Prediction by Julio Montoro, Jean-Pierre Vallarino, Bond Lee, Iarvel Magic, Reid Ferry, Stefanus Alexander, and MS Magic

Effect

A prediction effect shows a magician knowing an outcome before it happens. The audience sees a magician place a prediction in view. A spectator makes a free choice, often selecting a card or another item. The prediction then matches the spectator's choice exactly. This creates a moment of surprise and impossibility. Some versions include transformations, like a blank paper turning into money or a cup changing appearance. The effect feels personal and direct, making the magic seem real.

Full details

Prediction magic uses various methods to achieve its results. Some tricks use special props like a double backer card or a device like the Sleuth Ball Mini. A double backer is a single card with two identical backs. This prop can help with card switches, forces, and predictions. Other tricks, like "Child's Play" by Julio Montoro, use a child's drawing as a prediction that matches a spectator's chosen card. The routine is performed in full view to eliminate suspicion.

Effects such as "My Opener Blue" by Jean-Pierre Vallarino involve placing a prediction card inside a case early in the performance. Later, a spectator selects a card, and the prediction matches it with 100% accuracy. Reset time is very fast, often just seconds. Some prediction tricks incorporate transformations. For example, the Money Maker by Bond Lee changes a blank paper into a dollar bill, then into a $100 bill. This adds a visual element to the prediction.

Presentation and misdirection are important in all prediction effects. Magicians use conversation, humor, and audience interaction to direct attention. Psychological suggestion can influence a spectator's choice without them realizing it. The method remains hidden while the effect appears clean and impossible.

Who should consider the trick

Prediction tricks suit magicians who want strong, memorable effects. Beginners can find easy-to-learn versions, like the Lie Detector card trick. This trick uses a simple method and is good for family shows. Magicians who perform regularly may prefer tricks with quick reset times. "My Opener Blue" resets in three seconds, making it ideal for multiple performances.

Mentalism performers will appreciate prediction effects that use psychology. Reid Ferry's performances show how to create mind-reading moments with minimal props. These tricks work well in close-up or social settings. Stage magicians can use prediction tricks with visual transformations, like the Money Maker or "Hollow (Red)." These effects are visual and can play for larger audiences.

Magicians who value audience interaction will enjoy prediction tricks that involve spectators. Tricks like "Child's Play" use a personal story to add emotional impact. The Sleuth Ball Mini routine involves spectators selecting items, making the effect feel participatory.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

Difficulty levels vary among prediction tricks. Some are self-working or nearly self-working. "Hollow (Red)" is described as self-working, meaning it requires no advanced sleight of hand. The method handles itself, so the magician can focus on presentation.

Other tricks rely on smooth handling and misdirection. Using a double backer card requires practice to avoid exposing the gimmick. The video on double backers states that misdirection and smooth handling are key. These skills are intermediate but can be learned with practice.

Psychological prediction tricks, like those performed by Reid Ferry, need clean scripting and natural body language. These methods are invisible but require confidence and good timing. They are more about presentation than physical skill.

Beginner tricks, such as the Lie Detector card trick, are easy to learn. They use simple forces and reveals. These are good starting points for new magicians. Overall, prediction magic offers options for all skill levels, from beginners to experts.

What magicians say

Julio Montoro says about his trick "Child's Play," "The routine is designed to be performed in full view." He emphasizes that both cards are always in sight, which makes the effect more deceptive. Montoro also suggests using personal anecdotes to enhance the emotional impact.

Jordan Victoria promotes "My Opener Blue" by Jean-Pierre Vallarino, calling it "a strong and easy-to-perform prediction routine." He highlights the "incredibly fast reset time" of three seconds and the "100% accuracy of the prediction."

Bond Lee, creator of the Money Maker, says the effect can be adapted for "predictions, mind-reading, and message reveals." He notes that it is "easy to use and ready for immediate performance."

Reid Ferry focuses on the psychological aspect, stating that his mentalism effects use "psychological forces and subtle influence." He believes that "direct audience interaction enhances the personal and unscripted feel."

Ble, in a review of "Hollow (Red)," points out that "spectator involvement is key to creating a sense of free choice." He describes the trick as "self-working," which makes it accessible for many performers.

These magicians agree that strong presentation and audience engagement are crucial for prediction effects. They recommend choosing tricks that fit your performance style and skill level.