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Thought-of Cards by Christoph Borer

Created by: Christoph Borer

Thought-of Cards is a mentalism and card magic trick where both the spectator and the performer discover each other's thought-of cards in a seemingly impossible and mind-reading manner. This trick is suitable for close-up, parlor, and stage performances, appealing to a wide range of audiences with its interactive and mysterious nature.

Key features

  • Suitable for close-up, parlor, and stage performances

  • Combines mentalism and card magic for a unique effect

  • Interactive, involving both the spectator and the performer

  • Part of a larger collection of professional-caliber routines in 'Forged by Fire'

Pros

  • Highly interactive and engaging for the audience

  • Versatile performance options across different settings

  • Creative twist on classic card magic and mentalism

Cons

  • Requires practice to master the presentation and timing

  • Part of a larger book, so may not be available as a standalone trick

Effect

The Thought-of Cards is a mentalism-style card trick where a spectator and the magician each think of a card. Without revealing their choices, the magician and spectator mysteriously discover each other's thought-of cards in an impossible coincidence. The effect creates a strong sense of connection and impossibility, as if both minds were in sync.

Full Details

This routine is part of Christoph Borer's book Forged by Fire, which contains over 40 professional magic routines. The Thought-of Cards is a standout piece that blends psychology, subtlety, and card magic. The method is clever and relies on a well-structured presentation rather than complex sleight of hand. The trick is designed to feel organic, making the revelation of the cards seem like a genuine moment of mental connection.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for magicians who enjoy mentalism, psychological magic, or card routines that don’t rely on heavy sleight of hand. It works well in close-up and parlor settings, making it versatile for different performance environments. If you like effects that create a strong emotional impact with minimal props, this is a great choice.

Difficulty

The Thought-of Cards is not technically demanding. The method is straightforward, but the success of the trick depends on presentation and audience management. Magicians who are comfortable with subtlety and psychological influence will find this routine easy to perform. Those new to mentalism may need to practice the pacing and scripting to maximize the effect.

What Magicians Say

MurphysMagicSupplies describes Thought-of Cards as part of Christoph Borer's "genius" approach to magic, where classic effects are transformed into something new through clever plot twists. The routine is highlighted as one of many professional-caliber tricks in Forged by Fire, praised for its creativity and impact. The book itself is noted for its high-quality translation and production, making it a valuable resource for magicians interested in mentalism and parlor magic.

The trick is described as having "every little detail worked out," ensuring a polished performance. While not every magician will use every effect in the book, Thought-of Cards stands out as a strong, memorable routine that can be adapted to different styles.

What people are saying about Thought-of Cards

MurphysMagicSupplies says...

You and a spectator find each other's thought of cards in Firebrand... as you listen to these plots do you hear what they have in common absolutely nothing that's the genius of Kristoff borer.

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