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Set the Bar by Simon Lipkin

Created by: Simon Lipkin

Set The Bar is a versatile impromptu marking system that allows you to perform a wide range of mentalism and close-up magic tricks. It enables you to mark or read information under the spectators' noses without them noticing, even from a distance. This system can be adapted for various effects, including credit card smashes, living and dead tests, and close-up psychometry, making it a powerful tool for magicians looking to expand their repertoire with minimal props.

Key features

  • Versatile marking system adaptable to multiple magic effects

  • Can be performed impromptu with minimal setup

  • Allows for reading or marking information without detection

  • Suitable for close-up and mentalism performances

  • Encourages creativity and adaptation to create new tricks

Pros

  • Highly versatile and adaptable to various magic effects

  • No need for complex props or setups

  • Engages and astonishes spectators with seemingly impossible feats

  • Encourages magicians to develop their own tricks based on the system

Cons

  • May require practice to master the marking and reading techniques

  • Some effects might need specific props to fully utilize the system

Effect

Set The Bar is a versatile impromptu marking system that allows magicians to perform a wide range of mentalism effects. The audience sees the magician write something openly, yet they never detect the secret markings. The system works from a distance, making it practical for both close-up and stage performances. Effects can include revealing hidden information, predicting choices, or performing psychometry with everyday objects like credit cards.

Full Details

Set The Bar is a method for secretly marking information in plain sight. The system does not require special gimmicks or pre-show work, making it impromptu. The magician can write freely while embedding hidden marks that only they can read. The method works from up to four feet away, ensuring flexibility in performance conditions.

The system can be applied to multiple effects, including:

  • Credit card reveals
  • Living and dead tests (psychometry)
  • Prediction effects
  • Book tests

Simon Lipkin describes it as a "logical premise" that opens up numerous possibilities for customization.

Who Should Consider the Trick

Set The Bar is ideal for mentalists and magicians who want a practical, impromptu method for marking information. It suits performers who enjoy adaptable systems rather than single-trick solutions. Those who work with book tests, psychometry, or prediction effects will find it especially useful.

Difficulty

The method is designed to be straightforward, with no complex sleight of hand required. However, proper practice is needed to ensure smooth execution. The marking technique must be natural to avoid detection. Lipkin emphasizes that the system is simple to learn but encourages performers to develop their own routines with it.

What Magicians Say

Simon Lipkin calls Set The Bar a "versatile impromptu marking system" that allows for "a plethora of miracles." He highlights its flexibility, stating, "You can be four feet away and still be able to read everything that you need to."

The system is praised for its adaptability, with Lipkin demonstrating applications in credit card reveals, psychometry, and more. He encourages magicians to experiment, saying, "I want your brains to feel inspired... to create your own tricks."

Set The Bar is positioned as a foundational tool rather than a single trick, making it a valuable addition to a mentalist's toolkit.

What people are saying about Set the Bar

The1914 says...

Set the bar is a versatile impromptu marking system that you are going to write Under The Spectators noses they're going to see you but they will never see it [...] the possibilities are endless with set the bar and I cannot wait for you to learn it.

Review videos

Tutorial videos