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The Predator Wallet by Arpal Wilson

Created by: Arpal Wilson

The Predator Wallet is a close-up magic trick that plays on the 'psycho bills' concept, where a spectator's chosen card is revealed in a seemingly impossible manner through the clever use of a gimmicked wallet. The routine is highly interactive, allowing the spectator to freely choose any card, and the magician can perform it with minimal setup, making it ideal for walk-around or table-hopping situations. The wallet itself is designed for portability and ease of use, with a gimmick that becomes second nature with practice. This trick is perfect for magicians who perform in social settings, such as restaurants, parties, or corporate events, and it appeals to both beginners and seasoned performers due to its direct and strong effect.

Key features

  • Uses the 'psycho bills' concept for a mind-blowing revelation

  • Spectator can freely choose any card

  • Portable and easy to carry

  • Minimal setup required

  • Suitable for walk-around and table-hopping

Pros

  • Highly interactive and engaging

  • Strong, direct effect

  • Portable and easy to use

  • Minimal setup

  • Appeals to a wide range of audiences

Cons

  • Requires practice to perform smoothly

  • Gimmick may wear out over time with heavy use

Effect

The Predator Wallet is a magic trick that uses a wallet and specially designed bills to create a mind-blowing effect. The magician shows a wallet and asks a spectator to think of any playing card. Without revealing the card, the magician predicts the exact card the spectator is thinking of. The trick ends with a surprising reveal that appears impossible, leaving the audience stunned.

Full Details

The Predator Wallet is based on the "Psycho Bills" routine, originally developed by Arpal Wilson. It uses gimmicked bills inside a wallet to create a seamless and baffling performance. The wallet is designed to be self-contained, making it easy to carry and perform anywhere. The trick requires no sleight of hand, relying instead on clever mechanics and psychology.

Andy Smith, a magician who performed The Predator Wallet extensively, noted that the more he practiced, the smoother and more natural his performance became. The trick involves a sequence that becomes second nature with repetition.

Who Should Consider the Trick

The Predator Wallet is ideal for magicians who perform close-up or parlor magic. It works well in mix-and-mingle situations, table hopping, and small group performances. Because it requires no advanced sleight of hand, it is accessible to beginners but also offers enough depth to interest experienced performers.

Difficulty

The Predator Wallet is not technically difficult to perform. The main challenge is mastering the sequence of actions to make the trick appear effortless. Andy Smith mentioned that while the initial performance may feel mechanical, repeated practice makes the routine smooth and natural.

What Magicians Say

Andy Smith, who performed The Predator Wallet for years, praised its clever design and strong effect. He said:

"I fell in love with The Predator Wallet... the more I did it, the better, faster, and smoother I became. By the time I had done it for six months, I wasn't even looking in the wallet—my finger was in the right place, and I was doing it effortlessly."

He also compared it to Craig Petty’s "Big Blind," another trick based on the Psycho Bills concept, noting that both routines are highly effective and portable.

The Predator Wallet is a well-regarded trick among magicians for its strong impact and ease of use. If you enjoy psychological magic with a clean, direct presentation, this trick is worth considering.

What people are saying about The Predator Wallet

AlakazamMagicUK says...

I fell in love with The Predator Wallet; it's the same sort of routine as the psycho bills but cleverly put into poker chips. The more I did it, the smoother and more natural my performance became.

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