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Dr. Zenitram Regular user New York 156 Posts |
I love mental numbers, people seem to be amazed by it.
One thing bugs me, the serial number, people always ask what it is, and I have to come up with some ridiculous excuse about I need it to keep track of these "random" numbers. Yeah I have problems with it. What are some other ways to explain it?
Will you, won't you, ESP with me?
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evolve629 Inner circle A stack of 3838 Posts |
Richard Osterlind suggests in MENTAL NUMBERS (Dalban) to tell the spec that the random numbers are generated by the computer. It works for me everytime.
One hundred percent of the shots you don't take don't go in - Wayne Gretzky
My favorite part is putting the gaffs in the spectators hands...it gives you that warm fuzzy feeling inside! - Bob Kohler |
Bananafish Elite user Simon Shaw, Suffolk, England 415 Posts |
I agree it is a great effect.
I actually have two sets made up as initially I wanted to get away from the reference number idea. The first is the 6 digit number and two digit reference number for the next card printed on a label and stuck to a double black card stock. I actually use my own calculation as this for me seemed to be the weakest part of the effect. The second version is just the 6 digit number, printed on a label and stuck to the face of a blanked faced deck of bicycle cards. The refernce for the card was then marked on the back using a system similar to Ted Leslies - in fact I used the same material he supplies. The marked version is obviously cleaner in many respects, especially as the cards can be shuffled first by the spectator (although why we get hung up on these things I don't know). I then take the cards back and spread them and ask them to point to one, at which point I pull it halfway out asking if they wish to choose another instead. Being halfway out is ideal for reading the marking, and if they want another one - so be it. Having said that the marked version is cleaner though, I mostly use the unmarked version that can't be shuffled by the spec and has the reference number. Why do you do that Simon? I find it simpler, and less stressful looking for markings (my eyes you know. Not what they were). My patter involves discussing the fact that these random numbers were found on a website set up specifically for Psychic testing. If I am inclined I mention how difficult it is to get a true Random Number as those generated by a computer use a seed and as such a dishonest person being tested could use that information. Anyway - this explains the reference numbers, but remember we don't actually get to see their card at any point. I will also point out that I have never been asked about the reference number, and I do perform it quite a lot. I am not saying that I will never get asked, just that my initial fear of it never proved to be anything but unecessary worry. The Psychic Website idea also fits in well with another effect I do a lot called mental-lists. Si |
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