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Telltale by Daniel Madison

Created by: Daniel Madison

Telltale is a word association game magic trick that utilizes a marked deck. The magician has a spectator lay down a card and places a random card on top of it. Through a series of questions, the magician reveals the identity of the spectator's card. This trick is part of Daniel Madison's Marked Deck Master Class, focusing on close-up magic with cards, and is designed to work with any marked deck, not just the purple Banger deck.

Key features

  • Part of Daniel Madison's Marked Deck Master Class

  • Works with any marked deck

  • Focuses on rapid and intuitive mark recognition

  • Includes techniques for discreetly obtaining readings in various performance scenarios

  • Teaches methods for subtly influencing a spectator's choice without directly relying on the markings

Pros

  • Comprehensive teaching on marked deck magic

  • Applicable to any marked deck

  • Encourages improvisation and creating magic on the fly

  • Includes a variety of tricks and routines to learn from

Cons

  • No live performances or spectator interaction in the class

  • Some routines may involve advanced sleights, though alternatives are suggested

Effect

Telltale is a word association game performed with a marked deck. A spectator selects a card and places it face down. The magician places a random card on top of it and begins asking questions. Through the interaction, the magician reveals the identity of the spectator's card in an engaging and seemingly impossible way.

Full Details

Telltale is one of eight tricks taught in Daniel Madison's Marked Deck Master Class. The class focuses on techniques for reading marked decks quickly and discreetly. While Telltale uses a marked deck, the method does not rely solely on reading the markings. Instead, it incorporates psychological cues and subtle handling to create a convincing effect.

The trick is part of a broader lesson on using marked decks for improvisation. Madison emphasizes adapting techniques to different performance scenarios, making Telltale flexible for walk-around or casual settings.

Who Should Consider the Trick

Telltale is suitable for magicians who:

  • Want to incorporate marked decks into their performances.
  • Prefer interactive tricks that involve audience participation.
  • Are comfortable with psychological techniques alongside sleight of hand.

The trick does not require advanced card handling, making it accessible to intermediate performers.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

Telltale is described as easier than many of Madison's other routines. While it involves reading a marked deck, the method does not rely on complex sleights like second deals or bottom deals. David from Magic Orthodoxy notes that even if a performer struggles with advanced moves, they can "fake it convincingly" without detection.

What Magicians Say

David from Magic Orthodoxy highlights Telltale as one of the standout routines in Madison's Marked Deck Master Class. He praises the trick for its interactive nature and the way it blends marked deck principles with psychological techniques.

Madison's teaching style is described as humorous and insightful, with clear explanations of the underlying principles. The class is structured as a teacher-student experience rather than a performance showcase, allowing learners to focus on technique and theory.

David notes that while the class lacks live performances, it compensates with depth of instruction. He recommends the class for magicians who want to move beyond memorized routines and develop their own impromptu effects.

Telltale is presented as a practical example of how marked decks can enhance a magician's ability to improvise and engage audiences.

What people are saying about Telltale

magicorthodoxy says...

The Master Class is a valuable resource for magicians interested in exploring marked deck magic. It's a unique opportunity to learn directly from Daniel Madison and gain insight into his approach to the art.

Review videos