Lecture Notes, ‘Mindvention’, 2018

Available for instant digital download. Approximately 56 pages.

These Lecture Notes were created for my lecture and performance at ‘Mindvention’ in Las Vegas, 2018.

Please review the Contents list carefully, as some items have been published previously.

Mind Sniffing

This is one of my favorite openers! It features a visual focus, an engaging and humorous premise, and a surprising twist that leads to a satisfying mystery. This routine engages the entire audience while they remain seated, as they only need to think of a number. No writing or pre-show is required, yet you will always be correct!

Card Warp Script

A fresh script for a magical classic!

Card Warp is a well-known close-up effect involving two cards. I won’t disclose the effect or method, as they are not mine to share. Here, I provide my script and presentation.

This is the close-up magic/mentalism piece I perform most frequently, always ready to go. When I showcased it at Mindvention, I received one of the loudest and most prolonged applause ever. It exemplifies the ‘magic as metaphor’ theme, transforming ‘a card trick’ into something much deeper.

If you’re pursuing corporate gigs, mastering this routine is essential. For those seeking to add more meaning to their magic and connect with audiences on a profound level, this presentation and script are invaluable. I have never published this before, except in a set of Lecture Notes for a private lecture earlier this year, which I have not sold separately.

Note: You must know the basic Card Warp effect to use this script. I do not teach the trick in the Lecture Notes.

The Lying Game

This is my favorite mentalism piece, suitable for close-up, cabaret, or stage!

Using four blank cards, a spectator writes a meaningful name on one and an ‘X’ on the others. After shuffling, they give you one card face down. You hold it up for them to see, but you never see the face yourself.

You don’t need to see the card to succeed. By analyzing their vocal patterns and responses, you can determine if they are lying. You will be correct every time, simply by reading their facial expressions and pulse. You can even give the cards away as souvenirs at the end. I provide both a stage presentation and a close-up variation themed around astrology.

The Mind Maze

Experience five minutes of pure fascination and entertainment!

This is not a traditional magic or mentalism trick but a portable item that allows you to present an intriguing five-minute experience centered on perception and mystery, featuring several surprises.

I guarantee that anyone you show this to will be captivated. It positions you as an expert in psychology and perception, exploring the differences between what we see, what we believe, and what is real.

You begin by showing the spectator something for five seconds, then ask them what they saw. They will confidently describe their perception, only to discover they were mistaken about several aspects. This item is best for one-on-one interactions, although it can be adapted for small groups. It’s ideal for informal settings where you want to showcase your skills without performing a traditional trick.

Timon Krause calls it, “A brilliant item!” This item sold out at Mindvention. I can supply the necessary ‘prop’ at cost to those who purchase these Lecture Notes.

This item was previously published in a set of Notes for the Blackpool convention.

Figaro Switch Mindreading

Learn one of the most straightforward mindreading techniques!

All you need are two cards—one for you and one for the spectator. Each writes down a piece of information, such as a favorite country or movie. The spectator attempts to read your mind with only partial success, giving them a taste of mindreading. You can achieve 100% accuracy or as close as you wish! No additional props are needed. If you have two blank cards and pens, you are ready to go. You can even use borrowed business cards. You can give the cards away as souvenirs, as they are not gaffed.

I have never published this before, except in a set of Lecture Notes for a private lecture earlier this year, which I have not sold separately.

Range Finder

A highly convincing presentation technique that you will love!

This routine involves a spectator freely choosing a card (no force), while you secretly deduce which card they selected through a series of stages: color, suit, and value. It is 100% convincing and appears to be a genuine feat of psychological insight. Spectators will believe they are witnessing a skilled demonstration of psychological deduction.

I have never published this before, except in a set of Lecture Notes for a private lecture earlier this year, which I have not sold separately.

Twin Think

This is my favorite card trick, and it’s definitely worth knowing.

Why?

It’s a simple, direct, and baffling exploration of mental rapport. One spectator chooses a card (free choice, no force), while another manages to locate the twin of that card without knowing what it is! (For example, if the first spectator selects the five of hearts, the second finds the five of diamonds without any clue.)

The spectators can be any two people with a connection. It works with any deck, even a borrowed one. No setup or preparation is required!

This routine is perfect for close-up, cabaret, or stage performances, whether your style is humorous or serious. No table is needed. Everything happens in the hands of the spectators, making it highly visible and suitable for any venue.

Venus Mind Trap

A clever mindreading effect for close-up or stage that you will adore! One piece of personal information (e.g., a star sign) is written on a business card, verified by another spectator (no stooge). The audience attempts to read the spectator’s mind, and you demonstrate your ability to achieve 100% accuracy (or as close as you wish) without writing anything down. Just focus on the spectator and reveal exactly what they are thinking!

The method is clever, subtle, and well-protected by the presentational structure, making it versatile for various contexts. You will engage the audience with participation, culminating in a satisfying mystery and a strong demonstration of your mindreading abilities!

I Chant Now

If you enjoy comedy, this routine is for you!

This engaging cabaret or stage routine features a humorous twist revelation at the end!

The theme revolves around famous movies. A spectator randomly selects a movie title and concentrates on it while you attempt to read their mind.

You explain that you’ve been practicing mindreading and have developed special chanting rituals to enhance your abilities. You showcase your quirky ‘psychic’ chanting technique, which can be as amusing or absurd as you like! Ultimately, your guess about the spectator’s movie is hilariously incorrect, making it seem like a comedic failure.

However, a surprise awaits! You reveal that you do know exactly which movie the spectator is thinking of, in a wonderfully unexpected way that will astonish the audience!

This routine requires one simple prop that anyone can create at minimal cost. It’s perfect for parties, cabaret, stage performances, weddings, and more, providing lots of fun with little effort.

Previously published in one of my magazine articles.

Parity Party

This is not a trick but a captivating close-up demonstration of a fascinating principle that will intrigue any audience!

The theme is ‘order from chaos’, but with a twist that amplifies the impossibility. You show that there is a fascinating balance and harmony between the two dealt piles. Despite the spectator’s attempts to ensure randomness, the same balance is preserved!

There are no false moves; you can remain completely ‘hands off’ while the spectator does everything, yet it still works! The more phases you go through, the more inexplicable it becomes!

This beautifully beguiling ‘miracle’ captivates everyone who witnesses it, becoming quite hypnotic and perhaps even intellectually frustrating. How can a clearly random process consistently yield ordered results? You will want to share this special experience that leaves audiences fascinated and baffled!

Previously published in one of my magazine articles.

Four Essays

Included in these Lecture Notes are four essays:

The Joy Of Meaning (discussing the importance of meaning in magic and the concept of ‘magic as metaphor’).

The Joy Of Scripts (exploring the significance of scripting every performance).

Theory Lectures (my perspective on the value of ‘theory’ lectures).

The Joy Of PACE (thoughts on PACE individuals [Performers, Artists, Creative, and Entrepreneurs] and the importance of our work).