Sleightful logoSleightful

The Intuition Effect by Lewis Le Val

Created by: Lewis Le Val

The Intuition Effect is a captivating close-up mentalism routine using a standard deck of cards (no gimmicks or marked cards required). The spectator participates in a two-phase routine where they handle the deck, making the magic feel organic and fair. The effect culminates in the magician seemingly intuiting the spectator's chosen card with minimal setup and no suspicious moves. This trick is perfect for intimate settings and can be adapted to use other objects like ABC blocks or even a deck substitute for added versatility.

Key features

  • Uses any deck of cards (no gimmicks)

  • Minimal setup required

  • Spectator handles the deck for added fairness

  • Adaptable to other objects (e.g., ABC blocks)

  • Two-phase routine for stronger impact

Pros

  • Highly practical and commercial

  • Easy to learn and perform

  • Strong audience participation

  • Versatile methodology

Cons

  • May require practice to perfect the shuffling

  • Limited to close-up settings

Effect

The Intuition Effect is a mentalism routine that uses a deck of cards. A spectator freely selects a card, and through a series of seemingly fair actions, the performer reveals their thought-of card with uncanny accuracy. The effect is presented in two phases, with the spectator handling the deck in the first phase and the performer taking control in the second. The routine appears fair and unforced, making the revelation feel like genuine intuition.

Full Details

The Intuition Effect requires no gimmicks and can be performed with any standard deck of cards. The method involves minimal setup and relies on subtle psychological principles rather than complex sleight of hand. The routine is structured to allow the spectator to believe they are in full control, enhancing the illusion of mind-reading. The second phase reinforces the effect by demonstrating the performer's ability to "sense" the chosen card without direct handling.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for mentalists who want a strong, easy-to-perform card-based routine. It works well in close-up or parlor settings and can be adapted for different audiences. Those who prefer mentalism with minimal props will appreciate its simplicity. The Intuition Effect is also suitable for performers who enjoy interactive routines where the spectator plays an active role.

Difficulty

The Intuition Effect is not technically demanding. The method relies more on presentation and psychology than difficult sleights. A beginner with basic card handling skills can perform it effectively after some practice. The routine’s strength lies in its natural flow, so performers should focus on making the actions appear organic rather than rehearsed.

What Magicians Say

Mentalist on a Shoestring, a reviewer of the Whisper Tapes, describes The Intuition Effect as "very easy to do" and praises its commercial appeal. They highlight the spectator’s involvement, stating, "The Spectator does order handling which is really good... it looks really clever." The reviewer also notes the routine’s adaptability, suggesting it could be performed with objects other than cards. They conclude that the effect is "super Fair" and works well with minimal setup.

The Intuition Effect is a practical and engaging mentalism routine that delivers strong reactions with little technical demand. Its flexibility and spectator interaction make it a valuable addition to any performer’s repertoire.

What people are saying about The Intuition Effect

mentalistonashoestring says...

The Intuition Effect allows you to gain a sense of formality with minimal setup—very clever and super Fair. [...] You can adapt it to other objects, making it versatile for any performer.

Review videos