Omen by Chris Congreave and Alakazam Magic

Created by: Chris Congreave, Alakazam Magic

Omen is a mind-blowing card prediction trick that combines elements of mentalism and magic. The magician demonstrates the difference between mind reading and magic by first having a spectator name any card freely (e.g., Queen of Hearts), then later cutting to a random card in a deck (e.g., Five of Diamonds). The magician reveals a prediction envelope containing the exact card the spectator cut to, and then astonishes further by showing the initially named card written in Sharpie on the back of the prediction cards. This trick is perfect for close-up or parlor settings and requires no sleight of hand, making it beginner-friendly.

Where to buy

Monster Magic

Omen by Chris Congreave

£24.99

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Key features

No sleight of hand required, making it ideal for beginners
Dual-phase structure for maximum impact
Combines mind reading and magic for a stunning effect
Self-working nature with instant reset
Versatile for close-up or parlor settings
Comes with all necessary cards and full video instructions

Pros

Strong reactions from spectators
Beginner-friendly
Instant reset
Versatile performance options
High-impact, low-skill trick

Cons

Method's novelty might fade with repeated performances

Effect

Omen is a card trick that blends mind reading and magic into a powerful two-phase performance. The magician first asks a spectator to name any card freely, such as the Five of Clubs. Later, the spectator cuts the deck and remembers a random card—say, the King of Hearts. The magician reveals a prediction envelope containing that exact card. The climax comes when the magician shows the back of the prediction, where the spectator’s initially named card (Five of Clubs) is visibly written in permanent marker. The effect is a baffling combination of prediction and mentalism, leaving audiences stunned.

Full Details

Omen is a self-working trick, meaning no sleight of hand is required. It includes all necessary cards and a detailed video tutorial. The routine is structured in two phases:

Mind Reading Phase: The spectator names any card, establishing a free choice.

Magic Phase: The spectator cuts the deck to a random card, which matches a sealed prediction. The final reveal ties back to their initial named card, written on the prediction in Sharpie.

The trick resets instantly, making it practical for repeated performances.

Who Should Consider the Trick

Beginners: No sleight of hand is needed, and the video instructions make it easy to learn.
Working Magicians: The strong, modular routine works well in close-up or parlor settings.
Mentalists: The mind-reading presentation adds a psychological layer to traditional card magic.

Difficulty

Omen is rated as easy to perform. The method relies on clever construction rather than manual dexterity, making it accessible to newcomers. The video tutorial ensures performers understand the pacing and presentation for maximum impact.

What Magicians Say

AlakazamMagicUK describes Omen as "one of the best tricks" for its price point, praising its dual-phase structure and audience reactions.
Wayne Goodman (in the live stream) calls it "an amazing trick" and highlights its practicality for gigs, noting it’s one of his favorite card effects.
Harry (from Alakazam) includes Omen in his professional close-up set, stating it "plays really big" despite being a card trick.

Omen is ideal for magicians seeking a high-impact, low-skill routine that consistently amazes spectators. Its blend of mentalism and classic magic makes it a versatile addition to any act.