Thought Extraction by Joel Anthony

Effect

Thought Extraction presents as a mentalism effect where a spectator freely writes or draws a thought on a piece of paper. The paper is placed into an envelope and mixed with other identical envelopes. The performer can then determine the spectator's thought, duplicate a drawing, or reveal a prediction, all while the selection process appears completely fair and impossible to trace.

Full details

Thought Extraction is a utility prop system designed for mentalism and prediction-based magic. The set includes five custom-made envelopes. Four of these envelopes are normal and can be handled by spectators. One envelope contains a specialized gimmick that allows the performer to secretly view the contents inside. This gimmick uses a paper envelope design with a specific cut-out and release mechanism, enabling a clear and readable peek of a billet, business card, or playing card. The system is compatible with poker-sized cards, bridge-sized cards, and standard business cards. Instructional material is included, featuring tutorials from Joel Anthony and contributions from other magicians like Craig Petty and Jason Varga. The tutorials cover envelope construction, handling techniques, and multiple routine ideas including one-ahead methods, question and answer formats, and drawing duplications.

Who should consider the trick

Thought Extraction is suitable for magicians who perform mentalism or prediction effects. It is ideal for performers who do walk-around or close-up magic and need a practical, reusable prop. Beginners may find it easy to use, while professionals can adapt it into their existing routines. It is a good choice for magicians looking for a versatile tool that can be used for multiple different effects rather than just a single trick. Those who appreciate DIY aspects will value the ability to create replacement envelopes.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The basic method of Thought Extraction is straightforward. Fiddlinjonny states it is easy to use, making it great for beginners. The core technique involves a simple handling method to achieve the peek. However, some reviewers note that mastering the subtle handling to keep the gimmick hidden requires practice. Magicorthodoxy mentions that pocket space management is important, and the gimmicked envelope should not be handed out for inspection. The prop is not angle-proof, so performers must be mindful of their positioning. Overall, the difficulty is low to moderate, with the main challenge being smooth performance and audience management rather than complex sleight of hand.

What magicians say

Reviewers highlight the versatility and practicality of Thought Extraction. BAM_magic says it is a versatile utility prop for multiple fooling routines and a solid investment for performers. He states, "I loved the fact that it enables several strong performances from a single, reusable gimmick." Magicorthodoxy provides a detailed analysis, noting the system consists of five envelopes and the core technique allows for a full peak. He points out that the gimmicked envelope is not fully inspectable, which can limit some performance scenarios. Fiddlinjonny shares that initially he was underwhelmed, but the trick grew on him with time and practice. He says it is super user-friendly and a solid buy for the price. RoosReviews loves the creative possibilities, especially the mid-stack peeking capability, and states it is a worthy upgrade for those familiar with peek envelopes. He advises that the gimmicked envelope feels slightly different, so caution is needed when spectators handle the envelopes.