Past Present Future by Rick Lax

Effect

The trick Past Present Future by Rick Lax is a tarot-based mentalism routine. The magician writes "Past," "Present," and "Future" on three cards. A spectator freely selects three cards from a shuffled deck to represent their own past, present, and future. After a brief tarot-style reading, the magician reveals that the spectator’s chosen cards perfectly match the predictions. The effect is a strong, emotionally engaging moment that feels personal and impossible.

Full details

The trick uses a custom gimmicked tarot deck, eliminating the need for sleight of hand. The spectator makes genuine free choices, ensuring each performance feels unique. The included tutorial covers not only the method but also provides a crash course in tarot readings, enhancing the performance with authentic storytelling. The deck features high-quality, durable cards with detailed artwork.

Who should consider the trick

This trick suits mentalists and magicians who want a powerful, easy-to-perform routine with strong audience reactions. It works well for close-up or parlor settings. Beginners will appreciate the lack of sleight requirements, while experienced performers can adapt the presentation for deeper impact. Those who enjoy psychological routines or tarot-themed magic will find it especially appealing.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The trick is beginner-friendly. No sleight of hand is required, and the tutorial provides thorough guidance on scripting and performance. The main challenge lies in delivering a convincing tarot reading, but the included instructions make this manageable. The gimmicked nature of the deck means setup is minimal, allowing for quick resets between performances.

What magicians say

AlakazamMagicUK highlights the trick’s strong reactions and ease of use, noting that "spectators make free choices, making each performance unique." Fiddlinjonny praises the detailed tutorial and high-quality cards but mentions that the gimmick limits spectator handling. He also notes the price ($49.95) as slightly high but justified by the product’s quality. Penguin Magic includes it in a list of standout mentalism tricks, emphasizing its multi-phase prediction structure and audience engagement.