Precognition

by Wyatt Pursley
(Navarre, Florida, USA)

THE EFFECT: This is a great trick as performed by David Blaine on his T.V show. The magician writes a prediction on a note pad but does not allow the spectator to see what he has written.


The magician then announces that he has read the spectators mind and already knows what the spectator is going to answer for the question they are about to be asked.


The spectator is then asked to think of a three digit number or a simple shape such as a triangle, square, hexagon etc and announce this out loud. The note pad is then shown to reveal the spectators exact prediction!


THE SECRET: You need to make a small gimmick known as a Swami Gimmick or Nail Writer. You can make this gimmick by taping a small piece of broken pencil lead to your thumb. Use clear adhesive tape so that the spectator will not see it. You can also try wedging the lead into the finger nail of your thumb.


When you initially pretend to read the spectators mind actually write down nothing on the pad (only appear to be writing down something). When you have done this hold the pad up to your chest so that the top sheet is not visible to the spectator. Hold it with your fingers at the side of the pad but allow your thumb to be hidden in front of the pad.


When your spectators says their chosen number or shape, secretly write it on the paper with your thumb (while looking directly into the spectators eyes to provide the misdirection) and then show them your prediction is correct.


TIP: Look as if you are really concentrating and that the trick requires real mental effort on your part. This will reinforce the illusion that you really can read minds.


TIP: Your hand writing may be quite wobbly as you are writing with your thumb. Do not worry too much as it adds to the psychic nature of the effect.


TIP: As you are secretly writing the prediction do not look at the pad this will draw unwanted attention to it!