Sleightful logoSleightful

Not A Pad by Bob Cassidy

Created by: Bob Cassidy

Not A Pad is a mentalism tool inspired by Bob Cassidy's Sven Cards, designed for clean and deceptive forces in a mentalism segment. It allows magicians to create a sense of mystery and intrigue by playing on the audience's perception of chance and choice. This tool is part of a larger stage act that emphasizes visual storytelling and impactful presentation without the need for spoken patter, making it ideal for performers who admire Simon Lipkin's philosophy of silent magic. The act is built around visual appeal and narrative potential, with Not A Pad serving as a key component for engaging the audience's imagination.

Key features

  • Designed for mentalism segments

  • Allows for clean and deceptive forces

  • Part of a silent magic act emphasizing visual storytelling

  • Ideal for performers who prefer minimal spoken patter

  • Inspired by Bob Cassidy's Sven Cards

Pros

  • Creates a strong sense of mystery and intrigue

  • Clean and deceptive forces

  • Enhances visual storytelling in silent magic acts

  • Accessible and easy to integrate into performances

Cons

  • May require practice to master the deceptive forces

  • Part of a larger act, so may not stand alone as strongly

Effect

The Not A Pad trick is a mentalism tool that allows a performer to influence a spectator's choice without any verbal cues or obvious manipulation. The spectator believes they are making a free selection, but the performer has complete control over the outcome. The effect is clean, deceptive, and works well in silent or spoken performances.

Full Details

Not A Pad is inspired by Bob Cassidy's Sven Cards, a forcing system used in mentalism. It is designed to be simple yet highly effective, making it a reliable tool for mentalists and magicians. The trick requires minimal setup and can be used in various routines, from predictions to psychological demonstrations.

The method is straightforward, allowing the performer to focus on presentation rather than complex sleight of hand. It works well in both close-up and stage settings, making it versatile for different performance styles.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for:

  • Mentalists who want a reliable forcing method.
  • Magicians who perform silent acts or prefer minimal patter.
  • Performers looking for a tool that can be adapted into different routines.
  • Those who appreciate clean, deceptive methods with no reset.

Difficulty

Not A Pad is easy to learn and perform. It does not require advanced sleight of hand, making it accessible to beginners. However, the effectiveness of the trick depends on presentation and timing. Performers should practice smooth handling to ensure the illusion remains convincing.

What Magicians Say

AlakazamMagicUK highlights Not A Pad as a key part of a silent stage act, praising its deceptive qualities and versatility. They mention that it works well in a wordless performance, aligning with Simon Lipkin's philosophy of visual storytelling. The trick is described as an "invaluable tool for mentalists," allowing for clean forces that enhance the mystery of the routine.

The reviewer also notes that the trick is budget-friendly, making it a practical addition to a performer's toolkit. Its simplicity and effectiveness make it a strong choice for those who want to focus on performance rather than complex mechanics.

What people are saying about Not A Pad

AlakazamMagicUK says...

The Not A Pad (inspired by Bob Cassidy's Sven Cards) is utilized for a mentalism segment. The creator believes this tool is invaluable for mentalists, allowing for clean and deceptive forces.

Tutorial videos