Pocket Nightmare by Max Maven

For four decades, Max Maven’s “Pocket Nightmare” has been a cornerstone of his legendary reputation. Now, for the first time, this iconic effect is available to you.

“Pocket Nightmare is a dream effect, showcasing Max Maven’s exquisite construction and a flawless presentation for a stunning outcome.” – R. Paul Wilson

“Throughout our professional journeys, I’ve never encountered anything from Max that wasn’t exceptional. Pocket Nightmare, which has been around for about 40 years, combines clever presentation and secret techniques that never fail to impress. This routine is not only entertaining but also incredibly clean, featuring a jaw-dropping surprise ending! There are no complex moves involved; a card that a spectator glimpses vanishes from the deck and reappears in your pocket. And you perform the entire routine with just one hand!” – Richard Osterlind

“I’ve been eagerly anticipating Max’s release of this masterpiece since the mid-90s! It’s brilliantly crafted and will seamlessly integrate into my performances!” – Chris Korn

Max Maven is undeniably one of the most influential figures in mentalism, and this effect exemplifies his brilliance. Originally showcased at the 1985 FISM in Madrid, “Pocket Nightmare” has been widely imitated but never truly replicated. Now, you can access the complete instructions and gimmicks.

Here’s how it works: The performer announces that they will execute the effect using only one hand, ensuring the audience understands that sleight of hand is impossible. The other hand is placed in their pocket while a spectator peeks at a card from the deck. The magician then reveals the card the spectator is merely thinking of. When the spectator searches the deck for their card, they find it has completely vanished. The magician, having promised to perform with one hand, then reveals their other hand from the pocket, holding the vanished card.

Max Maven provides detailed instruction, including the rich history behind this effect. “Pocket Nightmare” is ready to perform straight out of the box, delivering a powerful impact on audiences, thanks to gimmicks that do all the work while remaining hidden in plain sight. This is truly remarkable magic from a legendary creator, and “Pocket Nightmare” is nothing short of a masterpiece.