Chess Gambit by Devin Knight and Al Mann

Prepare to astound your audience with an effect that seems utterly impossible yet is flawlessly executed. This captivating magical performance, drawn from Devin Knight’s stage show and inspired by a unique concept from Al Mann, stands out as one of the most intriguing illusions in modern magic.

Devin has refined and enhanced the original idea, transforming it into a stunning visual spectacle. Here’s how the effect unfolds:

Effect

The performer sets up a table with a chess set and informs the audience that a copy of the acclaimed book, “Chess Strategy,” was given to a spectator prior to the show. This spectator is instructed to discreetly take the book, circle a chess piece on any page, note the page number, and seal everything in a large yellow envelope.

Important: Once the book is handed to the audience member, the magician never touches it again! The spectator selects two volunteers from the audience to assist on stage and hands the book to one of them. This selection is made independently of the magician, ensuring no pre-arranged cues or assistance. This is a genuine one-man effect!

The first volunteer approaches the chessboard, ensuring the second volunteer and the audience cannot see their actions. They freely choose any chess piece and place it inside a paper bag, completely concealing it from view. The selection is entirely free; there are no forces involved, allowing the volunteer to choose from any of the 32 chess pieces!

Next, the second volunteer opens the envelope and retrieves the chess book, revealing a note that indicates the marked page. Upon turning to that page, they discover one chess piece circled in red, which is shown to the first volunteer for verification. (Remember, the performer has not touched the book at any point!)

The second volunteer checks the rest of the book to confirm that no other pages are marked, ensuring the audience is aware of the integrity of the effect. When asked to name the chosen piece, suppose they say, “The black bishop!”

The performer suggests it would be remarkable if the piece selected by the first volunteer is indeed the black bishop. When the first volunteer reveals the piece from the bag, it astonishingly matches the prediction!

This is a true one-man effect with no forces or secret touches involved. The performer skillfully guides the spectators from a distance, leaving them in awe of how such a feat is possible. This is the pinnacle of Two Minds, Single Thought effects, with no switches or sleights to confuse the audience.

You will receive everything necessary to perform this mind-blowing effect, including a stunning chess set suitable for stage use, a special carry bag for the chess pieces, a uniquely gimmicked 330-page “Chess Strategy” book, all required gimmicks, envelopes, paper bags, and comprehensive instructions with various handling options, along with complete performance rights.