Sleightful logoSleightful

Guess By by Kieran Johnson

Created by: Kieran Johnson

Guess By is a re-release of a magic trick by Kieran Johnson that involves a custom deck of cards and a 'Guess Who?' board game. The performer can determine the card a spectator has chosen without any electronics, using a custom deck with familiar characters and a flip-down chart or board game for interaction. The trick can be performed stand-up or with the board game, making it versatile for different performance settings. It's suitable for both kids and adults, offering a fun and interactive experience.

Key features

  • Custom deck of cards with familiar characters

  • Includes a 'Guess Who?' board game and a flip-down chart

  • No electronics required

  • Versatile performance options (stand-up or with board game)

  • Suitable for both kids and adults

Pros

  • Highly interactive and engaging for audiences

  • Versatile performance options

  • No need for electronics, making it reliable

  • Suitable for a wide range of audiences

Cons

  • Requires a supply of older official 'Guess Who?' board games for the full effect

  • May need adaptation for different performance environments

Effect

Guess By by Kieran Johnson is a magic trick that combines a custom deck of cards with a "Guess Who?" board game. A spectator selects a card from the deck, which features caricatures of famous personalities. The magician then plays a version of the classic "Guess Who?" game, asking humorous or absurd questions instead of the usual traits (e.g., "Do they like bananas?" or "Did they own a red car?"). Despite the unconventional questions, the magician correctly identifies the chosen card at the end.

Full Details

The trick includes:

  • A custom deck of cards with caricatures of well-known figures (e.g., Elton John, Kate Middleton).
  • A "Guess Who?" flip-down board game for interactive play.
  • A fold-up chart for stand-up performances.
  • Small stands to display the chosen card for the audience.

The method is straightforward—no electronics are required, and the magician can determine the selected card by referencing the back design. The trick can be performed with or without the board game, making it adaptable for different settings.

Who Should Consider the Trick

Guess By is ideal for:

  • Family entertainers—The playful nature of the trick works well with children and adults.
  • Close-up performers—The interactive game format suits walk-around or table-hopping acts.
  • Mentalists—The apparent mind-reading aspect adds a psychological layer to the performance.

Difficulty

The trick is easy to learn and perform. The method relies on a simple principle, allowing the performer to focus on presentation and audience interaction. No advanced sleight of hand is required.

What Magicians Say

Mark Travison from Saturn Magic praised the trick, saying:

  • "It's ideal for kids' magic or adult performances—you can have a bit of fun with it."
  • "The interaction is great, and the fact that you can perform it without electronics makes it versatile."

The re-release of Guess By addresses previous supply issues with the board game, ensuring performers can now reliably obtain the necessary components. The trick’s blend of humor, audience participation, and strong magical payoff makes it a solid choice for performers looking for an engaging, easy-to-use routine.

What people are saying about Guess By

Mark Travison says...

Mark loved the trick's potential for interaction and the ability to perform it both with and without electronics. He notes the possibility of using the deck and chart for a 'finder' effect, where you can determine the card a spectator has chosen.

Review videos