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Zven Cards by La Servente

Created by: La Servente

The Zven Cards are a unique mentalism tool that applies the Ven principle to individual cards, allowing for a seemingly free choice from a limited set of options. A spectator freely mixes and selects a card from a 'bucket list' of items (e.g., 'ride an elephant,' 'go to space'). The performer, knowing the selected item due to the underlying principle, reveals it. This is ideal for close-up, parlour, or stage mentalism performances. The cards are self-working, requiring minimal sleight of hand, and come in Mini (close-up) and Pro (stage) versions.

Key features

  • Self-working with minimal sleight of hand

  • Available in Mini (close-up) and Pro (stage) versions

  • 360-degree angle-friendly

  • Durable and well-produced

  • Requires crafting a compelling routine for maximum impact

Pros

  • Versatile for various mentalism routines

  • Fairly priced and durable

  • Spectator can freely mix and handle the cards

  • Clean and fair method compared to traditional Ven pads

Cons

  • Included tutorial is basic and lacks routine ideas

  • Yields a single predetermined result unless multiple pads are used

Effect

The Zven Cards create a powerful mentalism effect where a spectator freely mixes a set of cards, each displaying a different item (such as bucket list goals). After the spectator selects one, the performer reveals the chosen item with apparent mind-reading ability. The process appears completely fair, as the spectator can shuffle and examine the cards before making their choice.

Full Details

The Zven Cards apply the Ven principle—a method for guiding a spectator’s choice—to individual cards rather than a traditional notebook. This makes the selection process feel more interactive and fair. The cards are thick and well-produced, preventing any accidental reveals. The effect is self-working, requiring minimal sleight of hand, but performers must develop a strong routine to justify the prop’s use.

Two versions are available:

  • Mini Size: Ideal for close-up and walk-around performances.
  • Pro Size: Larger, better suited for stage shows.

The included tutorial is brief, focusing on mechanics rather than performance ideas, so creativity is required to integrate the cards into a routine.

Who Should Consider the Trick

The Zven Cards are best suited for mentalists and magicians who want a clean, interactive forcing tool. They work well in close-up, parlor, and stage settings. Performers who enjoy crafting their own presentations will appreciate the flexibility, while those who prefer fully scripted routines may find the lack of detailed instructions a drawback.

Difficulty

The Zven Cards are easy to use mechanically, with no complex sleights required. The challenge lies in constructing a compelling routine. Performers must develop a premise that justifies the cards’ presence and makes the revelation meaningful.

What Magicians Say

Sebastian from sebastiantoca9208 highly recommends the Zven Cards, calling them a "must-have utility" and rating them 10/10. He praises their fairness, durability, and versatility, noting that they feel cleaner than traditional Ven pads because spectators can freely mix the cards. However, he mentions that the tutorial is basic and that the effect always yields the same result unless multiple sets are used.

In his words:

"If you're a mentalist, I think these are a must-buy... I think they are possibly even better than the Ven pads because of the nature of it."

The Zven Cards are a strong addition to any mentalist’s toolkit, offering a fresh take on a classic principle.

What people are saying about Zven Cards

sebastiantoca9208 says...

The Zven Cards are a must-have utility for mentalists. They offer a cleaner and fairer method compared to traditional Ven pads, and the spectator can freely mix the cards, making it incredibly versatile.

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