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Key Decisions by Simon Lipkin

Created by: Simon Lipkin

Key Decisions is a captivating close-up mentalism trick where the magician borrows a spectator's ring and locks it on a padlock, sealed shut. The spectator is then presented with three keys and told only one will open the lock. Through a series of decisions made solely by the spectator, they miraculously find the right key, unlocking the padlock to retrieve their ring. This trick combines elements of mentalism and interactive magic, creating a memorable and personal experience for the spectator.

Key features

  • Interactive mentalism trick involving a spectator's personal item (ring)

  • No memory work required, making it easy to perform

  • Creates a personal and memorable experience for the spectator

  • Can be performed close-up, making it versatile for various settings

Pros

  • Highly interactive and engaging for the spectator

  • No complex sleight of hand required

  • Personalized effect using the spectator's own ring

  • Easy to learn and perform with minimal setup

Cons

  • Requires a padlock and keys, which are specific props

  • May not be suitable for all performance environments without adaptation

Effect

In Key Decisions, a spectator lends you their ring. You lock it inside a padlock and hand them three keys. You explain that only one key can open the lock. The spectator makes a series of choices, and through their own decisions, they find the correct key. When they unlock the padlock, their ring is inside. The trick appears completely fair, with no force or sleight of hand guiding the outcome.

Full Details

Key Decisions is a mentalism trick that plays with the idea of free will and decision-making. The spectator believes they have full control over which key they pick, yet they always end up with the correct one. The method is clever and does not rely on difficult sleight of hand. The props—a padlock and keys—are ordinary objects, making the effect more convincing. The trick can be performed close-up or in a parlor setting.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for magicians who want a strong, interactive mentalism effect. It works well for performers who enjoy audience participation and want a routine that feels fair and impossible. Since the method is straightforward, it is suitable for beginners, but experienced magicians will appreciate the psychological subtleties that enhance the effect.

Difficulty

Key Decisions is not technically demanding. The method is simple to learn, and the performance relies more on presentation than complex moves. A magician with basic performance skills can master this trick quickly. The real challenge is in the pacing and audience management, ensuring the spectator feels they are making genuine choices.

What Magicians Say

Simon Lipkin describes Key Decisions as a "classic" take on a mentalism effect, where the spectator's own decisions lead them to the correct key. He emphasizes that the trick is surefire and repeatable, making it reliable for performances. The summary notes that the trick is "mind-blowing" and highlights its interactive nature, where the spectator feels fully in control.

The trick is part of Lipkin's Triharder collection, which focuses on mentalism that is "fun and quirky but simple to do and hard-hitting." This suggests that Key Decisions fits well within a set of effects designed to be both entertaining and deceptive.

What people are saying about Key Decisions

The1914 says...

Key decisions is my take on a classic you borrow a spectator's ring and lock it on a padlock sealed shut you present them with three keys and tell them the only one will open that blck what then ensues is a series of decisions made by them and them alone that ends with them finding the right key and getting back their ring.

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