Hey, this is going to be a hard question to ask because it kind of borders asking how a trick works....I don't quite understand mentalism tricks and would like to buy a book or DVD but don't really want to risk $30-$50 on something I might not like. Is it 100% true mentalism or are there any types of illusions? There was 1 DVD set I wanted but can't remember the title where he had 5 people and then he just named off the cards they were thinking of....I don't see how this is possible. Could someone please explain this to me without giving anything away? I'm not trying to get a "free trick" or anything, just need to understand something that seems impossible before I buy it. Thanks!

you will learn, upon entering this hobby, that all the magic you've ever seen on tv or anything like that, is made of tricks. Once you're in the know, you will realize that each trick, or gimmick, uses a special technique that allows the effect to be performed. Mentalism may look real, but remember that is always a trick. Being in the know demystifies everything, but in turn gives you the power to do effects for people, to which only you know the explanation. Have fun.

Spend some money. The best book on mentalism is "Corinda's 13 Steps to Mentalism" it cost abt $30. It is THE BOOK on mentalism. Check with the guys at Penguin if they don't have it they will know how to get it.
Peter

I'd say the best book on Mentalism is Ted Annemann's "Practical Mental Magic"... it was only $10!!! And it's not small either... my copy is 300 pages, with tons and tons of USEABLE tricks that look like real mentalism... Ted's philosophy is the simpler the better... after all, if someone really could read minds, he'd just read your mind, not make some elaborate illusion out of it... BUY THIS BOOK!

Corinda's 13 Steps and Annemann's Practical Mental Effects (AKA Practical Mental Magic) are excellent places to start. I recommend them both.

After that, I'd steer you toward Max Maven's Videomind series, Annemann's complete The Jinx, Lesley's Paramiracles, and Waters' Mind, Myth & Magick.

That should keep you busy for a while.

I have received some good reactions from 2 or so mentalism effects from Fulves Self Working Mental magic....I dont like elaborate set-ups....He has a nice simple book test and nice want ad effect I have personally use.....cheap and effective.

Paperclipped card trick by Jay Sankey is also nice.....I dont have it yet but I hear transmental gemsation is a good walk around.

My nickel:)