I'm really happy with this purchase. There are so many new routines possible with this gimmick, as
well as ways to enhance your existing material. I've already used it as a force for Chaptrick, and
have also thought of a way to use it as an opener for Craig Petty's "Chop."
What I like
most about it is it's simplicity. I love performing magic, but as a hobbyist, often struggle with
approach. The effects possible with this gimmick will make it so much easier to begin a close-up or
street performance because as it says, the spectator does almost all of the work and the gimmick is
so clever I doubt will be noticed by more than a few, and likely not anyone. So, the opening to my
routines will be no-worry, no-hassle mental effects that act as great segues into more complicated
material.
If you're ready for something new and SUPER easy, this is a strong option for
you! Thanks Mr. Miranda and Mr. Sereno!
First, brownie points for spelling "segue" correctly. :)
Could you share your ideas for using Mental Pen with Chaptrick and Chop (without giving away the method, although it's pretty clear what's going on)? I have both, and was just wondering how you incorporate the pen with your presentations. With Chop, did you mean you just do Mental Pen routine first, and then switch out the Sharpie and go into Craig Petty's routine?
Thanks in advance for sharing!
Certainly!
Chaptrick:
Chaptrick begins with a force, and a duplicate is already loaded into the chapstick. So, instead of using a riffle force, classic force, etc., simply draw an X on the loaded card, then tear and roll it up - you've got your loaded card. Then, when performing, have a spectator select his/her card using the mental pen (if you get what's going on, this will make sense). Since you'll already have marked the card you want the spectator to select, you simply can have the spectator shuffle the cards face down and then select any card. Then, cut the deck once and go through and find the card with the X. I think this is a great "force" and will be a stronger reaction when they see the card in the chapstick and it too has an X!
Chop:
Have a few $1 bills (the more, the stronger the effect). Go through the any word/newspaper routine Mr. Miranda details in the Mental Pen video (or if you already know how it's done, watch the trailer of the newspaper tear and you'll get it). The difference is you're using the bills; so, you'll already have a bill marked. Tell the spectator you're going to try to intuit the bill he/she is going to select. Again, pull the bills as the newspaper from Mr. Miranda's routine, and the spectator X's the bottom bill. Shuffle the bills and show the spectator the bill he/she marked with an X. Pull our your prediction with that bill's serial number written down in an envelope. Amazing! Then, have the spectator sign his/her name on the bill on the front (the X should be on the back of the bill. As you go through the selection process, make it so you're not looking at the bills). Then, at the end of Chop, that very same bill comes out from inside the fruit.
Hope that makes sense. I didn't want to give away too much, but I hope this helps. :)
...and I forgot to mention, I use a PK ring for Chop rather than the Sharpie. I find it to be more natural and my hands are free to do more, which makes Mental Pen pretty easy to put in. However, if you wanted to use the Mental Pen with Chop, it's definitely possible to use the gimmick from Chop with the Mental Pen. It would be a very, very simple set up.
splitrail,
You're a gentleman and a scholar. :) Thank you for taking the time to detail your additions. GREAT additions, might I add. I really appreciate it!
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Awesome
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