Squidz by Sean Goodman

Effect

The audience sees a three-phase ESP-based routine. A spectator freely chooses a card from a set of five, each displaying a unique symbol. The magician divines the chosen card, changes an indifferent card into the selection, and finally reveals a wooden chip matching the symbol—pulled from a spectator-held bag. The routine combines mentalism, visual transformation, and a surprising physical reveal.

Full details

Squidz includes:

• Six cards (five symbol cards and one explanation card).
• A red velvet bag.
• Five wooden chips, each etched with a symbol.
• A tutorial teaching the core routine, additional variations, and optional app integrations (TAP and INJECT).

The trick requires no forces, allowing complete freedom of choice. The props are well-made, with subtly marked cards and durable wooden chips. The routine uses basic card sleights, with variations provided for different skill levels.

Who should consider the trick

• Mentalism enthusiasts: The ESP theme and psychological presentation options make it ideal for performers who enjoy mind-reading effects.
• Walk-around magicians: The compact props (aside from the wooden chips) suit table-hopping or close-up settings.
• Beginners: The taught sleights are beginner-friendly, and the routine is structured for easy learning.
• Performers seeking versatility: Multiple routines and themes (e.g., Squid Game or personality reading) allow customization.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The core routine uses basic card sleights, described by reviewer Alex Kirk as "not even approaching intermediate." The tutorial covers variations, including simpler methods. Some practice is needed for smooth handling, but the moves are accessible to most skill levels.

What magicians say

Alex Kirk praises Squidz for its practicality and impact:

• "It's a corker of a routine that's easy to do and packs three very good hits."
• Highlights the well-made props and clear tutorial, noting the wooden chips take up pocket space but are "worth it."
• Recommends focusing on psychological presentation over the Squid Game theme for broader appeal.

Kirk also mentions the optional app integrations, though he hasn’t tested them, calling them a "very clean way of having predictions revealed."

Overall, Squidz is praised as a versatile, well-constructed routine with strong audience appeal and multiple performance options.