Ticket to Ride by Craig Petty

Effect

The 'Ticket to Ride' magic trick creates the illusion of mind-reading and prediction using a set of gimmicked train tickets. The performer can seemingly predict or reveal details about the tickets, such as dates, destinations, and even activities chosen by the audience. The effect is organic and deceptive, as the tickets appear to be ordinary, making the magic feel more real and impossible to the audience.

Full details

'Ticket to Ride' is a utility pack designed to look like real train tickets. Each ticket is marked and stacked in a way that allows the performer to instantly know key details, such as the date of travel, class, and destination. The tickets are highly deceptive, as they appear completely normal to the audience. The trick includes routines for mind-reading, prediction, and even creating an imaginary journey with the audience. The performer can adapt the presentation to suit different settings, making it versatile for both close-up and stage performances.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is ideal for magicians who enjoy mentalism and prediction effects. It’s particularly suited for performers who want a prop that looks innocent and can be carried easily for impromptu performances. If you’re looking for a versatile tool that can be used in various routines, 'Ticket to Ride' is a great addition to your repertoire. It’s also perfect for magicians who want to add a unique, organic feel to their act.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The difficulty level of 'Ticket to Ride' is moderate. While the method is straightforward, it requires some practice to handle the tickets smoothly and deliver the routines convincingly. The trick involves a bit of memory work and quick thinking, especially when adapting to audience choices. However, the included instructions and demonstrations make it accessible for magicians of intermediate skill levels. With a bit of rehearsal, even beginners can master the routines.

What magicians say

Craig Petty, the creator of 'Ticket to Ride,' describes it as a perfect everyday carry trick, emphasizing its organic appearance and versatility. He mentions, "These train tickets look so real that if you handed one to someone, they’d think it was a genuine ticket." Marc Paul, a renowned mentalist, praised the trick for its deceptive simplicity, saying, "It’s a brilliant piece of mentalism that feels completely natural." Luca Volpe also highlighted its adaptability, noting, "You can create a 15-minute mentalism act with just a few train tickets in your pocket." Overall, magicians appreciate the trick for its practicality, deceptive nature, and the strong reactions it generates from audiences.