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Simon Says by Peter Turner

Created by: Peter Turner

Simon Says by Peter Turner is a mentalism trick where the performer seemingly guesses a number thought of by the spectator. The trick relies on a simple psychological principle, making it easy to perform with minimal props. It's a clean and direct effect that creates a strong sense of wonder, suitable for close-up or parlour settings. The presentation and misdirection are crucial for selling the effect, making it appear as if the performer genuinely possesses psychic abilities.

Key features

  • Relies on a simple psychological principle

  • Easy to perform with minimal props

  • Clean and direct effect

  • Requires strong presentation and misdirection

  • Suitable for both beginners and experienced mentalists

Pros

  • Creates a strong sense of wonder

  • Minimal props and setup required

  • Suitable for a wide range of performers

  • Leverages audience psychology effectively

Cons

  • May be predictable for experienced mentalists

  • Relies heavily on the performer's presentation skills

Effect

In Simon Says by Peter Turner, the performer asks a spectator to think of a number. Without any obvious clues or forced choices, the magician correctly reveals the exact number the spectator is thinking of. The effect is direct, clean, and creates a strong sense of wonder, making it appear as if the performer has genuine mental abilities.

Full Details

The routine relies on a simple but powerful psychological principle, making it easy to perform with minimal props. The method does not require complex sleight of hand or gimmicks, focusing instead on presentation and misdirection. The strength of the trick lies in its deceptive simplicity, leveraging natural audience psychology to create a convincing mentalism effect.

Who Should Consider the Trick

Simon Says is suitable for both beginners and experienced mentalists. Beginners will appreciate the straightforward method, while experienced performers can refine the presentation to enhance its impact. It is ideal for those who enjoy psychological magic and want a quick, strong effect that can be performed anytime, anywhere.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The trick is easy to perform technically, with no difficult sleights or complex setups. However, the effectiveness of the routine depends heavily on presentation and confidence. A strong, engaging delivery is crucial to sell the illusion of mind-reading. Performers should focus on acting as if they genuinely possess psychic ability rather than just executing a trick.

What Magicians Say

Sebastian Toca (Simon Lipkin) describes Simon Says as a routine that "relies on a very simple premise but creates a strong sense of wonder." He praises its deceptive simplicity and clean effect but notes that experienced mentalists might find the psychological principle predictable. He recommends it for performers who can tailor their presentation to the audience, stating that "a confident and engaging delivery is crucial to making the routine believable."

Overall, the trick is well-regarded for its direct impact and ease of performance, making it a solid choice for mentalists looking for a quick, powerful effect.

What people are saying about Simon Says by Peter Turner

Simon Lipkin says...

The routine's strength lies not in complex mechanics, but in its deceptive simplicity and the way it leverages audience psychology.

Review videos