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Phone by David Jonathan

Created by: David Jonathan

The 'Phone' trick is a modern close-up magic effect that leverages the ubiquity of smartphones to create astonishing illusions. One standout routine involves a lotto prediction where a spectator freely chooses six numbers, which are then found to match a photo of a lotto ticket dated a week ago in the magician's phone gallery. Another routine is a book test using the Apple Books app, where a spectator selects a book and a word from it without the magician seeing, and the magician accurately reveals both the book and the word. These effects are clean, direct, and utilize everyday carry items, making them highly practical and deceptive.

Key features

  • Utilizes everyday carry items (smartphone) for organic and streamlined magic

  • Clean and direct effects with no apparent method

  • Includes multiple routines like lotto prediction and book test

  • No app required, uses native phone features

  • Highly deceptive with a surprise ending

Pros

  • Highly practical and portable

  • Uses items spectators are familiar with

  • Clean and direct methods

  • Multiple effects in one project

  • Strong psychological impact

Cons

  • Requires a smartphone

  • Some routines may be micro close-up, limiting audience size

Effect

The Phone trick by David Jonathan is a modern take on classic magic plots, using a smartphone to create impossible moments. In one version, a spectator freely chooses six lottery numbers, writes them down, and then the magician reveals a photo in their phone gallery from a week ago—showing a lottery ticket with the exact same numbers. The effect is clean, direct, and leaves no room for suspicion, as the phone is never handled suspiciously.

Full Details

The Phone trick is part of David Jonathan’s Black Mirror Project, a collection of seven phone-based effects. These routines leverage everyday smartphone functions—like the photo gallery or Apple Books app—to create organic, impossible moments.

  • Lotto Prediction: A spectator calls out six random numbers, which match a lottery ticket photo taken a week earlier.
  • Book Test: A spectator selects any book from the Apple Books app, swipes to a random page, and the magician reveals their chosen word without ever seeing the phone.

The methods are designed to be invisible, requiring minimal input from the performer while maximizing impact.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for:

  • Tech-savvy magicians who want to integrate smartphones into their performances.
  • Close-up and social performers looking for organic, impromptu effects.
  • Mentalists who want a modern twist on classic prediction and book test plots.

Difficulty

The trick is moderate in difficulty, primarily because it relies on natural handling rather than complex sleight of hand. The challenge lies in presentation—making the effect feel effortless while guiding the spectator’s actions subtly.

What Magicians Say

David Jonathan describes the lotto prediction as "such a clean and direct lotto prediction, which is one of my favorite plots in magic." He emphasizes that the method is "so stupid that it transcends into genius," highlighting how deceptive the simplicity is.

Magicians who appreciate everyday carry (EDC) magic will find this trick valuable, as it uses a prop—the phone—that is always on hand. The reactions are strong because the method is completely hidden, making the magic feel real.

For those interested in modern, tech-based magic, The Phone offers a fresh approach to classic plots, blending digital convenience with powerful deception.

What people are saying about Phone

AlakazamMagicUK says...

It's just such a clean and direct lotto prediction which is one of my favorite plots in magic [...] and the tickets even dated from a week ago I mean there's all this little stuff on the back end that make it extra special.

Review videos