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Super Flashback Method by Josh Zandman

Created by: Josh Zandman

The Super Flashback Method is a mentalism book test that allows the performer to instantly reveal a word a spectator is thinking of from a book. The spectator looks at the first word on a randomly selected page, and without any fishing or guessing, the performer can tell them exactly what word they're thinking of. This method is lightly examinable, meaning the book can be handed to the spectator for a quick glance without revealing the secret. It's suitable for close-up or parlour magic and is particularly effective for holiday performances. The trick is part of Josh Zandman's 'A Christmas Carol' book test, which includes multiple methods for a variety of mentalism effects.

Key features

  • Lightly examinable book

  • Quick to learn and perform (15-20 minutes practice)

  • Multiple methods included in the book for varied effects

  • Suitable for holiday performances

  • Can be combined with other methods for a layered routine

Pros

  • Simple and quick to learn

  • Lightly examinable by spectators

  • Versatile with multiple methods available

  • Great for holiday and themed performances

  • Allows focus on presentation as the book does most of the work

Cons

  • Not fully examinable if spectators read the book like a novel

  • Requires memorization for some methods

Effect

The Super Flashback Method is a mentalism effect where a spectator freely selects a page in a book and looks at the first word on that page. The performer, without any fishing or forcing, instantly reveals the exact word the spectator is thinking of. The book appears examinable, with no obvious duplicates or repeated words, making the revelation seem impossible.

Full Details

The Super Flashback Method is part of Josh Zandman's book test system, specifically featured in A Christmas Carol. It allows the performer to know the first word on any page the spectator chooses, enabling a direct mind-reading effect. The method is designed to be quick to learn, with minimal practice required before performance.

The book itself is lightly examinable, meaning spectators can flip through it without immediately detecting the method. However, prolonged scrutiny is discouraged. The effect can be combined with other methods in the book, such as the Tossed Out Book Method or the Pegasus Page Method, to create layered routines.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This method is ideal for mentalists and magicians who want a quick, reliable book test effect. It suits performers who prefer minimal sleight of hand and enjoy direct mind-reading presentations. Those who perform in close-up or parlour settings will find it especially useful, as it requires no additional props beyond the book.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The Super Flashback Method is described as easy to learn, with Michael O'Brien stating that "someone that's practiced maybe 15-20 minutes with this will be able to go out and start reading people's minds." The method relies on the book's design rather than complex sleight of hand, making it accessible even to beginners.

What Magicians Say

Michael O'Brien praises the method for its simplicity and effectiveness, calling it "super simple" and noting that "the book just straight up tells me what it is." He highlights its examinability, stating that spectators can flick through the book without easily discovering the secret.

O'Brien also suggests combining the Super Flashback Method with other techniques in A Christmas Carol for stronger routines. He mentions using it alongside the Pegasus Page Method or the Zan – Card at Any Number Method to create a multi-phase performance.

Overall, the Super Flashback Method is presented as a practical, deceptive, and versatile tool for mentalism performers.

What people are saying about Super Flashback Method

Michael O'Brien says...

The Super Flashback Method is super simple... I would venture to guess that someone that's practiced maybe 15-20 minutes with this will be able to go out and start reading people's minds just using this one method.

Review videos