Ben Harris & Steve Shufton – X-Ray

PDF

The Effect

My signature performance, HELLucinations, serves as the foundation of my professional work. Inspired by the legendary Dr. Elmer William Bishop, the show begins with captivating “card reading” and transitions into astonishing displays of supposed X-Ray Vision. One highlight includes revealing a spectator’s chosen card from a sealed iron box, along with its exact position in the deck. This effect is repeated under increasingly challenging conditions.

Presented with utmost seriousness, the show can last anywhere from thirty minutes to an hour and a half, leaving audiences convinced of my X-Ray Vision abilities—even with a full disclaimer. This is truly essential material for any performer.

Secretly, I’ve always desired a more casual demonstration of these abilities—something that could be executed with any deck of cards, anytime!

Enter THE XRAY DECK. Steve has brilliantly addressed this need, crafting a practical solution for the effect that can be performed anywhere. He meticulously outlines every detail of his innovative method.

The XRay Effect

The performer claims to possess a remarkable ability to see the unseen—akin to X-Ray vision. Without ever touching the box, he intensely focuses on the sealed deck and astonishingly names the card that has been turned upside down!

But the excitement doesn’t stop there. He concentrates on the box again and calls out a number, still without touching it. The spectator then removes the cards and deals them face up, counting each one. As the count approaches the announced number, tension builds, culminating in the revelation of the spectator’s chosen card at the exact position!

Features

• All cards can be examined—everything appears normal.
• Once in the spectator’s hands, the performer never touches the deck again.
• The deck consists of 52 unique cards—no duplicates.
• Any deck can be used, allowing for impromptu performances with borrowed decks.
• No stooges, confederates, peeks, electronics, or mirrors involved.
• No gaffs or gimmicks required.
• The deck and box are completely genuine, with no pre-prepared items.
• Suitable for one-on-one performances or larger groups.
• Offers a powerful impact—mentalism at its finest! Once you grasp Steve’s approach, you’ll be able to perform The X-Ray Deck anywhere.

Pages: 28 – Black and White – 8 1/2″ x 11″ – Saddle-Stitched

What Professionals Are Saying About THE XRAY DECK:

“X-RAY is one of the most fantastic effects I’ve encountered. I appreciate simple, easy-to-perform effects that rely on subtlety and mental acuity rather than sleight of hand. This is an effect that Al Koran would have been proud to create. I can’t wait to perform it, and I know it will become a magical classic.” – Martin Breese

“I absorbed every detail of the X-RAY routine and was amazed by the renowned names involved in its development. X-RAY is a powerful and entertaining effect. Watching Steve Shufton and Ben Harris craft this mental effect is as delightful as icing on a cake. Do I like it? Absolutely. Highly recommended.” – Larry Becker

“A wonderfully straightforward concept. This is incredibly powerful and seems utterly impossible.” – Marc Paul

“Great idea, great routine, and great thinking! Another winner!” – Greg Arce

“Waaa?!?! That is amazing!” – Jeremy Weiss

“X-RAY is an incredible effect that truly entertains the audience. I know that professional performers with dynamic personalities will love X-RAY. However, I believe it will be a miracle even when performed by average magicians for their friends.” – Steve Dusheck