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A little tip about Kioku for those who struggle to read the cards. Just make sure you know what order they're in, and keep close track of them as they're being handled. "Mix" them around a bit, but don't do anything that might give the spectator the idea of shuffling them.

I can barely read the things even in my own hands, but the "just keep track of them" technique has worked for me.

And as Flood says, pick somebody who seems on the ball, able to understand and follow instructions.

I have the first three wallet cards by Paul Carnazzo, and have to say my favourite is Animania. Looking forward to adding Lexicology to the collection some time.

Alain Nu's "zodiattack" is quite lovely. In my humble opinion it's better than "dream sign" because you don't use letters, but imagery.
And you don't have to carry a thing, which is lovely, of course.

Thanks for the advice. I've been finding out some similar issues with Kioku, though when it does go over, it goes over well.

In addition to some of the 'off-the-peg' effects I've also started experimenting with business cards and billets using Corinda and Annemann as sources. I still like the variety of mixing the readymade effects and those 'purer' mentalism techniques. But I have to say some of the billet tricks are truly wonderful and whereas some may suspect the readymades (whether their suspicions are correct or not) the innocence of a small pad of paper is pretty powerful.

BTW, I've posted two other related threads on Great Minds ... from Corinda (http://www.talkmagic.co.uk/ftopic39205.php) and an open mic spot (http://www.talkmagic.co.uk/ftopic39211.php) I have coming up. I'd be massively grateful if people would have a look at those too.

Thanks!

Caligari wrote:Thanks for the advice. I've been finding out some similar issues with Kioku, though when it does go over, it goes over well.

I have kioku, but haven't really used it in a while. More recently I've got the teller, which uses a similar theme and more obvious markings. Prefer the theme too, although still not as nice as just giving a tarot reading.

I just realised that 'Horrors' in Annemann's prractical mental magic works on the same principle as Kioku.Kioku has more of a presentational and personal hook though

A Q5 pocket index as being mentioned. "Think of a card, its the card I placed in my pocket". Use a bit of equi**** if you don't wanna carry 2 indexes.

As I noted in some other thread, Juxtapose - Paul Brook.

I can read minds actually. I just happen to use a billet for them not to make me look stupid. ( I just don't wanna hear the old lovely phrase " A tear/ peek is not a routine !!!!! " ). So yea, I plug thoughts from my spectators.

If it wasn't for my continuous NW dilemma, I would have mentioned some other effects...

Change of mind - Richard Osterlind. With proper thought of what you can do with it, it might be a real killer.

Which hand effect.

Bob cassidy has a neat Living/ Dead test in one of his books. It uses something that also fits in the pocket. Also his Name/Place routine if you are skilled with billet work )

Serial Divination. ( Colin Mcleod )


Finally, here's a funny routine. First, I take out my 52 on 1 card, and I make a bet on them naming a card and its the card on the table. It turns into a joke ( sometimes a bad joke with the unsettled ones ). From there, do deckiuvoque with their eyes closed and their hand on the card. You wanna see the look of wonder on their faces when they turn the card over.

Edit: Deckuivoque always seems to FRY people. I had blast today performing it. They pick a card and no one sees it, and then they go through the mental process. I urge you to study the effect very well and try it out. It gets unbelievable reactions. ( no like seriously, you won't believe how they react. I can't help but laugh at the way they react ).

As well as business cards my Heirloom wallet contains:
Zoltar
Sanctum 2
Sleuth
Between The Lines
And also a red backed card with the work "carrot" printed on it.

There's also Skinner's Three Card Monte in there (don't ask).