Magic Tricks

One branch of Marc Oberon’s work relates to creating systems with so many multiple outs that all possibilities are catered for (e.g. Way Out, Outstanding). Psych Out is another instalment, and it relates to the use of whiteboards to reveal the correct prediction.

The primary method is obvious enough and is already used in mentalism, but the value here is in creating a context where the performer can smoothly, quickly and safely get away with something that at first seems rather blatant. The audience is well familiar with dry erase pens: their use is here not concealed or disguised as in other effects in mentalism.

His point that a well-designed routine and the right timing of the moves make this method more suitable or effective than the use of a sw—i, especially in stage work and even parlour work. Everybody can see what is written on a whiteboard as the revelation.

You are paying for the creative intelligence that makes the method feasible in practice. There are clever ideas on layout and sequencing that you are most unlikely to devise yourself without trial and error. There are about six specific effects, even including a chair test and a book test.

The specifics of method deserve serious consideration. Some will eagerly add this versatile method to diversify their repertoire. Its price is far lower than the more elaborate systems that Oberon has created.

Disclosure: I am a non-performing hobbyist.