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Eclipse ESP Deck by Louis Lal and D. Christopher

Created by: Louis Lal, D. Christopher

The Eclipse ESP Deck is a specialized set of ESP (Extrasensory Perception) cards designed for mentalism and psychic-themed magic tricks. Based on the Ramy principle, this trick creates the illusion of genuine psychic ability through a series of seemingly free choices made by the spectator, culminating in a matching card reveal. The deck is made from durable PVC, features easily readable markings, and is suitable for close-up or parlour magic. The routine involves spectator interaction, the use of stones or similar objects to enhance the mystical atmosphere, and is designed to be clean and fair, giving the impression of genuine free choice.

Key features

  • Utilizes the Ramy principle for a self-working effect that's impossible to deduce.

  • Durable PVC construction ensures longevity.

  • Easily readable markings can be interpreted from across the room.

  • Versatile for use with stones, crystals, or other small objects to enhance the mystical theme.

  • Can be performed with plain cards or hand-drawn symbols if the Eclipse ESP deck is not available.

Pros

  • Highly durable and long-lasting due to PVC material.

  • Clear and easily readable markings enhance performance.

  • Self-working principle makes it accessible to magicians of all skill levels.

  • Versatile presentation options with stones or other objects.

  • Creates a strong illusion of genuine psychic ability.

Cons

  • Requires initial setup with a mirrored stack of cards.

  • The order of cards is crucial and must be maintained for the effect to work.

  • May not be as impactful without the thematic use of stones or crystals.

Effect

The Eclipse ESP Deck creates the illusion of genuine psychic ability. A spectator freely mixes the deck and selects a pile of cards. Using stones or crystals, they make multiple choices about how many cards to transfer. Despite these seemingly random decisions, their final card always matches the performer's. The routine ends with a dramatic reveal where every card in both piles matches perfectly, reinforcing the idea of a psychic connection.

Full details

The trick is based on the Ramy principle, a self-working method that ensures perfect matches regardless of spectator choices. The Eclipse ESP Deck, designed by Louis Lal and D. Christopher, is made from durable PVC and features clear markings for easy reading. The setup involves creating a mirrored stack of eight cards—two identical sets of four, with one reversed. The performer maintains this order through casual shuffles and cuts, ensuring the effect remains foolproof.

The routine includes spectator interaction, where they freely choose how many stones to take, determining how many cards they transfer. The performer matches their actions, leading to a final matching card. The presentation can be enhanced with storytelling, such as referencing gypsy traditions with crystals, making the effect feel more mystical.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is ideal for magicians who enjoy mentalism and self-working effects. It suits performers who want a strong ESP routine without complex sleight of hand. The Eclipse ESP Deck is particularly useful for those who prefer durable, marked cards for repeated performances.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The trick is easy to perform because it relies on the Ramy principle rather than advanced sleight of hand. The main challenge is maintaining a natural presentation while handling the mirrored stack. The performer must ensure the spectator's cuts and choices appear free while keeping the setup intact.

What magicians say

SeanDevine praises the Eclipse ESP Deck, calling it "one of the best, if not the best, ESP deck I've ever had." He highlights its durability and clear markings, stating, "you can read them from across the room." He also appreciates the Ramy principle, describing it as "mindblowing" and impossible for spectators to figure out.

He recommends the routine for its clean and fair appearance, noting that the spectator's choices feel genuinely free. His variation replaces coins with stones, making the effect more believable in a mentalism context. He says, "this way the person is making real choices rather than leaving it up to chance with the toss of a coin."

Overall, the Eclipse ESP Deck and the Ramy principle provide a powerful, easy-to-perform mentalism routine with strong audience impact.

What people are saying about Eclipse ESP Deck

SeanDevine says...

This deck that I'm using is the eclipse ESP deck by the 1914 uh Louis Lal and D Christopher amazing Mentalist and uh this is one of the best if not the best uh P deck I've ever had [...] it's made from plastic uh PVC so they're going to last forever and they're completely marked and the marking system is just brilliant and you can read them from across the room literally.

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