A Thought Well Stolen by Ben Harris

A Thought Well Stolen merges two iconic card effects: Any Card At Any Number and Paul Curry’s Out Of This World, creating a stunning hybrid that astonishes audiences. Imagine the impact of this unique combination!

In this effect, the performer reveals a freely chosen card and its position in the deck without asking any questions. This is pure mentalism at its finest—no forces involved, just a genuine mental selection. After discerning the spectator’s card and its location, the performer showcases a visual spectacle reminiscent of the striking color separations in Out Of This World. Your audience will be left amazed by:

• Your incredible mind-reading abilities.
• Your exceptional card handling skills.

This powerful combination is perfect for closing any performance, whether it’s an intimate gathering, a party, on television, or in front of a large theater audience. Renowned U.K. card magician Michael Vincent includes A Thought Well Stolen in his “Champions Of Magic” show at the Jersey Opera House, highlighting its strength. Michael states, “As someone who has built a reputation on hardcore sleight of hand, I am always ready to welcome an effect into my program at the opposite end of the technical spectrum. A Thought Well Stolen is that sort of effect; it fits perfectly into my modus operandi of mixing up my methods – an effect like this can steal your show.”

In the book’s introduction, Ben Harris articulates his goal: “For decades, I have sought a perfectly executed illusion of mind-reading with a deck of cards. As a close-up performer who loves cards and mentalism, this effect allows the performer to identify a freely thought-of card without any questions or verbal prompts. Achieving this creates a profound impact on the spectator and resonates throughout the entire audience, regardless of size.”

A Thought Well Stolen is designed with clarity in mind: it identifies any freely thought-of card without questions, probing, dual reality, or ambiguity. The selection process is as fair as it gets:

“Do you have a favorite playing card?” the performer asks.

This straightforward approach is unparalleled. The author thoroughly explores the effects in an accessible manner, making it easy for beginners to master A Thought Well Stolen with just basic card skills. Advanced techniques are discussed in the appendices, but if you can perform a simple False Cut or False Shuffle, you’re ready to amaze audiences of any size.

This effect requires no gaffs or gimmicks—just standard playing cards. The book spans 40 pages of detailed instructions covering a series of almost self-working procedures that yield remarkable results.

Endorsements:

“…an effect like this can steal your show.” – Michael Vincent

“This is simple, direct, and strong! I love it.” – Luca Volpe

“I’ve always been a fan of Ben’s work, and this is another great routine from one of my favorite creators in this art.” – Rus Andrews

“Self-working routines rarely pack as much punch as this. The way you describe it is so captivating!” – Andi Gladwin (Vanishing Inc.)

“I think you might just have created the Holy Grail of Card Magic! As a magician, this is the perfect routine to showcase card skills without needing any, and for mentalists, it’s ideal since no skilled work is required. Perfect for both worlds.” – Paul Romhany, Editor (VANISH Magazine)

“A Thought Well Stolen is by far the easiest—and most elegant—giving the audience the impression the performer possesses high-level skills and mind-reading powers.” – Jason Messina

“The thoughtfulness behind A Thought Well Stolen cleverly reveals what is unknown about what is supposedly known, emphasizing what spectators will ultimately find important, memorable, and impressive. In short, this treatise not only provides a fantastic presentation piece but also encourages you to rethink what is possible.”