Thought Wave Extreme by Gary Jones

Thought Wave Extreme, created by Gary Jones and Mark Bendell, is a standout in the world of mentalism. Gary Jones is renowned for crafting routines that resonate with both lay audiences and fellow magicians, and this effect is no different!

Effect:

The performance begins with you writing a prediction on a business card or Post-it note, which is then folded and placed prominently on the table. A spectator examines a small card featuring 52 unique symbols and freely thinks of one symbol without any prompting.

Next, you write a second prediction on another card, fold it, and display it openly. Remarkably, you’ve made two predictions without any input from the spectator. They draw their chosen symbol on the first folded card, while you hand them the second prediction. The spectator names the first card that comes to mind (with no forcing) and writes it down on your second prediction.

Now, you reveal a deck of cards that has been on the table throughout the routine. Each card features a unique image on its back. You retrieve the spectator’s named card and the card that matches their chosen symbol.

As the climax unfolds, the spectator opens the first prediction, revealing the 5 of clubs, which matches the card they drew! The second prediction is even more astonishing, as the spectator could have named any card. Upon opening it, they find a drawing of a clock, and when they turn over their chosen card, it also displays a clock on the back!

This routine is a true gem in the mentalism repertoire, delivering a powerful double impact. It requires no memory work, resets instantly, involves no switching of predictions, and is completely self-working.