Thought Extraction by Joel Anthony

Created by: Joel Anthony

Thought Extraction is a mentalism utility device designed for close-up and parlor performances. The trick involves a set of five envelopes—one gimmicked and four normal—that allow the performer to secretly peek at a spectator's written or drawn information (e.g., a name, word, or drawing) without detection. The gimmicked envelope features a cleverly hidden 'Moon Crest' cut-out, enabling a full, readable peek even when the target envelope is in the middle of a shuffled stack. This versatile tool can be used for one-ahead routines, Q&A formats, drawing duplications, and double-writing effects. The set includes tutorials and a booklet with routines, making it suitable for beginners and professionals alike. Buyers should note that the envelopes are paper-based and may wear over time, but replacement instructions are provided.

Where to buy

Monster Magic	Thought Extraction by Joel Anthony	£27.99	🇬🇧 Shop
Alakazam Magic	Thought Extraction by Joel Anthony	£28.76	🇬🇧 Shop
Magicbox	Thought Extraction by Joel Anthony	£29.30	🇬🇧 Shop

Key features

Includes five envelopes (one gimmicked, four normal) for versatile performances.
Allows mid-stack peeking, unlike traditional peek devices.
Compatible with poker cards, billets, and business cards.
DIY instructions included for creating replacement gimmicks.
Suitable for one-ahead, Q&A, and drawing duplication routines.

Pros

Easy to use, even for beginners.
Highly versatile for various mentalism effects.
Compact and pocket-friendly for walkaround performances.
Affordable and repairable with DIY replacements.
Subtle and deceptive peek method.

Cons

Gimmicked envelope is not fully inspectable.
Paper envelopes may wear out over time.
Limited live audience performances in tutorials.
Requires careful handling to avoid exposing the gimmick.

Effect

Thought Extraction is a mentalism utility device that allows performers to secretly peek at information written or drawn by a spectator. The effect appears as a seamless mind-reading demonstration. A spectator writes something on a billet, business card, or playing card, places it inside an envelope, and mixes it with other envelopes. The magician can then reveal the information as if reading the spectator's mind.

Full Details

The set includes five envelopes: one gimmicked for peeking and four ungimmicked for mixing. The gimmicked envelope has a subtle modification that allows the performer to glimpse the contents without detection. The envelopes are designed to hold poker-sized cards, billets, or business cards.

The package also includes tutorials on constructing the gimmick, basic handling, and routines from Joel Anthony, Jason Varga, and Craig Petty. The gimmick is low-tech, relying on clever construction rather than magnets or threads, making it durable and easy to repair.

Who Should Consider the Trick

Thought Extraction is ideal for:

Mentalists looking for a reliable peek device.
Close-up and parlor performers who need a compact, pocket-friendly tool.
Beginners due to its straightforward handling.
Professionals who appreciate versatile utility devices.

Difficulty

The trick is easy to perform, with no complex sleight of hand required. The main challenge is mastering the natural handling of the envelopes to disguise the peek. FiddlinJonny notes, "If this is your very first peek device, there's no fidgety moves or angle issues to worry about."

What Magicians Say

FiddlinJonny initially found the trick underwhelming but later appreciated its elegant design and ease of use. He highlights its value for both beginners and professionals.
Magic Orthodoxy (David) praises its simplicity but notes the gimmicked envelope isn’t fully inspectable. He suggests experimenting with different handling methods.
RoosReviews calls it a "worthy upgrade" for mentalists familiar with peek envelopes, emphasizing its mid-stack peeking capability.
Monster Magic Shop (Alex Kirk) appreciates its low-tech, DIY-friendly nature but suggests exploring additional applications beyond the included routines.

Thought Extraction is a practical, well-designed tool for mentalists and magicians seeking a reliable peek method. Its simplicity and versatility make it a strong addition to any performer's toolkit.

What people are saying about Thought Extraction

fiddlinjonny says...

Thought Extraction is a great peek device—simple, elegant, and easy to use. It’s perfect for beginners and pros alike, though I wish the tutorials included live audience performances.

magicorthodoxy says...

The gimmick is old-school and elegant, but the dirty side isn’t as invisible as advertised. It’s a solid tool for mentalism, though more detailed peak instruction would’ve been helpful.

magic-tv says...

Joel Anthony’s Thought Extraction is a clever mentalism utility that opens up new doors for pre-existing routines. It’s a tool that mentalists will love for its versatility.

monstermagicshop says...

A low-tech peek device with full billet visibility. The one-ahead routine is solid, but I’m still figuring out its full potential.

RoosReviews says...

This isn’t the be-all and end-all for envelope peeks, but it gets me excited about the possibilities. The mid-stack peeking is a game-changer.

SaturnMagicShop says...

Thought Extraction is amazing! It’s a versatile peek device that lets you see everything your spectator has written or drawn, with endless creative applications.