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IDIOM by Mike Shaw

Created by: Mike Shaw

IDIOM is a stage mentalism routine that uses a box of ordinary letter tiles to create a series of impossible revelations, engaging the audience with clarity, elegance, and impact. In this multi-phase effect, a spectator randomly selects tiles, and without peeking, the performer instantly names the highest and lowest value letters (Phase One), then reveals words from three to seven letters that can be spelled from the selection in real time (Phase Two). A written prediction matches the total point value of the tiles (Phase Three), and the finale involves the leftover tiles forming a nine-letter word that was also predicted. Designed for immediate use out of the box, it includes in-depth tutorials for various handlings and can be adapted for different performance styles, making it a complete, powerhouse routine suitable for any mentalism act.

Key features

  • Uses organic props like letter tiles to enhance audience belief and routine construction

  • Multi-phase structure with escalating impossibility for strong impact

  • Includes tutorials by Peter Nardi and Daniel Chard for versatile handlings

  • Designed for stage mentalism with adaptability to different performance styles

  • Complete package ready for immediate use in shows

Pros

  • High audience engagement with clear and elegant revelations

  • Versatile routine that can be customized for various contexts

  • No complex gimmicks, relying on simple props for strong believability

Cons

  • May require practice to master the multi-phase timing and subtleties

  • Limited to performers comfortable with mentalism and word-based effects

Effect

The audience sees a box of letter tiles. A spectator mixes the tiles and randomly selects a handful. The performer does not look at the tiles. The performer immediately names the highest and lowest value letters the spectator is holding. The performer then names words of different lengths that can be spelled from the spectator's selection. The performer writes a prediction. The spectator adds the point values of their tiles, and the total matches the prediction. Finally, the leftover tiles form a nine-letter word, which is shown to have been predicted from the start.

Full details

Idiom is a multi-phase stage mentalism routine. It uses a box of letter tiles. The routine has several phases that build upon each other. The first phase involves naming the highest and lowest value letters from a random selection. The second phase involves naming words that can be spelled from the selected tiles. The third phase involves a numerical prediction of the total tile value. The finale reveals a predicted word formed by the leftover tiles. The product includes tutorials by Peter Nardi and Daniel Chard. These tutorials cover different handlings and applications for the system. The routine is designed to be performed immediately.

Who should consider the trick

Stage mentalists should consider Idiom. Performers looking for a complete, multi-phase routine should consider it. Magicians who want a powerful effect using ordinary props will find it suitable. It is for those who perform for live audiences and want a strong mentalism piece. The routine can be adapted for different performance styles.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The product is designed for immediate use. The tutorials provide clear guidance on the handlings. The method does not require advanced sleight of hand. Performers need to learn the routine structure and the provided techniques. The difficulty level is manageable for magicians with some experience in mentalism.

What magicians say

Alakazam Magic UK describes Idiom as a modern classic. They say it has clarity, elegance, and impact. They state it is a powerful, audience-focused routine. The routine is presented as a complete package that can become a staple in stage shows. The product is marketed as a powerhouse routine suitable for any mentalism act.

What people are saying about IDIOM

AlakazamMagicUK says...

Idiom is a stage mentalism effect designed to be audience-focused with clarity, elegance, and impact, promoted as a modern classic and essential addition for performers, expected to be used in shows globally. [...] It is a powerful, audience-focused routine praised for its combination of clarity, elegance, and impact, with the strong claim that it is destined to become a modern classic.

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