Psypher by Robert Smith and Paper Crane Productions

Created by: Robert Smith, Paper Crane Productions

Psypher is a captivating card revelation trick developed by Robert Smith and Paper Crane Productions. In this close-up magic effect, the spectator secretly writes down a card on a piece of paper without the performer looking. The paper is then crumpled, and the performer, seemingly without any knowledge of the chosen card, reveals it from a deck that has been in plain sight the entire time. The trick combines subtle information gathering with misdirection, using the crumpled paper to enhance the illusion of a free choice. It's a perfect blend of psychological subtlety and theatrical presentation, making it a must-have for magicians who enjoy mentalism and card magic.

Where to buy

Psypher PRO by Robert Smith from Monster Magic
Monster MagicPsypher PRO by Robert Smith£41.99
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Key features

  • Spectator writes down a card secretly, ensuring a genuine free choice illusion.

  • The performer reveals the card from a deck in plain sight, enhancing the mystery.

  • Relies on a subtle method for gathering information without detection.

  • Use of a crumpled paper adds to the misdirection and strengthens the illusion.

  • Clear communication and confident presentation are crucial for a successful performance.

Pros

  • Creates a strong illusion of mind reading.

  • Engages the spectator directly, making the experience personal and memorable.

  • Versatile for close-up, parlour, or even stage settings.

  • Does not require complex sleight of hand, making it accessible to a wide range of performers.

Cons

  • Requires confident presentation and clear communication to be effective.

  • The method may limit the trick's repeatability for the same audience.

Effect

The Psypher trick creates the illusion of mind reading with a deck of cards. A spectator secretly writes down a card without the performer looking. The performer then takes a crumpled piece of paper containing the written card and, without peeking, reveals the exact card from a deck that has been in plain sight the entire time. The effect is direct, surprising, and appears completely impromptu.

Full Details

The trick relies on a subtle method for gathering information while maintaining the appearance of a free choice. The spectator writes down any card on a small piece of paper, crumples it, and hands it to the performer. The deck remains untouched and visible throughout, reinforcing the idea that the reveal is impossible. The performer then confidently locates the spectator's chosen card, often using verbal hints (such as mentioning color or number) to heighten the mystery.

The crumpled paper serves as misdirection, making the method undetectable. The trick does not require sleight of hand but instead depends on clear communication and confident presentation.

Who Should Consider the Trick

Psypher is ideal for magicians who want a strong, self-working mentalism effect with cards. It works well in close-up performances, walk-around magic, or even virtual shows. Since it does not rely on difficult sleights, it is accessible to beginners, but experienced performers can enhance it with their presentation skills.

Difficulty

The trick is easy to learn and perform. The method is straightforward, requiring no advanced card handling. The real challenge lies in presentation—selling the illusion of mind reading through confident delivery and natural misdirection.

What Magicians Say

SaturnMagicShop describes Psypher as "a clever card revelation" that appears completely impromptu. They highlight the deceptive nature of the effect, noting that "the spectator believes they are freely selecting a card while the performer subtly gathers information." The crumpled paper reinforces the illusion, making the reveal seem impossible.

The performance video demonstrates how important clear communication is. The performer maintains eye contact and uses natural language to build rapport, making the reveal more impactful. SaturnMagicShop concludes that Psypher is "a well-crafted effect that combines clever methodology with engaging presentation."

The trick leaves audiences intrigued, making it a strong addition to any magician's repertoire.

What people are saying about Psypher

SaturnMagicShop says...

The video demonstrates a relaxed and engaging performance style. The performer maintains eye contact with the spectator and uses natural language, which helps to build rapport and enhance the illusion.

Performance videos