Versatile tool that can be used in various mentalism and number routines.

  • Highly deceptive and smooth operation, making it a favorite among performers.

Pros

  • Highly deceptive and smooth operation.

  • Versatile tool for various mentalism and number routines.

  • Ends clean and can be inspected, adding to its credibility.

  • Combines well with other props like the cryptex for enhanced effects.

Cons

  • May require additional props like a cryptex for full effect potential.

  • Learning curve to master the out-to-lunch principle and other techniques involved.

Effect

The Dennis Alm Executive Pad is a utility device that allows magicians to perform powerful number prediction and revelation effects. To the audience, it appears as an ordinary notepad where a spectator writes down a number. The magician can then reveal the exact number without any apparent method or peek. The effect is clean, deceptive, and leaves no room for suspicion, making it ideal for mentalism and prediction routines.

Full Details

The Executive Pad combines the classic "add-a-number" principle with the out-to-lunch technique, wrapped in a completely ordinary-looking notepad. It is designed for practicality, allowing magicians to perform impromptu number revelations with minimal setup. The pad can be used in various ways, from simple number predictions to more elaborate routines involving multiple participants.

AJ DeBeck, a magician and mentalist, highlights its versatility, stating: "This piece of kit is so deceptive and smooth... after using it the first time in performance, I knew it was going to become a staple." He pairs it with a Cryptex for an even more layered effect, demonstrating its adaptability in different performance contexts.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for:

  • Mentalists who want a reliable method for number predictions.
  • Close-up and strolling performers looking for an easy-to-carry utility device.
  • Magicians who prefer clean, self-working methods with minimal sleight of hand.
  • Those who enjoy combining multiple props (like the Cryptex) for stronger routines.

Difficulty

The Executive Pad is designed for ease of use, requiring no advanced sleight of hand. The method is straightforward, making it accessible to beginners while still offering enough depth for experienced performers to build upon. AJ DeBeck notes that it is "so deceptive and smooth," indicating that the handling is intuitive and reliable in real-world conditions.

What Magicians Say

AJ DeBeck praises the Executive Pad for its deceptive nature and practicality:

  • "The reviews can speak for themselves, but after using it the first time in performance, I knew it was going to become a staple."
  • He also mentions combining it with a Cryptex for a more layered effect, showcasing its flexibility.

The trick’s strength lies in its simplicity and the fact that it looks like an ordinary notepad, eliminating suspicion. For magicians who want a reliable, no-fuss method for number predictions, the Dennis Alm Executive Pad is a strong contender.

What people are saying about Dennis Alm

AJ DeBeck says...

This piece of Kit is so deceptive and smooth it's an add a number pad mixed with the tried and true out to lunch principle wrapped in a seemingly normal notepad. The reviews can speak for themselves but after using the first time in performance I knew it was going to become a staple.

AlakazamMagicUK says...

The executive pad was a fairly new thing maybe last year or the year before but I've seen it in action and it is super clever.

Review videos