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Hi all,

This isn't a book review (I'll add one when I've finished reading it). I have a couple of questions relating to the tricks.

I've borrowed Karl Fulves Self Working Mental Magic and after having read through about half way, some of the tricks seem a little, how can I put it? Not very good?

It might just be me but some of them don't sound like they would be very effective. It's more than likely that I feel that people would see through them and being inexperienced this is probably why I think this?

The only trick I've spotted so far that looks the business is "The Blind folded Deck" and I could see this one being a bit of a corker but most of the other tricks......I'm not too sure. The first trick "Money Sense" for instance says it will work most of the time (I've only done it twice and it's 50/50 anyway) and trick seven "Mind Power" sounds a little odd.

Has anyone used any of the other tricks in the book? Did they get the reaction you were hoping?

If so which ones do you think are worth checking out?

Am I thinking and rambling complete rubbish? It's been puzzling me for the last few days and would like to know what you all think!

Thanks
Adam

Sorry if this needs to go elsewhere (e.g books section) I wasn't 100% sure where to post my question?

The book provides a fantastic bridge between magic and mentalism for the beginner.

Agreed, it's not for the experienced (hence the title—self working 'mental magic'), but there's something in there for you to get a bit of output from.

Don't throw it away just yet...

Many of the effects need adapting by the more experienced, and can be little gems.

For the 'un-initiated', the book could be a great introduction to mental magic.

Some of the effects are definitely not "self-working" - I couldn't get "Impossible ESP" to work at all. The "Blindfolded Deck" is excellent and I have also successfully used "Telltale Slate". The book test section is very good too. "Super Psychometry" at the end is something I'd like to try, but it needs a large audience.

All of Karl Fulves books contain some mentalism. I particularly recommend "Easy Magic" (ridiculously cheap) and "SW Paper Magic" - these have rather better and more original effects IMHO.

Barry

Siege - Don't get me wrong it seems a perfect introduction I think I'm having trouble getting it...I wouldn't throw it away anyways it's not mine

magicofthemind wrote:Some of the effects are definitely not "self-working" - I couldn't get "Impossible ESP" to work at all. The "Blindfolded Deck" is excellent and I have also successfully used "Telltale Slate". The book test section is very good too. "Super Psychometry" at the end is something I'd like to try, but it needs a large audience.

All of Karl Fulves books contain some mentalism. I particularly recommend "Easy Magic" (ridiculously cheap) and "SW Paper Magic" - these have rather better and more original effects IMHO.

Barry

Barry I'll take a look at the above and see what I think.

I got this a couple of weeks ago. There are definitely things I'll never use (confederate stuff), and a few downright useless effects, but it only cost £6 and I feel there's enough good ideas and effects in there that I'll get my money's worth.

My favorite so far has been Katch Koin. When you read it you think it sounds stupid, but it amazed the person I did it to. They usually have some theory on how I accomplish stuff, but the method is so simple I guess most people wouldn't even think of it. Unfortunately you can only do it to a one person audience, but at the right time and place it could be great.

Hmmm The gem of this book is the first trick that you can tell a spec what hand a coin is in. Good bit of body langaue reading that I use it quite a bit. Actually I have an idea

Do this a few time on the spec then perform Spelmanns Fist full of dollars from the unexpected dvd.

I have read the book and found it useful for taking ideas and turning them into my own material, which I think is very important with Mentalism. As has been said above, it makes a good starter for someone moving into mentalism, but don't just read it word for word and try the routines as they are written, take the ideas - make them your own - discard the ones that don't work for you.