This is pretty unusual to be me, but here's a trick, usings props only, self-working, but with a potential huge ammount of mental magic into it.
The effect
You display 5 colored rods and a small metal tube with a lid. The metal tube is held in the left hand. Turning your body and head away from the tube you request that a spectator select one of the colored sticks and place it in the tube. They are then asked to place the lid on the tube. They are also asked to HIDE the remaining sticks in a pocket or purse, etc. You turn back around. Concentrate for a moment and then HAND THE TUBE TO THE SPECTATOR TO HOLD. You stare at them and concentrate. Suddenly you tell them that the color they selected was ….. Well, whatever the color was that they selected!!!
My thoughts
This is just amazing. It fooled me, not only once, but twice, three times, yes, it just fooled all over again, until I got to know the secret of course. This trick is just amazing. You can add a huge and interesting mental side to this trick, and it resets autmatically, giving you the chance to repeat it, if you want to. It's like impossible to get the idea, as the props can be handed out for inspection at any time. All you need is to learn are some very basic sleights, and you are there.
Now, I am not a prop-magician, but, considering the ease of use and the strength of this trick, it will be in my pocket from now on !
Recommended !
More info and video can be found here