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Tossed Out Text by David Alnwick and Ken Dyne

Created by: David Alnwick, Ken Dyne

Tossed Out Text is a contemporary mentalism routine where the performer engages the entire audience by having them send text messages to the performer's cell phone during the show. The performer reads some of the texts (e.g., favorite childhood cartoons) and selects three random audience members to respond to privately. The performer then tosses a deck of cards into the audience, and the selected spectators each pick a card. The climax reveals that the text messages sent earlier precisely predicted the cards chosen by the spectators. This is a close-up or parlor mentalism trick that blends technology with classic card magic, creating a highly interactive and baffling experience.

Key features

  • Uses a standard deck of cards and a cell phone

  • Highly interactive, engaging the entire audience

  • No difficult sleight of hand required

  • Adaptable to different performance styles and scripts

  • Works well for both beginners and professionals

Pros

  • Simple method with a powerful payoff

  • Engages multiple spectators at once

  • Blends modern technology with classic magic

  • Highly adaptable to personal performance style

  • Affordable at $17.99

Cons

  • Requires audience participation via text messages, which may not suit all venues

  • Relies on a classic force (or any force of your choice), which may need practice

Effect

Tossed Out Text is a modern mentalism routine that blends technology with classic card magic. The performer asks the audience to send text messages to their phone, sharing personal details like their favorite childhood cartoon. The magician then selects a few participants, responds to their texts secretly, and throws a deck of cards into the audience. When the chosen spectators pick cards, the texts they received earlier reveal their exact selections, creating a moment of astonishment.

Full details

Tossed Out Text is part of the Fringe Mentalism download by David Alnwick and Ken Dyne. The routine involves audience participation through text messaging, making it highly interactive. The method is simple, requiring no difficult sleight of hand, but the presentation is structured to build tension and engagement. The effect works well in live settings, especially with larger groups, as it involves multiple spectators.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is ideal for mentalists and magicians who perform in social or parlor settings. It suits performers who enjoy audience interaction and want a fresh take on classic prediction effects. Since the method is straightforward, it’s accessible to beginners, but professionals will appreciate its adaptability and strong impact.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

Tossed Out Text is beginner-friendly, with no complex moves required. The most challenging aspect is managing audience interaction smoothly. The routine relies on clear instructions and timing rather than technical skill. Reviewer fiddlinjonny notes that the method is "ridiculously easy," allowing performers to focus on presentation.

What magicians say

Fiddlinjonny praises Tossed Out Text for its simplicity and strong audience engagement, calling it "super powerful" and noting that the method is "so ridiculously easy." He highlights how the routine involves the entire audience, making it a great choice for interactive performances. The effect is part of a broader release (Fringe Mentalism) that has been well-received for its professional-quality routines and clear teaching.

If you enjoy mentalism with a modern twist and want a trick that plays big with crowds, Tossed Out Text is worth considering. Its combination of technology and classic magic makes it a standout effect.

What people are saying about Tossed Out Text

fiddlinjonny says...

Tossed Out Text is super powerful—the text message is sent in advance of the cards being picked, and it turns out to be the exact cards the spectators chose. The method is ridiculously easy, allowing you to focus on performance.

Review videos