PK Touch by Harry Nardi

Created by: Harry Nardi

PK Touch is a powerful impromptu mentalism trick that requires no props, making it ideal for close-up and parlour magic. In the effect, the magician appears to read a spectator's mind or influence their thoughts with just a simple touch, often leading to strong emotional reactions such as laughter, gasping, or even tears from the audience. It's versatile for various settings, from casual gatherings to stage-like performances, and relies on precise delivery and engaging patter to create a convincing illusion of psychic ability.

Key features

  • Prop-free and impromptu, allowing performance anywhere without setup

  • Versatile for different performance environments, from casual to stage

  • Strong emotional impact on audiences, enhancing engagement

  • Requires mastery of delivery and patter for optimal effect

  • Can be learned from resources like Jamie Daws' 'Tackling Terrifying Taboos 2' course

Pros

  • No need for props, making it highly accessible and spontaneous

  • Produces strong audience reactions, including emotional responses

  • Instant reset allows for repeated performances

  • Portable and easy to carry, as it relies on skill rather than equipment

Cons

  • Requires precise delivery and practice to avoid detection

  • Dependent on engaging patter to maintain audience interest

  • Lighting conditions can affect the trick's effectiveness in some contexts

Effect

The PK Touch is a magic trick where the magician appears to read a spectator's mind using only a simple touch. The performer touches the spectator's hand or arm and then reveals a personal thought or piece of information. The effect can produce strong audience reactions, including laughter, gasping, and in some cases, even moving spectators to tears. It creates the illusion of a genuine psychic connection.

Full details

PK Touch is an impromptu trick, meaning it can be performed anywhere at any time. It requires no props or gimmicks, making it highly versatile for both casual social situations and more formal stage-like performances. The method is entirely psychological and relies on the magician's skill in presentation and audience management. The trick is known for its strong emotional impact on spectators.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is suitable for magicians who perform in close-up or social settings. It is ideal for performers who want to add a powerful, prop-free mentalism effect to their repertoire. Because it relies heavily on presentation and patter, it is a good choice for magicians interested in developing their storytelling skills and creating a deep connection with their audience. Christopher Taylor, a pioneer in electronic mentalism, includes PK Touch among his desert island picks, indicating its value for serious performers.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The technical method behind PK Touch is not overly complex. However, its success depends significantly on the performer's delivery and confidence. Harry Nardi shares that performing this trick helped build his own confidence, suggesting that practice is key to mastering the presentation. The trick requires precise delivery and engaging patter to be effective. While the core technique may be learned quickly, achieving the powerful reactions described by reviewers requires dedicated practice to perfect the performance.

What magicians say

Magicians highlight the powerful emotional impact of PK Touch. Harry Nardi describes it as a "stunning impromptu trick" that can leave audiences "laughing, gasping, or even moved to tears." He credits Jamie Daws for teaching him the trick and recommends Jamie Daws' 'Tackling Terrifying Taboos 2' for mastering it. The trick is noted for its versatility across different performance environments.

Christopher Taylor, a respected creator, lists PK Touch as one of his essential desert island tricks, reflecting its high regard among professional mentalists. In a review of Yigal Mesika's Loops Legends, Scott Perry also mentions an "Invisible Touch/PK Touch" routine by Colin McLeod, showing that the principle is versatile enough to be adapted into other types of magic, like loop work, for creating floating or animation effects. The consensus is that PK Touch is a powerful tool for creating memorable magical moments.

What people are saying about PK Touch

AlakazamMagicUK says...

Harry Nardi's 'PK Touch' is a stunning impromptu trick that requires no props, making it perfect for any situation. The magician appears to read a spectator's mind with just a touch, often leaving audiences laughing, gasping, or even moved to tears.

Christopher Taylor says...

When asked to choose the tricks he would take to a desert island, Christopher Taylor selected PK Touch / Real Ghost, reflecting his innovative and narrative-driven style that challenges the idea that 'there's no such thing as magic'.

EverythingMagicPro99 says...

He even used one of the routines (a levitating ring effect) in a recent social media post, proving its real-world applicability, and highlights 'Invisible Touch/PK Touch' by Colin McLeod as a performance highlight.

magic-tv says...

He discusses learning techniques like PK Touch and Lennart Green's Snap Deal, offering detailed answers and personal insights in an interactive Q&A session.

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