ESP-NESS by Lawrence Turner

Created by: Lawrence Turner

ESP-NESS is a lighthearted mentalism trick that uses ESP symbols (circle, cross, square, star, or wavy lines) to reveal personality traits in a fun and engaging way. The magician shuffles a deck of ESP symbol cards, has a spectator select one, and then provides a personalized reading based on the chosen symbol. Ideal for casual performances like pubs or gigs, this trick is praised for its simplicity and strong audience reactions. It's a crowd-pleaser that blends psychological intrigue with minimal props, making it perfect for social settings where organic props enhance believability.

Where to buy

Alakazam Magic

ESP Ness by Lawrence Turner

£19.99

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Key features

Uses ESP symbols for a fun personality test
Ideal for casual and social performances
Simple and direct with strong audience reactions
Minimal props required
Blends psychological intrigue with entertainment

Pros

Engages and entertains audiences effectively
Simple to perform with minimal setup
Works well in casual and social settings
Strong audience reactions and laughter

Cons

May not suit all performers or crowds
Best suited for adult audiences in specific settings
Risqué elements may limit performance opportunities

Effect

ESP-NESS is a lighthearted mentalism trick that uses ESP symbols to create a fun personality test for spectators. The performer shuffles a deck of cards featuring symbols like circles, crosses, squares, stars, and wavy lines. A spectator selects one, and the magician reveals what their choice says about their personality. The effect is interactive, engaging, and often leads to laughter and strong reactions from the audience.

Full Details

ESP-NESS is designed for casual performances, particularly in social settings like pubs or informal gigs. The trick uses a deck of ESP symbol cards, which are shuffled and handled by the spectator. The magician explains the meaning behind each symbol before the selection, adding a playful psychological element. Once the spectator picks a card, the performer delivers a humorous or insightful personality reading based on their choice. The method is simple, with no complex sleight of hand required, making it accessible for many performers.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for magicians who perform in relaxed, social environments where humor and audience interaction are key. It works well for close-up performers, bar magicians, or those who enjoy light mentalism with a comedic twist. However, some reviewers note that the personality readings can be risqué, so it may not suit all audiences or performers.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

ESP-NESS is rated as easy to perform. The method relies on straightforward handling, with no advanced sleight of hand or memorization required. The challenge lies in the presentation—delivering the personality readings in an entertaining way that connects with the audience. Performers who enjoy improvisation and crowd work will find this trick particularly rewarding.

What Magicians Say

AlakazamMagicUK describes ESP-NESS as "a hilarious personality test trick perfect for the right audience," noting its success at Magic Live in Vegas.
Another review from AlakazamMagicUK calls it "a mentalism effect using ESP symbols, blending psychological intrigue with minimal props," ideal for pub performances.
Magic-TV mentions that ESP-NESS is "a risqué trick best suited for adult audiences in specific settings," highlighting its niche appeal.
A summary from AlakazamMagicUK states that while it may not suit every performer or crowd, it’s "a surefire way to entertain and connect with people in relaxed settings."

ESP-NESS is praised for its simplicity, strong audience reactions, and suitability for casual performances. However, its humor and personality-based approach mean it won’t be a fit for every magician or venue.