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How To Jazz With Mentalism by ReidFerry

Created by: ReidFerry

In 'How To Jazz With Mentalism,' the spectator selects a card (the seven of hearts) through a series of psychological forces and equivocation techniques, making it feel like a free choice. The card is then revealed to have been in their possession all along, creating a mind-blowing moment of mentalism. This is a close-up or parlour mentalism trick that relies heavily on scripting, psychology, and audience management. Buyers should be comfortable with verbal manipulation and subtlety to master this effect.

Key features

  • Teaches advanced psychological forcing techniques

  • Focuses on 'jazzing' in mentalism—making the audience feel in control

  • Includes detailed scripting and gesture subtleties

  • Ideal for performers looking to expand their mentalism repertoire

Pros

  • Highly deceptive and baffling when performed well

  • Teaches versatile techniques applicable to other mentalism effects

  • Strong audience reactions due to the apparent impossibility

  • Detailed breakdown of every step and subtlety

Cons

  • Requires strong scripting and audience management skills

  • May be challenging for beginners due to its psychological complexity

  • Relies heavily on spectator cooperation

Effect

The trick "How To Jazz With Mentalism" creates the illusion that a freely named card matches one secretly placed in a spectator's possession. The performer guides the audience through a series of choices—colors, suits, and numbers—making it seem like they independently arrive at the seven of hearts. The reveal happens when the spectator finds the exact card they "chose" already hidden in their pocket or purse.

Full details

This routine blends psychological influence, equivocation, and subtle scripting to make the audience believe they had complete freedom in selecting the card. The performer uses techniques like:

  • Verbal forcing – Carefully worded questions that steer responses toward the desired outcome.
  • Under-the-radar suggestions – Statements that limit choices without raising suspicion.
  • Recapping – Framing the selection process to reinforce the illusion of free will.

The method relies on audience management, timing, and natural-sounding dialogue rather than sleight of hand.

Who should consider the trick

This routine suits:

  • Mentalists who want a convincing, psychological approach to card forces.
  • Card magicians looking to expand into mentalism with minimal props.
  • Performers comfortable with audience interaction and improvisation.

It works well in casual settings, street magic, or as part of a longer mentalism act.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The difficulty lies in scripting and psychology rather than physical technique.

  • Ease of method – No complex sleights, but requires smooth delivery.
  • Performance skill – Needs confidence in guiding audience responses naturally.
  • Adaptability – Must adjust based on spectator reactions in real time.

Beginners may find the psychological subtleties challenging, but experienced performers can integrate it quickly.

What magicians say

ReidFerry, who teaches this routine, highlights its strengths:

  • "This is jazz mentalism—using influence to make the audience feel like they’re in control."
  • "The key is making your words feel like their thoughts."
  • "Even when things don’t go perfectly, the scripting gives you outs."

He emphasizes that the method is "so well layered" that spectators don’t question the process, making it a powerful tool for mentalism performances.

The trick is praised for its practicality, strong audience reactions, and adaptability, though it requires practice to master the psychological nuances.

What people are saying about How To Jazz With Mentalism

ReidFerry says...

This is jazz mentalism—using techniques to make the audience feel like what you're saying is what they're saying. The key is recapping and subtlety to create an impossible moment.

Tutorial videos