Perfect ESP by Peter Nardy and Mark Spellman

Effect

Perfect ESP is a mentalism trick that creates a strong impression of mind-reading. The performer and a participant each use a deck of cards featuring five ESP symbols: a circle, cross, square, star, and wavy lines. The participant shuffles their deck, and the performer attempts to match each symbol by "reading" their thoughts. By the end, every pair of cards aligns perfectly, leaving the audience amazed at the apparent telepathic connection.

Full details

The trick uses two decks of cards, each containing five ESP symbols repeated twice. The participant shuffles their deck, ensuring the order is unknown to both parties. The performer then places a card face down, and the participant follows by placing their card on top. This process repeats until all cards are paired. When revealed, every pair matches perfectly, creating a striking visual effect. The trick requires no sleight of hand and relies on the specific setup of the ESP symbol cards.

Who should consider the trick

Perfect ESP is ideal for magicians who want to add a strong mentalism effect to their repertoire. It’s particularly suited for those who perform in close-up or parlor settings, as it requires minimal props and can be done with business cards or small pieces of paper. The trick is also great for magicians who prefer routines that are easy to learn and perform, as it doesn’t involve complex techniques.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

Perfect ESP is relatively easy to perform, making it accessible to magicians of all skill levels. The trick requires no sleight of hand or advanced techniques, focusing instead on presentation and timing. The setup is straightforward, and the method is simple to execute, making it a great choice for beginners or those looking for a quick, impactful addition to their act.

What magicians say

Magicians praise Perfect ESP for its simplicity and strong visual impact. One reviewer described it as "the Holy Grail of ESP matchup effects," highlighting its effectiveness and ease of performance. Another noted that it’s "so easy to do" and a great way to hand out business cards, making it both practical and memorable. The trick’s reliance on ESP symbols and its clean, no-sleight method have made it a favorite among mentalism enthusiasts.