Synaptic by Conjuring Lab

Created by: Conjuring Lab

Synaptic is a powerful mentalism and card magic effect that creates the illusion of mind-reading and prediction. In the card version, a spectator freely selects a card from a borrowed, shuffled deck, which is then lost back into the pack. The magician reveals they predicted not only the physically chosen card but also the exact card the spectator was merely thinking of at the start. In the mentalism version, a spectator thinks of any word from a dictionary, and the magician reveals it through a series of impossible steps. Both versions are self-contained, requiring no extra cards, gimmicks (except for the mentalism version's presentation tool), or pre-show work. The deck or props can be examined immediately after, making it suitable for close-up, parlour, walk-around, and even stage performances. Buyers should note there are two distinct versions: one focused on cards and another on word prediction, both leveraging psychological, coincidence-based magic.

Key features

Completely self-contained method with no extra cards or gimmicks needed (card version)
Can be performed impromptu with any borrowed, shuffled deck (card version)
Quick reset makes it suitable for walk-around or strolling magic
Requires confident handling and basic card control techniques (card version)
Presentation is key, with strong narrative potential around mental connection
Minimal everyday props for an impromptu feel (mentalism version)
Versatile for various performance contexts from close-up to stage

Pros

Powerful coincidence-based effect that baffles spectators
Deck or props are examinable immediately after performance
No difficult sleight of hand required, accessible to intermediate performers
Clean and direct revelation moment
High-quality physical props typically provided (mentalism version)
Strong presentation flexibility with neuroscience or psychological narratives

Cons

Core method may be familiar to experienced mentalists, affecting originality
Requires confident handling and solid understanding of basic card control (card version)
Presentation is crucial for maximum impact, which may require practice

Effect

Synaptic is a mentalism effect. A spectator thinks of any word from a dictionary. The magician then reveals that exact word. The revelation feels direct and impossible. In a card version, a spectator freely selects a card. The magician reveals they predicted both the physically chosen card and a card the spectator was only thinking of.

Full details

Synaptic is a product from Conjuring Lab. It exists in at least two forms. One version uses a dictionary and a word. Another version uses a deck of cards. Both versions share a core idea. The magician makes a prediction that matches a spectator's free choice.

The method is self-contained. It requires no extra cards, gimmicks, or pre-show work. For the card version, you can use any borrowed and shuffled deck. The deck can be examined after the trick. The method uses a classic principle in a new way. It is practical and clever.

The word version uses minimal, everyday props. This creates an impromptu feel. The reset is quick. This makes Synaptic suitable for walk-around or strolling magic.

Who should consider the trick

Synaptic is for mentalists and magicians. It is good for performers who want a clean, impactful effect. The card version is for those who enjoy psychological, coincidence-based magic. The word version is for those seeking a powerful mentalism piece.

It is versatile. You can perform it in close-up settings or on stage. It is recommended for intermediate performers. It is also good for those new to mentalism. Experienced mentalists may know the core method. For them, the value is in the specific presentation and props.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

Synaptic is not overly complex. The word version requires no difficult sleight of hand. The card version requires confident handling. You need a solid understanding of basic card control techniques. Magic Orthodoxy states the method is not overly complex but requires confident handling. Roo notes the effect is relatively easy to perform from a technical standpoint.

With practice, you can execute it smoothly. The focus is on presentation, not difficult moves.

What magicians say

Reviewers praise Synaptic for its method and impact.

Magic Orthodoxy loved the method. He said, "The trick is designed to be performed impromptu with any borrowed, shuffled deck." He highlights its clever use of a classic principle.

Nique Tan recommends it for mentalists. He says the method is clever and practical. He notes it requires no complicated setup.

Roo loved the presentation potential. He felt the routine creates a clean and direct revelation. He said, "The strength lies in the presentation and the spectator's experience."

Alexis loved the core premise. He states it allows mind-reading with no force. He suggests building a narrative around neuroscience for a stronger effect.

Reid Ferry called Synaptic an underrated trick for autonomous mentalism feats.

What people are saying about Synaptic

AlexisReviews says...

Synaptic allows a performer to seemingly read a spectator's mind by revealing a word they are merely thinking of, with no force and no pre-show work. The method is described as clever and practical, making it a strong piece for walk-around or casual performance.

magicorthodoxy says...

The core effect of Synaptic is a powerful coincidence routine. The method is praised for being completely self-contained, requiring no extra cards, gimmicks, or pre-show work. Everything happens in the spectator's hands, and the deck can be immediately examined afterward.

niquetan says...

Nique Tan positions Synaptic as a versatile piece of mentalism that can be adapted for various performance contexts, from close-up to stage. He emphasizes that the method is clever and practical, requiring no complicated setup or difficult sleight of hand.

ReidFerry says...

He also gives love to lesser-known hits like 'Synaptic' by The Conjuring Lab for its autonomous mentalism.

RoosReviews says...

Roo loved the presentation potential of the effect, noting that the provided gimmick and routine create a very clean and direct moment of revelation that can feel genuinely psychic. [...] However, he also points out that the core method will be familiar to many experienced mentalists.