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Expert Witness by Lewis Le Val

Created by: Lewis Le Val

Expert Witness is a powerful mentalism routine where the magician, by simply observing the spectator's free choices, can accurately identify a hidden object every single time. This effect can be performed with everyday items like envelopes, cups, business cards, bags, matchboxes, or coins. The routine is 100% hands-off once it begins, requiring no switches, gimmicks, or forcing. Every decision is made freely by the spectator, making it fair and instantly repeatable. This is a close-up or parlour mentalism effect that leverages an old but unused logical concept, making it both baffling and practical for real-world performances.

Key features

  • No gimmicks or switches required

  • Works with everyday objects

  • Instantly repeatable

  • 100% hands-off once the routine starts

  • Spectator makes all decisions freely

Pros

  • Highly practical and adaptable

  • Strong audience impact

  • Minimal setup

  • Teaches a unique logical concept

  • Suitable for close-up or parlour settings

Cons

  • Requires understanding of the underlying concept

  • May need practice to perfect the presentation

Effect

The Expert Witness trick makes it appear as though the magician can always know the location of a hidden object, even when the spectator makes completely free choices. Three envelopes (or other containers like cups, bags, or matchboxes) are placed on the table. The spectator freely selects one and places an object inside. Without touching anything, the magician accurately reveals the hidden object every time. The effect is hands-off, repeatable, and requires no gimmicks or suspicious instructions.

Full details

Expert Witness is a mentalism routine where the performer appears to have an uncanny ability to track a hidden object despite the spectator's free choices. The method relies on an old but rarely used logical concept, making it deceptive and easy to perform. The trick can be adapted to different props, such as business cards, coins, or envelopes, making it versatile for various performance settings.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is ideal for mentalists and magicians who want a strong, repeatable routine that requires no gimmicks or complex sleight of hand. It works well in close-up or parlor settings and is particularly effective for performers who prefer psychological methods over physical gimmicks.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

Expert Witness is not technically difficult, as it relies more on presentation and understanding the underlying principle rather than sleight of hand. The method is straightforward once grasped, making it accessible to beginners while still strong enough for experienced performers.

What magicians say

The reviewer, mentalistonashoestring, highlights Expert Witness as a standout routine in Lewis Le Val's Whisper Tapes. They describe it as "really nice" and emphasize that it "works every time" with no switches, gimmicks, or forcing. The trick is praised for being "instantly repeatable" and completely hands-off once the routine begins. The reviewer also notes that the method is based on an "old and unused logical concept," making it both clever and deceptive.

For mentalists looking for a clean, reliable, and adaptable routine, Expert Witness offers a strong solution with minimal setup and maximum impact.

What people are saying about Expert Witness

mentalistonashoestring says...

Expert Witness is one of those really nice little routines where, once you understand the concept, it's something you can do anytime. It lives up in your brain, and the method is brilliantly logical.

Review videos