What is the purpose of billet reading? I know this may sound like a stupid question. Let me elaborate, I was reading Practical Mental Magic and the first chapter is on billet reading and I'm thinking to myself "What is the purpose of this? Is it to reveal information? Is it to reveal a question?" Anyway, I'd be thankful to anyone who would help me. Thank you in advance!

E.B. Nicholson

Cosmopop1 - It's to gain information. Although If you learn a few switches anything is really possible. ElliotB has a brilliant book called switchcraft that would be perfect for someone getting into billets. I have to admit Billets are something that I have neglected for a long time untill I bought his book a few weeks ago. Imagine taking 5 esp cards, putting them face up, looking at the spectator for a moment then writing something on a card, folding it up and placing it on the table. They then select any card, push it forward. You can then show your prediction to be correct. This is just one of the things that is possible with billets..

Hope this helps

Mescalito

p.s buy the book, it's a steal.

Ditto, switchcraft is fantatstic and elliot is a nice guy,!! buy it. worth every penny.

Then keep reading. There are applications of billet reading in the first 20 pages. There really should be no need to ask, just read the book.

Thank all of you people for your help!

E.B. Nicholson

Reminds me of the time I first heard of a device that sits on your thumb that you can secretly write with. I wondered, "Now what good is that?"

Christopher

Switchcraft is fantastic. I use business card billets all the time.

I agree Elliott J. Bresler's Switchcraft Book is a marvelous comprehensive works for any performer either mentalist or magician alike looking to utilize billets.

-Erick

Thanks Mescalito, Dylan, Keith and Erick!!!

I really appreciate your kind recommendations.

E.B. – I remember skipping the billet chapter when I first read Practical Mental Magic. It was called something like, “Effects with Billets and Pellets.” I thought, “How antiquated!” and immediately turned to the section on card tricks. Times sure have changed for me!! By the way, last year I predicted that you will buy my book. When you do, you’ll see how psychic I truly am. Knowing the future, I named several techniques after you.

Elliott

I used to stop reading explanations beginning "You switch the billet..." until I purchased Switchcraft. Since then my way of thinking has changed. Everything is possible with switches. Switchcraft is highly recommended.

What more can be said. Bressler's brilliant when it comes to billets and his book is terrific. To add to the answer to your question cosmopop1, think about this. You borrow a dollar bill and then with your audience assistant looking at it, you are somehow are able to call off the Serial Number of the bill. Telepathy at its best, So, it is not always just about gaining information. I strongly urge you to get Bressler's book, work with it and then devise a miracle. Good Luck and I hope this helped. Best, Lee

Also : one recommendation for switchcraft
Its good - very good

Thanks Gabor, Lee and spinki!!

I was wondering why I sold several copies today.

Now I know

Thanks so much for the recommendations.

Elliott

Switchcraft, Switchcraft, Switchcraft....

And if you have any time left, Alan Zingg's Master Billet Course DVD's.

Thanks gabelson!!

Zingg’s work is one of my top recommendations. Another favorite is Barrie Richardson’s wonderful "Act Two."

Yes, alan zinggs course is good.- and turn of the background music ;-)
Its good to see billet work in motion- I like that more than only to read.
Zingg : high recommendation!
kindly

Well, I'll look into getting Switchcraft. It sounds really really really good for a beginner. Thank you all for helping me and answering my question. Thanks again.

E.B. Nicholson

P.S. Mr. Bressler, I bet that has nothing to do with your initials!