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I.S.P by Kaleb Wade

Created by: Kaleb Wade

I.S.P. (Impromptu Sensory Perception) is an impromptu mentalism routine that creates the illusion of mind reading using a stack of eight symbol cards drawn on the spot. The routine is designed to be portable and easy to perform, requiring only blank index or business cards and a pen. It progresses through four phases, starting with a spectator choosing a symbol from a spread, followed by a dribble phase where a spectator stops at a card, and culminating in two spectators each choosing a symbol from a half-stack, with the magician revealing the thought-of symbols cleanly and hands-off. The ebook includes additional routines like ISS-P (a single-spectator version), Mist, and Mystify, offering a variety of mentalism effects based on the same principles.

Key features

  • Impromptu and portable, requiring only blank cards and a pen

  • Includes multiple routines: I.S.P., ISS-P, Mist, and Mystify

  • Combines well-known magical principles for a deceptive effect

  • Designed for everyday carry (EDC), making it versatile for various performance settings

  • Encourages spectator participation, enhancing the impromptu feel

Pros

  • Highly portable and impromptu

  • Clever combination of methods for a deceptive effect

  • Flexible presentation options

  • Includes multiple routines in one ebook

  • Encourages audience interaction

Cons

  • Requires memorization of symbols or use of pneumonics for optimal performance

  • May be challenging for beginners due to the combination of methods

Effect

The I.S.P. (Impromptu Sensory Perception) routine creates the illusion of mind reading using a stack of eight symbol cards. A spectator selects symbols from the cards, and the performer reveals their choices without any apparent clues. The routine progresses through multiple phases, including verbal reveals, a dribble phase where a spectator stops the cards at random, and a final phase where two spectators each choose a symbol—all while the performer remains hands-off. The effect builds to a clean, impossible conclusion where the performer accurately identifies the thought-of symbols.

Full Details

I.S.P. is an impromptu mentalism routine that requires only blank index cards or business cards and a pen. The performer draws eight simple symbols (such as a circle, cross, triangle, square, star, stickman, arrow, and heart) on the cards before the performance. The routine consists of four phases:

  • Initial Selection & Verbal Reveal – A spectator picks a symbol, and the performer reveals it without seeing the card.
  • Dribble Phase – The performer dribbles the cards, and a spectator calls "stop" to select one, which the performer then identifies.
  • Dual Spectator Phase – Two spectators each take half the stack and choose a symbol. The performer reveals one of the selections.
  • Final Hands-Off Reveal – The cards are shuffled by a spectator, yet the performer still correctly identifies the second spectator’s chosen symbol without touching the cards.

    • The ebook includes additional routines:

    • ISS-P (Impromptu Solo Sensory Perception) – A single-spectator version of I.S.P.
    • Mist & Mystify – Prediction effects where spectators eliminate cards in pairs, leading to a matching prediction.

    Who Should Consider the Trick

    I.S.P. is ideal for mentalists and magicians who want a portable, impromptu routine that plays strong with minimal setup. It suits performers who enjoy interactive, multi-phase routines that build to a powerful climax. Those comfortable with basic memory techniques (like pneumonics) can enhance the effect by having spectators suggest and draw the symbols live.

    Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

    The method relies on well-known magical principles combined in a clever way, making it accessible to intermediate performers. While not self-working, the handling is straightforward, allowing the performer to focus on presentation. Memorizing the symbols (or having spectators create them) adds a layer of challenge but increases the impromptu feel. Nique Tan notes that the final phase, where the reveal happens with the performer’s hands off, is particularly strong and deceptive.

    What Magicians Say

    Nique Tan praises I.S.P. as "a great routine" with "clever and well-layered" methods. He highlights its portability and the flexibility in presentation, calling it an excellent "Every Day Carry" effect. He appreciates how the routine allows for audience interaction, suggesting that having spectators draw the symbols live enhances the impromptu feel.

    Tan also mentions the value of the additional routines in the ebook, particularly Mist and Mystify, which offer strong prediction effects. He concludes that I.S.P. is a strong example of how simple methods can create powerful mentalism when combined effectively.

    For performers looking for a versatile, impromptu mentalism routine with multiple phases and a clean finish, I.S.P. offers a compelling option.

    What people are saying about I.S.P

    Nique Tan says...

    I.S.P. is a clever and well-layered routine that creates the impression of mind reading. [...] The routine’s portability and ease of performance make it an 'EDC' (Every Day Carry) effect, requiring only blank index cards or business cards and a pen.

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