GoodTricks

Before You Begin

These routines are examples of theatrical mentalism. They use structured methods, preparation and audience management to create a convincing mystery. Present them as entertainment rather than as proof of genuine supernatural powers.

Trick One: Mind Mimic

Mind Mimic uses the classic one-ahead principle. You apparently predict a spectator's answers one at a time, but you are secretly writing each answer after it has been revealed.

The Effect

A spectator answers a series of questions. After each answer is written and placed into one glass, the magician writes a prediction and places it into a second glass. At the end, the papers are paired and the magician's predictions appear to match the spectator's thoughts.

What You'll Need

• Two clear glasses, bowls or envelopes.
• Ten small slips of matching paper.
• Two pens or pencils.
• A prepared list of five simple questions.

How the One-Ahead Principle Works

You begin by secretly writing a likely answer to the final question. After the spectator reveals each earlier answer, you write that answer while pretending to predict the next one. This means your written predictions stay one step behind the spectator's spoken answers.

Step-by-Step Performance

1. Introduce the experiment. Explain that you will try to tune in to the spectator's answers before hearing them.
2. Write the first hidden slip. Before asking the first question, write your likely answer to the final question. Traditionally, performers use “carrot” for “Name a vegetable.”
3. Ask the first question. Have the spectator write the answer, fold the slip and place it into their glass.
4. Ask them to say the answer aloud. While reacting naturally, write that answer on your next slip and place it into your glass.
5. Continue one answer behind. Repeat the procedure for the remaining questions.
6. Finish strongly. After the final answer is revealed, do not write again. Instead, open the papers in the correct order and pair the matches.

Sample Questions

The final answer will not always be “carrot.” That is acceptable. The earlier matches still create a powerful sequence, and you can treat the final miss as an interesting exception rather than a failure.

Suggested Presentation

“Everyone thinks in a slightly different way, but certain ideas leave clues. I won't try to read every detail—just the strongest impression each time.”

Keep each prediction action brief. Avoid staring at your paper for too long, because the writing should appear to be a quick impression rather than a carefully considered guess.

Mind Mimic Performance Tips

Trick Two: The 1089 Book Prediction

This classic mathematical force transforms a freely chosen three-digit number into 1089. That result can direct a spectator to page 108 and the ninth word, name or entry in a prepared book.

The Effect

A spectator names a three-digit number and performs a short calculation. The final total is used to locate a word in a book. The magician reveals the word or shows that it was predicted in advance.

Important Number Rule

For example, 653 is suitable because 6 and 3 differ by three. A number such as 545 should not be used because the first and last digits are too close.

The 1089 Calculation

1. Choose a three-digit number whose first and last digits differ by at least two.
2. Reverse the digits.
3. Subtract the smaller number from the larger number.
4. If the answer has only two digits, place a zero at the beginning.
5. Reverse that result and add the two numbers together.

Prepare the Book

1. Choose a dictionary, reference book, printed directory or specially prepared booklet with at least 108 pages.
2. Open to page 108.
3. Select the ninth suitable word, line or entry on that page.
4. Memorize it or write it on a prediction card and seal it in an envelope.
5. Check the page layout before every performance. Different editions may have different page contents.

How to Perform the Book Test

1. Display the prediction. Place a sealed envelope in full view before the calculation begins.
2. Guide the number choice. Ask for a three-digit number whose first and last digits are clearly different.
3. Lead the calculation. Have the spectator reverse, subtract, reverse again and add.
4. Use the result. Treat 1089 as page 108, item 9.
5. Build the moment. Ask the spectator to concentrate on the selected word without saying it aloud.
6. Reveal the prediction. Name the word or let the spectator open the envelope.

Alternative Presentations

Common Mistakes

Practice Plan

1. Rehearse the Mind Mimic sequence until you never lose track of which answer you are writing.
2. Practise opening and pairing the slips in the correct order.
3. Test the 1089 procedure with at least ten suitable starting numbers.
4. Rehearse how you will correct a spectator who chooses an unsuitable number without making the restriction seem suspicious.
5. Perform both routines for a camera and watch for long pauses, unclear instructions or visible handling.

Frequently Asked Questions