Solitude Extreme by Joel Dickinson and Alec Mitchell

Effect

Solitude Extreme creates a powerful moment where a spectator freely chooses and signs a card, only to find it has been secretly folded and placed in front of them the entire time. The signed card appears inside a folded piece of paper that was in plain sight from the start. The spectator can unfold it themselves, revealing their signed selection in a different-colored back, adding an extra layer of impossibility.

Full details

Solitude Extreme is an updated version of the original Solitude trick, featuring a more three-dimensional gimmick for better deception. The routine involves a standard bicycle card box, which conceals the method. The trick includes three different effects in the instructional video, with the main routine being the signed card revelation. A second effect integrates an Instagram-style reveal, and the third is a mentalism prediction effect. The gimmick is handmade and comes in both red and blue Rider back versions.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is suitable for magicians of all skill levels. Beginners can perform it quickly after learning the basics, while experienced magicians will appreciate the strong effect and potential for integrating it into existing routines. It works best in close-up settings, making it ideal for table performances or intimate gatherings.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

Solitude Extreme is easy to perform, with minimal sleight of hand required. The gimmick does most of the work, allowing magicians to focus on presentation. The instructional video, taught by Dave Loosely, breaks down the handling clearly, making it accessible even for those new to card magic. The cleanup is straightforward, with no suspicious moves needed to conceal the method.

What magicians say

Fiddlin Jonny praises Solitude Extreme for its strong impact and well-made gimmick, calling it "a great, great effect" that is "very affordable and easy to do." He highlights the trick's versatility, noting that creative magicians can adapt the method for other routines. While he mentions that the gimmick could be noticeable in certain lighting conditions, he believes proper crowd management prevents this from being an issue. He also appreciates the instructional quality, though he notes the absence of promised input from Peter Nardi. Overall, he highly recommends the trick, stating it "does as advertised" and is worth the price. Additionally, he included Solitude Extreme in his top 10 magic products of 2020, emphasizing its clever construction and strong audience reactions.