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I think this is a tip, but also a question so I guess it belongs here!
For anyone who has seen Devil's Picturebook, you will probably have been as impressed as me with Derren's 'Extreme Mental Effort' effect. The simplicity in its explanation is beautiful!
However, is it just me, or would the trick be better if performed with a Svengali Deck? That way you could 'show' the deck as normal before you perform. Maybe I'm being really stupid and missing the point, but I imagine this would make it even more believable.
Anywho, thats my two cents worth......

Not sure that it is totally necessary, if you have used a deck already there is no reason to arouse any suspicion by showing the cards, did you suspect anything when you watched it the first time? Also, it would preclude telling the spec exactly what to do beforehand. Unless you can count every two cards they put down you would have to stop them and check which card should be turned over rather than just letting them push forward the card they stopped on.

nickj wrote:Not sure that it is totally necessary, if you have used a deck already there is no reason to arouse any suspicion by showing the cards, did you suspect anything when you watched it the first time? Also, it would preclude telling the spec exactly what to do beforehand. Unless you can count every two cards they put down you would have to stop them and check which card should be turned over rather than just letting them push forward the card they stopped on.

I would fell less comfitable with them handling a Svengali Deck than Derrens solution, at least Derrens solution uses all *normal cards. I was well shocked at the solution to this effect... just didnt expect it

Not having watched this for a while (maybe I should soon) and having the memory of a dead worm when it comes to trick names.. I take it that "Extreme Mental Effort" is the one where he stops the spec and makes his prediction.

If it is then this really is a fantastic effect. I love doing this one as I can really concentrate on the performance and the power of the effect.

Even starting with this trick I have never ever had anyone even come close to realising how it's done.

Truely Magical.

nickj wrote:Not sure that it is totally necessary, if you have used a deck already there is no reason to arouse any suspicion by showing the cards, did you suspect anything when you watched it the first time? Also, it would preclude telling the spec exactly what to do beforehand. Unless you can count every two cards they put down you would have to stop them and check which card should be turned over rather than just letting them push forward the card they stopped on.

No, I didnt suspect it at all! But it just seemed like a little convincer to start the trick, just in case they reach for the deck at the last minute to check it. (i know my mates are the sort that would do that)! However, if they have been shown to be a 'normal' deck of cards then there would be no need.
Also regarding the deck, as long as the deck is cut, and a short card is on top, you can tap two fingers on the table - one for long and one for short and stop when the correct finger is down. (which is simpler than his original method of timing his patter to the number of cards being placed down!)
Thanks for the replies, I just thought Id post my idea - which rather sadly 'came to me in a dream'!!! I think I spend too much time with cards! Ive started dreaming up new ideas....

what is the effect? and where can I get Devil's Picturebook?

Mahoney wrote:what is the effect? and where can I get Devil's Picturebook?

www.derrenbrown.co.uk

Extreme Mental Effort
The deck is shuffled and the spectator is asked to look at a card and replace it into the deck and cut the cards. A second spectator is asked to take the cards and deal them one at time face down onto the table. The performer then names the selected card based on the reaction of the spectator to what he says to them. The performer also tells the 2nd spectator to stop at the exact time that the selected card is dealt to the table.

Thanks

I won't give my solution, but from the sound of the trick and what has been said so far, i have a fair idea how it could be done. is there anyone i can PM to check if I'm along the right lines?

Hey everyone!

I think it would be amazing doing the trick using a svengali deck.
You could show the spectator that all the cards were different and in my opinion you needn't to keep track of the cards that are being dealt because you can just look to the cards and see which one is one millimeter smaller. Easy!

That's a really good upgrade for the trick from my point of view.

Or you could just switch in a "normal" deck

I think this is one of the strongest effects on the DVD and it is great watching the delight on Derren's face as he explains how it is achieved along with the astonishment of Peter.

I don't think there is any need for a Sven though, as Lawrence suggests, if you are moving from a different effect into EME you can deck switch as you are pattering.