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How To Read Minds by Peter Turner

Created by: Peter Turner

How To Read Minds is a versatile magic trick that falls under the category of mentalism, suitable for close-up, parlour, and even stage performances. It involves a series of effects where the magician appears to read the spectator's mind, predict choices, or reveal thoughts in impossible ways. The trick is designed to be performed with minimal props, often just a deck of cards, billets, or a book, making it highly adaptable to various performance settings. It's ideal for magicians looking to add strong, psychological-based effects to their repertoire.

Where to buy

How to Read Minds Refills from Ellusionist
EllusionistHow to Read Minds Refills$2.24
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How to Read Minds Book by Simon eBook DOWNLOAD from Alakazam Magic
Alakazam MagicHow to Read Minds Book by Simon eBook DOWNLOAD£43.58
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Key features

  • No gimmicks or pre-set decks required, making it impromptu and versatile.

  • Balances classic mentalism plots with modern takes for a fresh appeal.

  • Includes comprehensive tutorials for further learning and mastery.

  • Adaptable to different performance styles and settings.

  • Features tricks with strong structural deception for maximum impact.

Pros

  • Highly practical with minimal props required.

  • Strong psychological impact on the audience.

  • Versatile and adaptable to various performance styles.

  • Comprehensive tutorials included for easy learning.

  • Suitable for both beginners and experienced mentalists.

Cons

  • Some material may be a rehash of previous routines for those familiar with the creator's work.

  • The Himba wallet included in some kits is noted as the weakest component.

Effect

The "How To Read Minds" magic trick creates the illusion that the performer can accurately predict or reveal a spectator's thoughts. Depending on the version, it may involve cards, books, or everyday objects to demonstrate apparent mind-reading abilities. The effect is direct and engaging, often leaving audiences amazed by the magician's seemingly impossible insight into their private thoughts.

Full details

The "How To Read Minds" trick exists in multiple forms, catering to different skill levels and performance styles.

  • Card-based versions (as mentioned by AMillionCardTricks) use standard decks with no gimmicks, making them impromptu and practical for close-up performances.
  • Mentalism-focused kits (reviewed by mentalistonashoestring and magicorthodoxy) include specialized props like marked decks, billets, UV pens, and book tests to enhance the mind-reading illusion.
  • Downloadable routines (discussed by sebastiantoca9208) offer structured mentalism presentations, often building on established principles with refined subtleties.

The trick is adaptable to various settings, from casual street magic to formal stage performances.

Who should consider the trick

  • Beginners will find the dedicated kits (like Ellusionist’s or Pete Turner’s) useful, as they include props and detailed tutorials.
  • Intermediate to advanced magicians may prefer the downloadable routines or impromptu card versions for their flexibility and deeper psychological elements.
  • Mentalism enthusiasts will appreciate the structured presentations and refined methods in Peter Turner’s material.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

  • Card-based versions (e.g., AMillionCardTricks) rely on sleight of hand and psychological techniques, requiring moderate practice.
  • Mentalism kits (e.g., magicorthodoxy’s review) are designed for beginners, with step-by-step video instructions making them accessible.
  • Downloadable routines (e.g., sebastiantoca9208’s review) may involve intermediate-level subtleties, best suited for those familiar with mentalism principles.

What magicians say

  • AMillionCardTricks highlights the impromptu nature of the card-based version, calling it "versatile" and "audience-tested."
  • sebastiantoca9208 notes that Peter Turner’s routines are "strong, versatile, and angle-flexible," though some material recycles earlier concepts.
  • magicorthodoxy praises the kids' kit as "the best for aspiring young magicians," with high-quality props and thorough tutorials.
  • mentalistonashoestring recommends the mentalism kit for beginners, calling it a "fantastic introduction" despite minor issues with the Himba wallet.

The "How To Read Minds" trick offers something for magicians at different levels, whether they prefer card magic, mentalism, or ready-to-perform kits.

What people are saying about How To Read Minds

AMillionCardTricks says...

How To Read Minds is possibly a direct mind-reading effect with cards, balancing classic plots with modern takes for variety in performance styles.

magicorthodoxy says...

The 'How to Read Minds' magic kit is the best for aspiring young magicians, offering over 20 tricks and props with a thorough online tutorial.

mentalistonashoestring says...

The 'How to Read Minds' kit is a fantastic introduction to mentalism, offering everything you need to start performing mind-blowing effects, though the Himba wallet is the least reliable component.

sebastiantoca9208 says...

The 'Any Picture at Any Number' effect builds upon a routine previously presented in Turner's 'How to Read Minds,' suggesting a combination with Ben Earl's 'AAN' method for impact.

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