How to Read Minds 2 by Peter Turner and Illusionist

Effect

The trick "How to Read Minds 2" by Peter Turner includes multiple self-working mentalism effects. One of the featured tricks, "Not the 21 Card Trick," allows a spectator to freely divide a shuffled deck into two piles, look at the bottom card of one pile, and replace it. Despite the spectator's shuffling, the magician reveals a correct prediction of the chosen card. Another effect, "Numerator," involves spectators performing simple multiplications with random numbers, leading them to a single-digit result that the magician accurately predicts. Both tricks create the illusion of mind-reading with minimal setup.

Full Details

The "Not the 21 Card Trick" is based on a mathematical principle and requires no sleight of hand, gimmicks, or memorization. It can be performed with either a marked or unmarked deck. If using a regular deck, the magician reveals the card directly rather than pretending to read the spectator's mind. The method is self-working, relying on the spectator's actions to position the card predictably.

"Numerator" is another self-working mentalism trick where spectators perform basic calculations, reducing random numbers to a single digit. The magician writes predictions that match the results, creating a strong mentalism effect. The trick is adaptable for close-up or stage performances, with variations for different group sizes.

Who Should Consider the Trick

These tricks are ideal for magicians who want strong mentalism effects without complex sleight of hand. Beginners will appreciate the self-working nature, while experienced performers can use them as quick, foolproof routines. Those who enjoy mathematical magic or interactive audience participation will find these tricks particularly engaging.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

Both tricks are easy to learn and perform. "Not the 21 Card Trick" involves simple calculations that can be done mentally, and "Numerator" requires no math from the magician. Neither trick relies on advanced techniques, making them accessible to performers of all skill levels.

What Magicians Say

David from Magic Orthodoxy praises "Not the 21 Card Trick" as "self-working, no sleight of hand, no cribs, no key cards." He notes that while the method may seem obvious to magicians, lay audiences are thoroughly fooled. Regarding "Numerator," he emphasizes that "the right presentation makes it killer" and advises against dismissing self-working tricks, stating that "just because it's obvious after you learn the secret doesn't mean it's obvious." Both tricks are recommended for their deceptive simplicity and strong audience impact.