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Table Talk by Chris Rawlins

Created by: Chris Rawlins

Table Talk is a social interaction and parlor magic trick that mimics the real game of the same name, designed to spark genuine conversation among participants. It involves a deck of 40 question cards and yes/no gimmick cards, allowing the performer to engage the audience in a game-like setting where cards are separated into yes and no piles based on the participants' responses. The trick culminates in a surprising reveal that the cards have been mysteriously sorted correctly, leveraging the classic 'Out of This World' plot. Ideal for performers who enjoy interactive mentalism or want a fresh spin on a classic effect, it's perfect for parlor settings, post-event engagements, or tarot-style readings.

Key features

  • Based on the real game Table Talk for authenticity

  • Includes 40 question cards and yes/no gimmick cards

  • Designed for social interaction and parlor settings

  • Multiple handlings and bonus ideas included

  • Encourages genuine conversation, enhancing engagement

  • Practical and easy to carry with thoughtful design

  • 90-minute tutorial with creative process insights

Pros

  • Engagement Factor – Encourages genuine conversation

  • Practicality – Easy to carry and justify having on the table

  • Quality & Thoughtfulness – Attention to detail shines

Cons

  • Not a quick trick, best for longer performances

  • Full routine with 40 cards may be too lengthy for close-up settings

Effect

Table Talk by Chris Rawlins is a magic trick disguised as a real card game. The performer introduces a game called Table Talk, which involves question cards. Spectators answer questions by sorting them into "yes" or "no" piles. At the end, the cards reveal that they were secretly separated into two distinct groups, creating a surprising and impossible outcome.

Full Details

Table Talk includes 40 question cards, "yes" and "no" gimmick cards, and a box designed to look like the real Table Talk game. The gimmick cards feature printed handwriting for durability. The trick uses a variation of the classic "Out of This World" plot, where cards are secretly separated based on spectator choices.

The tutorial is 90 minutes long and covers multiple handlings, including John Kennedy’s red/black separation method and bonus ideas like psychological forces and one-ahead techniques. The question cards encourage conversation, making the trick feel more like a social game than a magic performance.

Who Should Consider the Trick

Table Talk is ideal for magicians who perform in social or parlor settings. It works well for interactive mentalism, post-show engagements, or casual performances with friends. Those who enjoy storytelling and audience participation will find this trick especially rewarding.

Difficulty

The trick is not difficult to perform mechanically, but it requires strong presentation skills. The method is straightforward, but engaging the audience with the questions is key. Performers who prefer quick tricks may need to adjust the routine, as the full version with 40 cards takes time.

What Magicians Say

Roo from RoosReviews praises Table Talk for its engagement factor and practicality. He says, "This isn’t a close-up trick to be done quick. This is about starting a conversation with your audience." He also highlights the quality of the gimmick cards and the detailed tutorial.

Roo mentions that while he prefers a shorter 10-card version for close-up, the full routine is excellent for longer performances. He appreciates the multiple handlings included in the tutorial, calling it a "must-have" for interactive mentalism.

The trick’s design as a real game adds to its believability. Roo notes, "If people search online afterward, they’ll find a real game called Table Talk." This detail enhances the trick’s deceptive quality.

Overall, Table Talk is recommended for magicians who want a fresh, interactive, and deceptive performance piece.

What people are saying about Table Talk

RoosReviews says...

PredicTABLE is a must-have for performers who enjoy interactive mentalism or want a fresh spin on a classic effect. [...] The beauty of this is this is actually a real game table talk is a real game so if people go and search Google afterwards they'll be able to find it and they can pick it up themselves.

Review videos