Wiki Test by Marc Kerstein

Effect

Wiki Test is a powerful mentalism effect where the magician appears to read a spectator's mind with uncanny accuracy. The spectator uses their own phone to search for anything on Wikipedia—a person, place, or thing. They can even change their mind before finalizing the search. Then, they scroll through the page and think of any word. The magician reveals not only the word they were thinking of but also the exact topic they searched for—even if they initially considered something else before changing their mind.

Full Details

Wiki Test is a modern take on the classic book test, but with a crucial difference: it happens entirely on the spectator’s phone, eliminating any suspicion of prearranged information. The method is highly deceptive, with no suspicious actions or forced choices. The spectator genuinely searches for anything they want, and the magician receives the information in real time.

The effect is versatile—it can be performed live, over Zoom, or even in casual settings like cafés. It requires minimal setup and no pre-show work, making it an ideal impromptu piece. The routine includes multiple phases, allowing the magician to build up to a stronger revelation, such as revealing both the search term and the word the spectator was thinking of.

Who Should Consider the Trick

Wiki Test is ideal for:

• Mentalists looking for a clean, modern book test.
• Close-up performers who want a powerful, phone-based effect.
• Magicians who perform digitally (e.g., over Zoom or social media).
• Anyone who wants a self-working, high-impact mentalism routine.

Since it relies on a spectator’s phone, it’s best suited for performers comfortable with technology-based magic. However, the method is not app-dependent—it works naturally within the spectator’s own browsing experience.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The method itself is straightforward, but the performance requires strong scripting and audience management. As reviewer RealMagicReview notes:

"You don’t need loads of rehearsal, but you do need to think about your performance. If stuff goes wrong, you still get something amazing, but scripting and emphasis matter."

The trick is not technically demanding, but it benefits from smooth presentation. The more natural the magician makes the process seem, the stronger the effect.

What Magicians Say

• RealMagicReview calls it "a miracle" and "the best mind-reading effect you can do." He emphasizes its versatility, saying it pairs well with other mentalism apps like The Stranger.
• ReidFerry describes it as "absolutely clean, killer mind-reading" and says it’s one of his all-time favorite effects. He notes that while it’s a premium-priced effect, it’s worth the investment for the reactions it generates.

Both reviewers highlight that the method is more impressive than the effect itself, making it a strong addition to any mentalist’s repertoire.

Final Thoughts

Wiki Test is a modern classic in mentalism—a self-working, impossibly clean book test that plays big in any setting. While it requires thoughtful presentation, the method is reliable and leaves no room for backtracking. If you're looking for a powerful closer that feels like real mind-reading, Wiki Test is a must-have.