by Viraen » May 18th, '06, 14:58
Once more, welcome to the TM forum, im sure you will receive some excellent advice here. Personally, I feel that the trick aforementioned emphasized the use of luck, camera tricks or real genuine esp powers. I may be wrong, but it proves to be just my tkae on it since you mentioned that the person merely thought of a name. Others please feel free to correct me if I am wrong. May I add however that it is INDEED possible to produce such an effect with a slight variation, and if done correctly, the reactions you will get will be just as good. This involves the use of pen and paper. Be aware however that you could scale down and look for beginner magic tricks in the vast field of mentalism by buying books like 13 steps to mentalism by Corinda or purchasing the super sharpie from penguin magic which IMHO produces fabulous reactions when done right. Another such and similar gimmick is the Swami gimmick.
As for cards, I would also recommend the same dvd as mentioned by Cardza. What is important is that you learn a few basic sleights at first and without realising it you will be able to create magic as good as it can get using those few simple moves. As it is often said , " Simple hits Hard". It may not seem obvious at first but trust me, as you practise and progress you will find that you will be able to produce some spectacular effects which will eaily blow your spectators away. May I add that although david blaine performs magic tricks like the taxi trick which you mentioned, he also views it fit to perform simple card magic which you will be able to do with some basic sleights.
As you progress, you will find much more spectacular tricks that then one you mentioned that will keep you etched in your audiences mind forever. I hope you found some useful tips here.
Viraen