Tricolor by Simon Lipkin

Effect

Tricolor is a no-electronics color matching routine that uses Sharpie pens. The magician presents several Sharpies with colored caps, making it impossible for the audience to see the actual ink color. A spectator freely mixes the pens, selects one, and draws something based on the hidden color. Despite the complete freedom of choice, the magician accurately predicts both the color and the drawing, creating a moment of impossible mentalism.

Full Details

Tricolor is designed by Simon Lipkin and released through The 1914. The trick eliminates the need for electronics, relying instead on a cleverly designed gimmick that allows the magician to know the selected color without any external devices. The pens are fully examinable, and the method is undetectable under normal conditions. The routine can be adapted for multiple phases, including chair tests, drawing duplications, and free-will plots.

The trick includes:

• Custom Sharpie pens (replaceable when they run out).
• Multiple routines taught by Simon Lipkin, including color matches and mentalism-based predictions.
• No reset required, making it ideal for walk-around or table-hopping performances.

Who Should Consider the Trick

Tricolor is ideal for:

• Mentalists who want a clean, impromptu method for color-based predictions.
• Close-up magicians looking for a versatile utility tool that integrates into existing routines.
• Performers who dislike electronics and prefer self-contained, examinable props.

Difficulty

Tricolor is rated as easy to perform. The method requires no advanced sleight of hand, and the gimmick does all the heavy lifting. The challenge lies in presentation—selling the impossibility of the effect through engaging storytelling and audience interaction.

What Magicians Say

• Simon Lipkin (Creator): "It's a utility product that allows you to create whatever you can imagine. The pens are fully examinable, and the method is never going to let you down."
• Alex Kirk (MonsterMagicShop): "A no-electronics take on color matching that’s ultra-clean. The pens are so versatile, and the routines are bold and direct."
• AlakazamMagicUK: "Simon’s thinking is brilliant—this is more than just a color match. It’s a modular tool for mentalism that fits naturally into real-world performances."

Tricolor is praised for its practicality, versatility, and the strong reactions it generates. Whether used as a standalone effect or integrated into a larger routine, it’s a powerful addition to any performer’s toolkit.