Try Principle by Peter Turner

Effect

The Try Principle is a mentalism routine that creates the illusion of mind control. The performer demonstrates the ability to take away a person's basic skills. For example, the spectator may suddenly find themselves unable to lift a pen from their own hand or forget their own name when asked to say it. The effect gives the strong impression that the performer has removed the spectator's ability to perform simple actions.

Full details

The Try Principle is one of 10 routines included in Peter Turner's "How To Control Minds" kit. It serves as a foundation for many of the other routines in the collection. The principle involves creating the experience where spectators lose control over simple physical actions or mental processes they normally perform without thinking.

The routine requires no special props and can be performed with everyday objects like pens. The method relies on psychological techniques rather than sleight of hand or gimmicks. The full explanation is covered in detail within the instructional materials.

Who should consider the trick

This routine is ideal for performers interested in propless mentalism and pseudo-hypnosis effects. It works well for both close-up and parlor settings. Beginners can learn the routine relatively quickly, while more experienced performers can adapt it to their existing acts.

As reviewer fiddlinjonny notes, "If you are a beginner you watch this trust me you will be able to do some of these routines with relative ease and quickness." The effect is particularly strong for performers who want to establish themselves as having genuine mental influence abilities.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The Try Principle is considered beginner-friendly in terms of technical execution. No advanced sleight of hand or complex moves are required. However, the routine does depend on proper presentation and timing to create the desired psychological impact.

Fiddlinjonny confirms that "all [the material] is beginner level stuff" and that new performers can achieve good results with practice. The challenge lies more in developing the right performance style and confidence than in mastering difficult techniques.

What magicians say

Reviewers praise the Try Principle as a strong foundational routine. Fiddlinjonny describes it as "great" and notes it forms the core of many other routines in the collection. The effect consistently fools spectators while requiring no special props or setup.

The routine is part of a larger system that reviewers found valuable, though some questioned the overall price point. As fiddlinjonny observes, "you're going to walk away with routines that can really establish you as a really strong mentalist." The Try Principle specifically helps create the powerful illusion of genuine mind control.