Mystic Chips by Alakazam Magic

Created by: Alakazam Magic

Alakazam’s Magic Range Set 1 offers a collection of 10 beginner-friendly magic tricks, including classics like sponge balls and cups and balls, alongside newer effects like Mystic Chips and Traffic Lights. Each trick comes with a detailed video tutorial, making it accessible for novices and a valuable resource for those looking to expand their repertoire. The set’s value proposition lies in its blend of familiar and less-known tricks, presented with high-quality components and clear instruction, appealing to both children and adults. The inclusion of tricks like the Amazing Mind Sticks and the Magic Keychain adds a touch of novelty and visual flair, while the coin machine offers a versatile effect suitable for various performance settings.

Key features

Full video tutorials for each trick
High-quality components
Blend of classic and modern effects
Suitable for beginners and experienced magicians
Variety of effects for different performance settings

Pros

Excellent value for money
Easy to learn and perform
High-quality components and production value
Great for gifting
Introduces beginners to a range of magic styles

Cons

May not appeal to advanced magicians seeking complex effects
Some tricks may require a bit of practice to master
The set's focus on younger audiences might not resonate with all users

Effect: Mystic Chips

Mystic Chips is a captivating mentalism trick where a spectator freely chooses a poker chip from a face-down selection, and the magician accurately predicts the chip’s color. The effect creates a strong “wow” moment, presenting the illusion of genuine psychic ability. The trick relies on a subtle, pre-arranged system that allows the magician to determine the chosen chip’s color without directly observing the spectator’s selection.

Full Details

The core of Mystic Chips involves a carefully constructed setup. The magician presents six poker chips, all with their faces down. These chips are subtly marked with a color code – typically red, yellow, blue, and silver – hidden from the spectator’s view. The key to the trick lies in a small, concealed envelope containing a prediction card. This card corresponds to one of the chip colors, and the magician’s prediction is based on the spectator’s choice.

The method typically involves a slight manipulation of the chips during the selection process. The spectator is instructed to select a chip and place it on the envelope. The magician then subtly manipulates the envelope, using a predetermined system to identify the color of the chosen chip. This manipulation might involve a slight pressure on the envelope or a subtle shift in the position of the chips, allowing the magician to discern the color without direct observation.

The presentation is crucial. The magician emphasizes the spectator’s free choice, reinforcing the illusion of genuine psychic ability. The reveal of the prediction card is a dramatic moment, solidifying the effect’s impact.

Who Should Consider the Trick

Mystic Chips is an excellent choice for magicians of all experience levels, particularly those interested in mentalism. It’s particularly well-suited for:

Beginner Magicians: The trick is relatively easy to learn and perform, requiring minimal sleight of hand.
Close-Up Magicians: The compact nature of the trick makes it ideal for close-up performances.
Mentalism Performers: The effect’s core premise aligns perfectly with mentalism routines, creating a strong illusion of mind reading.
Performers Seeking a “Wow” Factor: The dramatic reveal and the spectator’s genuine surprise contribute to a memorable and impactful performance.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The Mystic Chips trick is considered relatively easy to learn and perform, with a moderate level of difficulty. Here’s a breakdown:

Setup (5-10 minutes): Preparing the chips and prediction card requires a few minutes of careful preparation.
Learning the Method (30-60 minutes): Mastering the subtle manipulation technique takes practice and observation.
Performance (1-2 minutes): Once the method is learned, the trick can be performed smoothly and confidently in approximately 1-2 minutes.
Key Skills: The primary skill required is the ability to subtly manipulate the envelope without drawing attention to it. A steady hand and a confident demeanor are also essential for a convincing performance.

What Magicians Say

AlakazamMagicUK: “This episode of the Alakazam Weekly Vlog delivers a lively blend of magic and entertainment. Simon Lipkin shines with a stage routine that once closed a Magic Circle show…” (Highlights the trick’s potential for stage performances and its integration into a larger magic routine.)
Emma: “This episode of the Alakazam Weekly Vlog delivers a lively blend of magic and entertainment. Emma performs 'Mystic Chips,' a mentalism trick with strong audience reactions.” (Emphasizes the trick’s audience appeal and its ability to generate positive reactions.)
Simon Lipkin: “...used it to close the magic circle Easter show that whole run of shows you were using it as the closer…” (Demonstrates the trick’s suitability for professional performances and its proven track record.)
Wayne Goodman: “I think it's one of my favorites from The Amazing Magic range…it's a great trick for beginners…it's a great trick for walk-around situations…” (Highlights the trick’s versatility and its appeal to both novice and experienced performers.)