Free Thought by Steve Langston and TCC Magic

Created by: Steve Langston, TCC Magic

Free Thought by Steve Langston, released through TCC Magic, is a multi-phase mentalism and card magic effect designed for close-up or strolling performances. It begins with a spectator freely thinking of any card from a face-up spread—no force is used, ensuring a genuine selection. The magician then appears to pluck the thought-of card from the deck, only for it to vanish, leaving a single face-down card in its place. This card visually turns blank, followed by the entire deck transforming into blank cards. The climax reveals that the spectator's card was never among them, having been secretly placed in an impossible location like a wallet or under a chair beforehand. The trick includes a special gaffed Triumph-style deck and a normal deck, with the gaffed deck handling most of the method, making it easy to learn with minimal sleight of hand required. It's suitable for performers of all levels, offering a quick reset and strong visual impact.

Where to buy

Monster Magic

Free Thought by Steve Langston & TCC Magic

£24.99

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Key features

Combines mentalism and visual card magic with no force for a free card selection
Includes a gaffed Triumph deck and a normal deck for versatility
Easy to learn with almost no sleight of hand, suitable for beginners
Quick reset and portable, ideal for strolling or close-up magic
Customizable deck backs for seamless integration into other routines
Multiple surprises: vanishing card, blank transformation, and impossible location reveal

Pros

Highly practical with a quick reset
Strong audience impact and visual transformations
Beginner-friendly with minimal sleight of hand
Includes a second deck for added value
Versatile for various performance settings

Cons

Gaffed deck cannot be handed out to spectators after the trick
May require mental rehearsal for smooth presentation
Some reviewers noted minor issues like tutorial length or lack of credit to original concepts

Effect

Free Thought is a multi-phase mentalism card routine. A spectator freely thinks of any card from a face-up spread. The magician appears to read their mind and locate the card. The thought-of card then vanishes from the deck, leaving a single face-down card. This card visually turns blank. The magician then produces the spectator's actual card from an impossible location, such as their own pocket. Finally, the entire deck is shown to be completely blank.

Full details

Free Thought was created by Steve Langston and released by TCC Magic. The effect uses a special gaffed deck with a Triumph-style design. A normal deck with matching backs is also included. The routine combines principles of mentalism and visual magic. The card selection is genuinely free, with no force used. The method relies on a combination of known principles applied in a unique way. Only one basic sleight is required, which is well covered and easy to execute. The routine is structured to allow multiple moments of surprise and a clean, examinable finish.

Who should consider the trick

Free Thought is suitable for magicians interested in mentalism and card magic. It is designed for close-up and strolling performances. Beginners will find it accessible due to the minimal sleight of hand. Experienced performers can use it as a powerful opener or closer. It is ideal for those who want a strong visual effect with a quick reset. Magicians who enjoy multi-phase routines with organic audience interaction will appreciate this trick.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

Free Thought is easy to learn and perform. The tutorial video is 27 minutes long and provides clear instructions. Almost no sleight of hand is required, making it beginner-friendly. The one move involved is simple to master. The routine does require careful handling of the gaffed deck, which should not be given to spectators. Mental rehearsal is important to manage the spectator interaction smoothly. The reset is quick, allowing for repeated performances.

What magicians say

Reviewers praise Free Thought for its clever structure and practical design. Sean Ridgeway notes that the deck does "most of the heavy lifting," letting the performer focus on presentation. Nique Tan compares it to the John Kennedy Mind Power Deck and Divine and Conquer, calling it a successful combination of existing ideas. He highlights the visual impact and flexibility in performance. Fiddlin Jonny describes it as beginner-friendly and versatile, suitable for professional use. David from Magic Orthodoxy recommends it despite minor drawbacks, stating that the additions to the Mind Power Deck concept are excellent. Alex Kirk suggests reworking the premise for smoother audience engagement but acknowledges its strength as a multi-phase mentalism routine.

What people are saying about Free Thought

fiddlinjonny says...

The routine is beginner-friendly with almost no sleight of hand required. It includes two decks of cards and a 27-minute tutorial video, making it a great value at $30.

magicorthodoxy says...

The additions Steve Langston made to the Mind Power Deck are excellent, particularly the face-down card reveal and the final blank deck kicker. Despite minor drawbacks, it's a worthwhile purchase.

monstermagicshop says...

A multi-phase mentalism card routine blending mind reading, magic, and mentalism. Uses a Triumph-style deck, with Kirk noting magicians might prefer modifying it to Bicycle backs.

MurphysMagicSupplies says...

The routine is built around a special Triumph-style deck provided in the set, which includes one gaffed deck and one normal deck. Reviewers highlight its clever structure, devious method, and practical reset, making it suitable for close-up, strolling, or even as a powerful opener or closer.

niquetan says...

Free Thought centers around a spectator freely thinking of a card from a spread face-up deck. The effect culminates in a surprising visual: the spectator's chosen card vanishes from the deck, leaving a single face-down card in the middle.

SaturnMagicShop says...

This promotional video showcases Free Thought, a mentalism effect created by Steve Langston and released by TCC Magic, available through Saturn Magic's online shop. It centers on the classic premise of thought reading or free choice, a staple in mentalism.