Insider Prompts by Pavel Bach

Effect

The Insider Prompts trick creates the illusion that ChatGPT is collaborating with the magician to reveal personal or hidden information about a spectator. The spectator types a question into ChatGPT on their own phone, making the interaction seem spontaneous. The AI then responds in a way that appears to predict or uncover details the spectator believes are private, such as a chosen card, a thought-of word, or even a palm reading.

Full Details

Insider Prompts is part of Pavel Bach’s "AI Stooge" system, which uses pre-programmed ChatGPT interactions to simulate a digital stooge effect. The magician sets up prompts in advance, ensuring ChatGPT delivers scripted responses that align with the trick’s outcome. While the spectator interacts directly with their own device, the magician controls the AI’s output through hidden setup steps.

The trick requires preparation, including configuring the app and selecting specific prompts before performance. Though the spectator types their own question, the magician must briefly handle the phone to ensure the correct response is triggered. Misdirection and smooth transitions help maintain the illusion of a hands-off experience.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick suits magicians comfortable with technology, particularly those familiar with ChatGPT or AI tools. It appeals to performers targeting tech-savvy audiences, as the method leverages modern AI interactions. Traditionalists hesitant about app-based magic may find the setup process unfamiliar, but the effect’s novelty makes it a strong choice for contemporary performers.

Difficulty

Insider Prompts is moderately difficult due to the technical setup and performance adjustments required. Learning the app’s functions and practicing seamless phone handling are essential. The included tutorial videos provide step-by-step guidance, but performers should expect an initial learning curve. Once mastered, the trick can be adapted for various routines, including mentalism and card magic.

What Magicians Say

David from Magic Orthodoxy highlights the trick’s versatility, noting that "once you figure out the secret, it's pretty simple from there." He emphasizes the importance of watching all tutorial videos to understand the setup, calling them "very important" for proper execution. While acknowledging that the trick isn’t fully hands-off, he suggests strategic handling to maintain the illusion: "you could actually set up the second trick during your first trick."

He also praises the effect’s modern appeal, stating that "these next generations coming up behind us... are going to be fully embracing technology in magic." For magicians already experimenting with AI, Insider Prompts offers a natural extension of their toolkit.