
Ebook - Readings and Mentalism with Playing Cards by C. Dayton (Digital Download)
Description & Effect
Redefine Mentalism with Playing Cards
Ever heard the 'no playing cards in mentalism' rule? C. Dayton's groundbreaking ebook, 'Readings and Mentalism with Playing Cards,' directly challenges this convention, offering a refreshing and incredibly practical approach to captivating audiences. This digital download isn't just a book; it's your guide to becoming a more versatile and unique performer, proving that the most accessible tools can yield the most profound effects.
The Undeniable Power of Playing Cards
Forget the old dogma. Imagine the scenario: your luggage is lost, but a standard deck of cards in your pocket means you're ready to deliver a mesmerizing 20+ minute show, followed by insightful readings. C. Dayton brilliantly argues for the ubiquity and accessibility of playing cards, transforming them from a mere prop into a powerful tool for spontaneous and impactful performances. This ebook empowers you to turn everyday objects into extraordinary experiences, ensuring you're always ready to entertain.
Unlock Profound Card Reading Secrets
At the heart of this 43-page ebook lies C. Dayton's easy-to-master playing card reading system. Built on years of practical experience, his approach decodes the suits and values of a deck into a simple, flexible interpretive framework. Learn four detailed spreads perfect for any situation, along with direct methods for answering specific Yes/No questions and incredibly precise timing predictions. These aren't just theories; they're proven techniques to deliver compelling, personal insights that resonate deeply with your audience.
Seamless Mentalism Routines for Any Occasion
Beyond readings, you'll discover a treasure trove of mentalism routines designed to integrate flawlessly with your new card skills. The ebook includes a dynamic walk-around presentation, a complete card reading act, and C. Dayton's unique version of Any Card At Any Number (A.C.A.A.N.R.W.A.L.A.). Even if you're new to card-based mentalism, C. Dayton shares two essential, yet easy-to-learn, sleights that will enable you to execute these powerful effects with confidence and skill, elevating your performances immediately.
Define Your Unique Performing Persona
In a world of mentalists adhering to strict conventions, embracing playing cards sets you apart. C. Dayton's philosophy empowers you to carve out a distinctive niche, presenting profound mentalism with an accessible, everyday object. Whether you're familiar with his earlier works like 'Roses on a Stage' and 'Yes/No+,' or a newcomer, you'll find his thoughtful insights on using playing cards as an oracle invaluable. Elevate your craft, expand your repertoire, and leave a lasting impression on every audience with this essential guide.
Original Specs
"I am excited, but tentative about presenting this. I’m excited because I really like doing readings with playing cards, they are one the very first things I learned to read, and because I really like the routines that I’ve written up.
I’m tentative because I’m not entirely sure how they will be received. Everything here is simple and I’m sure that others are doing similar things. For those who are not doing similar things, I am afraid that the simplicity of the reading system and the mentalism routines will cause them to be overlooked. On the other hand, maybe it’s better if they are."
I have to admit that I'm a bit conflicted about C. Dayton's last remark. Let me explain...
On the one hand, the wide-spread acceptance by many mentalists of the conventional "No Playing Cards in Mentalism Rule" means that those who ignore it (and know how to effectively present convincing card routines) are among a select few -- which sets them apart from the rest of the pack. From this standpoint, the fewer performers who buy C. Dayton's book, the better.
On the other hand, the information in this book will undoubtedly improve just about any performer's presentations of readings and mentalism, and that, in turn, benefits everyone -- performers and their audiences.
As C. Dayton explains, one of the strongest arguments for the use of playing cards in mentalism is their being readily available. Presented with the frightening "Airline Lost My Luggage" scenario, having a deck of cards in your pocket means that you can easily perform a 20+ minute show for any size group, and then present readings afterwards. With that idea in mind, C. Dayton includes a number of routines, including a walk-around presentation, a card reading act, and his version of Any Card At Any Number.
In addition to the mentalism routines, C. Dayton shares his playing card reading system, which is based on a simple and easy-to-learn interpretation of the suits and values of the deck. Based on years of experience, his approach is extremely practical and flexible, and the four spreads he describes in detail are perfect for just about any reading situation you may find yourself in. I especially like his direct methods of answering Yes/No questions and timing predictions.
The 43-page e-book includes...
- Why Cards?
- Tex Ritter's Deck of Cards
- An easy-to-learn card reading system
- C. Dayton's Favorite Spreads
- How to put it all together
- How to answer Yes/No questions
- How to time predictions
- C. Dayton's "Three Secrets for Readings"
- A Walk-Around Card Reading Routine
- A Complete Card Reading Act
- Two essential -- but easy -- sleights
- Bonus routine: A.C.A.A.N.R.W.A.L.A
Ultimately, of course, the use of playing cards in your presentations is a personal decision based on your own vision of mentalism and your performing persona. If, however, you're interested in how to get the maximum impact out of playing cards in your performances, I suspect you will appreciate C. Dayton's approach. And, if you are familiar with his earlier works (Roses on a Stage and Yes/No+), I think you'll especially like his thinking on the use of playing cards as an oracle.









