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Pocket Nightmare by Max Maven

Created by: Max Maven

Pocket Nightmare by Max Maven is a landmark close-up and parlor mentalism effect where a spectator freely selects a card, such as the five of hearts, and the magician claims to remove it invisibly from the deck. This builds anticipation before culminating in a striking visual vanish, as the card is shown to have completely disappeared from the pack. The routine emphasizes misdirection, timing, and a dual-phase approach—first implying mental extraction, then reinforcing with a physical vanish—making it highly deceptive and interactive. As Max Maven's secret for 40 years, this is its first public release, offering a classic effect refined for modern performers seeking powerful, audience-tested magic with strong reactions.

Where to buy

Pocket Nightmare by Max Maven from Monster Magic
Monster MagicPocket Nightmare by Max Maven£32.99
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Key features

  • First public release after being Max Maven's secret for 40 years

  • Combines mentalism with a visual vanish for high impact

  • Suitable for close-up and parlor settings with minimal setup

  • Relies on misdirection, timing, and sleight-heavy techniques like palming

  • Interactive design engages spectators through peeks and invisible removal framing

Pros

  • Generates strong audience reactions and is highly deceptive

  • Versatile for various performance environments

  • Classic effect with proven track record and historical significance

  • Encourages creative presentation and scripting

Cons

  • May require advanced sleight-of-hand skills for optimal execution

  • Limited to card-based mentalism, potentially restricting variety

Effect

Pocket Nightmare shows a playing card vanish from the deck in a visual and impossible way. A spectator freely selects and remembers a card. The magician states they will remove the card invisibly. The deck is then shown, and the chosen card is completely gone. The effect combines mentalism with a strong visual surprise.

Full details

Pocket Nightmare is a card trick created by Max Maven. It uses sleight of hand and psychological timing to achieve the vanish. The routine can be performed in close-up or parlor settings. It requires a standard deck of cards and fits in a pocket. The method does not use gimmicks or duplicates. The trick is known for its deceptive and interactive qualities.

Who should consider the trick

This trick suits magicians who perform close-up or parlor magic. It is ideal for those who want a strong visual effect with a mentalism premise. Performers looking for a reputation-making piece may find it valuable. It works for various skill levels, but confidence in handling cards is important.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

Pocket Nightmare requires practice with sleight of hand. The trick involves techniques like palming or a retention vanish. Mastery of timing and misdirection is essential. It is not for beginners. Intermediate to advanced card workers will manage the technical demands more easily. Josh Burch's performance shows that the handling can be adapted, but the core method remains sleight-heavy.

What magicians say

Nick Locapo calls Pocket Nightmare a landmark release. He notes it was Max Maven's secret for 40 years before becoming available. Another Penguin Magic review describes it as a deceptive and interactive mentalism piece that plays well in close-up or parlor conditions. Josh Burch performs it with a playful twist, using misdirection and timing to make the vanish feel organic. He frames the vanish as a process, which increases spectator engagement. These reviews highlight the trick's strong audience reactions and historical significance in magic.

What people are saying about Pocket Nightmare

Josh Burch says...

The performance leans into misdirection and timing, making the vanish feel organic rather than mechanical. [...] Burch's presentation strengthens the effect by framing the vanish as a process—first invisible, then visible—which heightens the spectator's curiosity before the reveal.

Nick Locapo says...

Pocket Nightmare by Max Maven is a landmark release, as this is the first time Max Maven's legendary reputation-making effect has been made available to the public after being his secret for 40 years.

Penguin Magic (Stage/Parlor Video) says...

Pocket Nightmare by Max Maven is a deceptive and interactive mentalism piece that plays well in close-up or parlor conditions.

Performance videos

Promotional videos