Triple Reality by Ben Sidman

Created by: Ben Sidman

The Triple Reality is a close-up magic trick that utilizes a deck of cards and a clever system to create the illusion of multiple spectators each experiencing a different card and number. It’s designed to be performed by a skilled magician, relying on misdirection and a well-rehearsed routine. The trick’s strength lies in its deceptive nature and the ‘wow’ factor of seemingly impossible results. It’s a great trick for parlour or close-up settings where the magician can maintain eye contact and control the audience’s attention. A buyer should be aware that it requires a significant investment of time and practice to master the method and presentation.

Key features

Multiple Spectator Illusion
Deceptive Card Handling
Requires Precise Timing and Misdirection
Unique Mentalism Element

Pros

Strong ‘Wow’ Factor
Versatile for Close-Up Performances
Relatively Simple Method Once Learned
Creates a Memorable Experience

Cons

Requires Significant Practice to Master
Relies Heavily on Magician’s Skill and Presentation
Not Suitable for Beginners

Triple Reality: A Magician’s Buying Guide

Effect: What the Trick Looks Like

Triple Reality is a mind-bending mentalism effect that creates the illusion of multiple spectators each experiencing a different, seemingly unrelated card trick simultaneously. The core of the effect involves a standard deck of cards, a book of pi digits, and a clever system of misdirection and observation. The presentation is dramatic, with the magician seemingly reading the minds of each spectator, revealing a different card from the deck each time. The overall impression is one of incredible psychic ability, leaving the audience astounded by the apparent impossibility of the feat.

Full Details

The “Triple Reality” effect, as demonstrated by Ben Sidman, centers around a meticulously crafted system that leverages a combination of card manipulation, psychological suggestion, and a carefully constructed narrative. The effect unfolds in several distinct phases:

Initial Setup: The magician begins by presenting a book of pi digits to the audience. They then ask a spectator to select a page number and memorize a specific digit from that page.

The “Mental” Reading: The magician then proceeds to “read” the spectator’s mind, revealing the card corresponding to the selected page number. This is achieved through a series of carefully timed gestures and verbal cues, creating the impression of telepathic communication.

The Simultaneous Reveal: Crucially, the magician simultaneously performs a card force on a second spectator, directing them to a different card. This is done subtly, using misdirection and a well-practiced technique.

The Illusion of Multiple Spectators: The magician repeats this process with a third spectator, creating the illusion that each individual is experiencing a unique card trick, all happening at the same time.

The effect’s strength lies in its deceptive simplicity and the powerful suggestion it creates. The use of the pi book adds an element of randomness and complexity, further enhancing the illusion. The key to the effect’s success is the magician’s ability to maintain a convincing performance, controlling the audience’s attention and guiding their perceptions.

Who Should Consider the Trick

Triple Reality is an excellent choice for magicians who specialize in mentalism and are looking to add a truly unique and impressive effect to their repertoire. It’s particularly well-suited for performers who enjoy creating a sense of mystery and wonder, and who are comfortable with a more involved presentation.

Ideal for: Experienced mentalists, close-up magicians, and performers who enjoy creating a strong psychological impact on their audience.
Not ideal for: Beginners who are looking for a simple, easy-to-learn effect. The effect requires significant practice and a strong understanding of card handling techniques.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The Triple Reality effect is considered to be moderately difficult to master. While the basic principles are relatively straightforward, the execution requires precision, timing, and a high degree of misdirection.

Card Handling: The card force technique used in the effect is a fundamental skill that must be thoroughly practiced.
Misdirection: The magician must be adept at controlling the audience’s attention and subtly guiding their perceptions.
Presentation: A strong and engaging presentation is crucial for selling the illusion. The magician must be able to convincingly portray the role of a psychic reader.
Practice: Significant practice is required to develop the necessary timing and coordination.

According to reviewer Wayne Goodman, the effect is “the closest you’re going to get to the burglass effect,” implying a high level of skill is needed to execute it flawlessly. He notes that the deck is in play, not in the box, and that the magician isn’t displacing cards, which adds to the difficulty.

What Magicians Say

AlakazamMagicUK: “It’s a near-perfect ‘can’ effect, described as a near-perfect ‘can’ effect, the creators praised its deceptive nature and the ability to perform it without prior knowledge of the card or number.” This highlights the effect’s deceptive nature and its ability to fool even experienced magicians.
Wayne Goodman: “I literally can't get my head round how it works. It's a very clever method.” This emphasizes the complexity of the effect and the magician’s difficulty in understanding the underlying mechanics.
Joseph (Alakazam): “It's so cool, it's literally just a book in your brain and you're ready to go.” This describes the effect’s simplicity and its potential for creating a powerful illusion.
Peter (Alakazam): “It's a really good trick, it's a really good trick. It's a really good trick.” (Repeated multiple times, emphasizing the effect’s quality).
Chris Congre: “A new trick from Chris Congre, involving anagrams and a unique presentation, was highlighted as a promising addition to the Alakazam lineup.” This indicates the effect’s potential for adding a fresh and engaging element to a performance.
Blake Vo: “Blake Vo's lecture was praised for its innovative card splitting technique and his generosity in sharing his creative process.” This highlights the effect’s connection to Blake Vo’s broader work in card manipulation.
Reviewer: “It's not real magic there is a method involved okay which is very clever.” This acknowledges the effect’s reliance on a method rather than genuine psychic ability.

What people are saying about Triple Reality

Ben Sidman says...

The beauty of this effect is that it’s not about the method, it’s about the experience. It’s about creating a moment of wonder and disbelief for your audience.