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I want to perform a Larry Becker effect called 'Ultimate Matrix.' (A group of specs place their rings on a padlock and the lock can't be opened. Cards are then dealt out and all the numbers add up to the padlock code). Can be found with the ETMMM series.

There is a joke in that a spec (not really a confederate) is approached before the show, and asked to join in a joke on the audience. He is asked, after the rings are locked whether he remembers the code he set before the show. All he has to say is "I was supposed to remember the code???" The idea being that the code is now lost.

I'm not sure on the value of this but I wanted to actually make the 'stooge' feel that he actually DID choose the padlock code before the show. That way I can ask him to genuinely give me a random code but pretend he's forgotten it during the show. I can even ask him to write it down and place it in an envelope and keep hold of it. After the show he will therefore tell everyone that the code genuinely was random. I was thinking of using a pack of index card stock with sxxxt cards, all with random numbers on?

The 2 questions really are:

1) is it worth it? (I think it is because, with the right prompting, he will swear it was fairly generated)

2) What technique would you use? (I don't expect a reveal obviously, but give me an idea and point me towards a site/product)

Just so you know it is a four digit number I'll be using.

K

Why not set up a deck of cards in the correct sequence, false shuffle, false cut and riffle force? The order of the cards would provide the digits.

Relish wrote:Why not set up a deck of cards in the correct sequence, false shuffle, false cut and riffle force? The order of the cards would provide the digits.

Great idea!!! I think cards are probably the way forward!

K

Depending on what sort of padlock you are using, but with the number ones there is a good trick you can do. What I about to write may not be 100% but it is certainly nearly the method and if you cant find it by googling, I will certainly look it out for you. Basically have the code as 0-0-0-0 (usually default to unlock) then the method to reset the code is to press down on the metal u-bend and put in the new code ( which will open again ) this means you dont even have to force then can just come up with any old digits. I usedto use this on a padlock from halfords

I'm with Craigie, I'm not a huge fan of using cards to force a number esp if you're using cards during the show. Just have them choose any number fairly, use an imp pad to get this if you want them to keep it secret.

Can I suggest if you haven't already, a read of Mr Annemann's rather wonderful 202 Methods of Forcing. There are many number forces contained in those pages that you may well find fit your needs.

Thanks for your replies - all very sound advice. The reason for the initial number force is because cards are used in the show to do a number force that looks really random, and really fair, but is in fact, a number force similar to 1089. I like the idea of the initial one being random and got by way of imp device/peek etc, but that would leave me having to force the number in the show, which I suppose I could do with cards? Maybe using a David Stone's 'Tool' (ooh er) to ensure that the spec could freely shuffle the deck and take the top four cards?? Who knows. I just want the presentation to be sound and any attempt at reconstruction in the minds of the specs to be nigh on impossible!

K

Could you ua a matrix force using the cards during the show? That's about the only number force using cards that I use and can easily be setup to cover any number.

Lady of Mystery wrote:Could you ua a matrix force using the cards during the show? That's about the only number force using cards that I use and can easily be setup to cover any number.

That sounds ideal. Ill check it out!

K

I think you are wasting your time. I've seen Larry Becker perform the effect and really there is no need to prove what you are trying to prove. Done correctly it never becomes suspect so you are beating a dead horse.

That being said, and if you feel that it does indeed fit your style. Then I go along with the recomendation of 202 methods of forcing. And don't use cards to force a number. That in itself becomes suspect.

The number one problem I have with 'mentalists' is that they tend to overprove themselves and it gets really boring to watch.