Mind-Reading Card Tricks by Robert Mandelberg, Ferruccio Sardella (Illustrator)

Synopsis

Any magician worth his wand can pull an ace of clubs from a deck of cards, but how many can consistently predict which cards will be chosen by audience members-before the trick has even begun? And just how many can make that audience shake their heads, rub their eyes and recoil in shock at the magician’s stupefying powers of mind control? Learn the secrets behind these mind-blowing card tricks with this fun how-to. The tricks are rated for difficulty, impact upon unsuspecting audience members, and the type of setup and preparation required. Techniques include Sleight-of-Hand, Forcing, False Assumption, Preset Decks and Evil Mathematics, along with the most amazing technique of all: the incredible One Ahead.

Annotation

Explains how to perform card tricks, from warm-ups to feature demonstrations, each "chosen for its ability to leave audiences stupefied" and relying on the magician's ability to convince the audience of his or her psychic powers.

School Library Journal

Gr 6-9-Mandelberg offers several card tricks for which the performer appears to have psychic powers. He debunks the idea of reading someone else's mind from the beginning and sets forth to prove that these stunts involve precise planning and execution along with a healthy dose of stage presence. The tricks are outlined thoroughly from setup to completion and include suggested banter and distraction techniques. The mechanics of each one are workable for patient learners and the performance suggestions are doable. Tricks are rated as to difficulty level, impact on the audience, type of technique(s) used, and amount of preparation necessary. While probably more for seasoned performers than rank beginners, this book will send readers off in search of the nearest deck of cards to try their hand at this brand of magic.-Cynde Suite, Bartow County Library System, Adairsville, GA Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.