Hangman by Chris Wardle and James Ward

Effect

The Hangman trick is a mentalism routine that uses a book of poems as its central prop. A spectator selects a poem from the book, reads the first line silently, and the performer correctly identifies a specific word from that line. The spectator then reads the entire poem, and the performer discerns the associated color and emotion. Finally, the performer reveals the longest word from the last line of the poem through a game of Hangman, correctly guessing each letter without error. The effect is a layered demonstration of mind-reading and intuition, presented in an engaging, interactive format.

Full Details

The trick uses a specially prepared book of poems, designed to look like an ordinary poetry collection. The performer does not need to peek or handle the book excessively, allowing for a clean, hands-off presentation. The method is integrated into the book itself, making it easy to carry and perform without additional gimmicks.

The routine consists of three phases:

The book can be inspected casually, though deep examination is not recommended. The instructions are included within the book, ensuring they are always accessible.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for:

• Mentalists looking for a fresh take on book tests.
• Close-up and parlor performers who want an interactive, multi-phase routine.
• Zoom or remote performers, as it can be done with the spectator’s back turned or even over a call.
• Magicians who enjoy storytelling, as the presentation can be enhanced with a backstory (e.g., finding the book in old belongings).

Difficulty

The trick is easy to learn, requiring only about 5 minutes of practice to perform smoothly. The method is straightforward, with no complex sleight of hand. The challenge lies in presentation—selling the effect with confidence and natural pacing.

What Magicians Say

Sebastian Toca, who reviewed the trick, praised its versatility and organic feel:

• "The book of poems feels natural and relatable, making the presentation convincing."
• "You can perform this with the spectator’s back turned or even remotely via Zoom."
• "The Hangman reveal is more engaging and deceptive than the alternative method suggested in the instructions."

He also noted its potential for expansion:

• "You can springboard the principles into other effects, like drawing duplications or one-ahead routines."

Sebastian rated the trick 9.25/10, calling it a strong addition to any mentalist’s repertoire. He particularly liked its simplicity and the ability to riff on the presentation, making each performance unique.

The trick’s main limitation is that the book should not be examined too closely, as the method could be discovered with thorough inspection. However, for casual performances, it is highly effective and fooling.