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Short List by Alakazam Magic

Created by: Alakazam Magic

Short List is a versatile mentalism trick that allows the performer to predict a spectator's choice from a list of options, often with a personalized twist (e.g., predicting a favorite band from a list of six). It’s ideal for close-up or parlour settings and works well with everyday carry (EDC) items like wallets or business cards. The trick is highly adaptable, making it suitable for performers who want to tailor it to their audience or theme (e.g., music, travel, or nostalgia).

Key features

  • Uses everyday items like wallets or business cards for a natural feel

  • Highly customizable to fit different themes or performances

  • No complex sleight of hand required, making it accessible for beginners

  • Works well as a standalone trick or as part of a longer routine

  • Strong audience interaction and engagement

Pros

  • Easy to learn and perform

  • Highly visual and fooling

  • Portable and practical for EDC

  • Adaptable to various performance styles

  • Strong psychological impact on spectators

Cons

  • May require additional props (e.g., a wallet or business cards) for certain versions

  • Some customization needed to fit personal performance style

  • Limited to specific prediction-based plots

Effect

Short List is a mentalism effect where the performer presents a list of items, such as bands, movies, or other categories, to a spectator. The spectator freely chooses one item from the list, and the performer reveals that they predicted the exact choice in advance. The method is clean, leaving no room for suspicion, and the effect feels organic and impossible to the audience.

Full Details

Andy Cooper, a magician and musician, uses Short List in his performances by incorporating it into his Stealth Assassin wallet. He tailors the trick to his musical background, having the spectator predict his all-time favorite band from a list of six. The effect is versatile and can be adapted to different themes, making it suitable for various performance settings.

The trick relies on a clever principle that allows the performer to know the spectator's choice without forcing or obvious sleight of hand. The method is practical and can be carried easily, making it an excellent Every Day Carry (EDC) item.

Who Should Consider the Trick

  • Mentalism performers who want a quick, impactful prediction effect.
  • Close-up magicians looking for a clean, self-contained routine.
  • Musicians or themed performers who can adapt the trick to fit their niche (e.g., bands, movies, sports).
  • Those who prefer minimal sleight of hand but still want a strong, baffling effect.

Difficulty

Short List is relatively easy to perform, requiring no advanced sleight of hand. The method is straightforward, but the presentation is key to making the effect feel organic. Performers should focus on natural audience interaction to enhance the illusion of free choice.

What Magicians Say

Andy Cooper praises Short List as one of his most-used routines, especially when combined with his Stealth Assassin wallet. He says:

"Being a musician, I use the wallet for a version of Short List from the tutorial, where the spectator correctly predicts my all-time favorite band from a list of six. It’s a perfect fit for my performances."

He also highlights the trick’s adaptability, mentioning that he has created a music-themed Cash Cabaret routine using the same principles.

The trick’s simplicity and strong impact make it a favorite among performers who want a reliable, audience-tested mentalism effect.

What people are saying about Short List

Andy Cooper says...

I use the wallet for a version of Short List from the tutorial, where the spectator correctly predicts my all-time favorite band from a list of six. [...] It’s probably my best magic purchase, along with evoke.

Review videos