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Thought Experiment by Andy Gladwin

Created by: Andy Gladwin

Thought Experiment is a captivating card magic routine designed for stand-up performances, where a spectator thinks of a card from one deck, and it mysteriously appears in another deck. This trick plays wide and engages multiple spectators, making it ideal for stage or parlour settings. The method is streamlined from classic ideas, ensuring a clean and magical experience for the audience.

Key features

  • Stand-up card magic routine

  • Engages multiple spectators

  • Streamlined from classic concepts

  • Wide-angle performance appeal

Pros

  • Highly engaging for audiences

  • Works well in stage or parlour settings

  • Clean and magical effect

  • Credits and builds on classic ideas

Cons

  • Requires practice for smooth execution

  • May need adaptation for close-up settings

Effect

Thought Experiment is a stand-up card magic routine where a spectator thinks of a card from one deck, and that thought-of card magically appears in a different deck. The effect plays wide, making it ideal for stage performances. The routine includes an additional twist where a second spectator can also think of a card, and both thought-of cards appear in the opposite deck. The illusion is clean, visual, and leaves a strong impression on the audience.

Full details

Thought Experiment is based on a classic Edward G. Brown concept, adapted by Andy Gladwin to modern card magic. The routine uses two decks, allowing for a clean and deceptive transposition of thought-of cards. The method is streamlined, focusing on strong audience engagement and clear magical moments. The trick is designed to be performed standing, making it suitable for stage or parlor settings.

Who should consider the trick

This routine is ideal for magicians who perform stand-up or stage shows and want a strong, visual card effect that plays to a wide audience. It is also suitable for close-up performers looking to expand their repertoire with a versatile trick that can adapt to different performance conditions.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

Thought Experiment is not technically demanding, making it accessible to intermediate-level magicians. The challenge lies in the presentation and audience management, as the effect relies on clear scripting and engaging spectators. The method is well-structured, with Andy Gladwin providing detailed instructions to ensure smooth execution.

What magicians say

Steve Faulkner from RealMagicReview describes Thought Experiment as one of his favorite routines from The Boy Who Cried Magic. He praises its wide-angle appeal and the clever twist involving multiple spectators. He notes that the routine is "beautiful" and plays strongly in performance, making it a standout piece in Andy Gladwin's book. The trick is highlighted for its ability to take a classic concept and refine it for modern audiences.

What people are saying about Thought Experiment

Steve Faulkner says...

Thought Experiment is one of my favorites from the book—it’s a beautiful thought-of card across that plays very wide and creates a magical moment for the audience.

Review videos