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Probably Impossible by Ben Earl

Created by: Ben Earl

Probably Impossible is a mentalism card trick that explores the themes of probability and impossibility. The magician shows a deck of cards, with two different cards remembered by the spectator in separate areas of the deck. After the spectator cuts the deck several times, the two remembered cards are found next to each other, defying the odds. The trick then escalates as a third card, merely thought of by another spectator, is found between the two face-up cards, all while the deck remains in the spectator's hands. This hands-off approach enhances the illusion of impossibility, making it a perfect blend of mentalism and card magic suitable for close-up performances.

Key features

  • Hands-off effect, with all actions performed by the spectator

  • Explores the intriguing concept of probability versus impossibility

  • Multiphase routine that builds to a stronger climax

  • Uses a regular deck of cards, no gimmicks required

  • Suitable for close-up magic, adaptable to various performance settings

Pros

  • Strong audience reactions due to the hands-off nature and the exploration of probability

  • Versatile and adaptable to different performance environments

  • No special equipment needed beyond a standard deck of cards

  • Engages multiple spectators, making it interactive and inclusive

Cons

  • May require practice to smoothly execute the phases and maintain the illusion of impossibility

  • The concept of probability might need clear presentation to ensure audience understanding

Effect

The audience sees a deck of cards where two different cards are remembered in separate parts of the deck. The spectator cuts the deck multiple times, mixing the cards thoroughly. Despite this, the two remembered cards end up next to each other. In the second phase, a third spectator merely thinks of a card, and without any further mixing, their thought-of card appears between the two face-up cards in the deck. The entire effect feels hands-off, with the spectator in control of the shuffling.

Full Details

Probably Impossible by Ben Earl is a mentalism-inspired card trick that explores the difference between "highly improbable" and "impossible." The routine consists of two phases:

  • Phase One: Two spectators remember separate cards from different parts of the deck. The deck is handed to a spectator, who cuts it multiple times. When spread, the two remembered cards are found next to each other.
  • Phase Two: A third spectator thinks of a card. The two face-up cards from the first phase are pushed into the deck, and the spectator spreads the deck to find their thought-of card perfectly placed between them.

    • The method is completely hands-off, with no suspicious moves or sleights. The spectator does all the mixing, making the effect feel fair and impossible to reverse-engineer.

    Who Should Consider the Trick

    • Mentalists who want a card-based effect that feels more psychological than traditional magic.
    • Card magicians looking for a self-working trick with strong audience engagement.
    • Performers who enjoy probability-based presentations, as the routine plays with the idea of chance versus impossibility.
    • Close-up workers who need a versatile trick that plays well in both casual and formal settings.

    Difficulty

    The trick is low to moderate difficulty, making it accessible to most performers. While no advanced sleights are required, the presentation and pacing are crucial to maximize impact. The method relies on subtle psychological forces and a well-structured routine rather than technical skill.

    What Magicians Say

    • Adam Dadswell (featured in the AlakazamMagicUK review) calls it a "brilliant effect" and highlights its hands-off nature as a major strength. He notes that it consistently gets strong reactions and fits well into his working set.
    • The trick is praised for its engaging presentation, particularly the way it frames the outcome as "highly improbable" rather than impossible, making the effect feel more organic.
    • Performers appreciate that it requires no gimmicks or setup, making it easy to carry and perform impromptu.

    Probably Impossible is a standout trick for those who want a clean, baffling, and interactive card effect that leaves spectators questioning how it could possibly work.

    What people are saying about Probably Impossible

    Adam Dadswell says...

    Probably Impossible is a brilliant effect I really enjoy performing... it's just really playful with this idea that a lot of the time people use the word impossible to describe what I do but actually that's maybe inaccurate a lot of what I do is just highly improbable.

    Jamie says...

    I think that multiphase thing where you almost tell them where it's going but they they can't work out how that's going to be achieved in the circumstances that you've given them... it does sort of remind me of the card under box.

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