Magic Video - Devious Dates by Peter Duffie
Description & Effect
Unveiling 'Devious Dates' by Peter Duffie
Step into the captivating world of mentalism with 'Devious Dates' by the ingenious Peter Duffie, now available as a convenient digital download. This isn't just another magic trick; it's a profound display of prediction that leaves audiences questioning reality. Imagine handing over your personal diary, entirely examinable, where each date seemingly holds a random piece of information - perhaps a playing card, a name, or a symbol. The spectator can scrutinize it, verifying its apparent normalcy, before securely placing it in their pocket. What makes 'Devious Dates' truly exceptional is its profound flexibility; you're not limited to playing cards. Populate your diary with anything you desire, from names and phone numbers to words or unique symbols, tailoring the effect to your personal style and presentation.
The Unfolding Mystery
The journey into the inexplicable continues as you introduce six blank business cards. A prediction, meticulously prepared by you without revealing its content, is written on one card and left in plain sight. This card remains untouched, a silent testament to the magic to come. For an even more dramatic reveal, you could opt to place your prediction within a sealed envelope. Next, five additional business cards are openly marked with different numbers on both sides. A spectator is given a 'completely free choice' to name any month. They then take the corresponding number card, ensuring their commitment to their selection. This initial choice sets the stage for a series of events that appear utterly beyond your influence.
Another audience member, or the same spectator, is invited to further randomize the situation. They mix the remaining cards and freely flip over a couple, guaranteeing a truly random set of numbers. The tension builds as the top four numbers are simply added together. Let's say the total is 20. The spectator is then asked to look up the 20th day in the previously examined diary, under their chosen month (e.g., 'May'). The entry for that date might reveal, for instance, the '4C'. With a dramatic flourish, your untouched prediction card is turned over to astonishingly reveal that very same '4C'! The impact is immediate and undeniable.
Why 'Devious Dates' Stands Apart
Peter Duffie's 'Devious Dates' is a masterclass in elegant, self-working mentalism. Its 'self-working' nature means you can focus entirely on your presentation, rather than worrying about complex sleight of hand. The 'no reset' feature makes it an ideal effect for walk-around performances, allowing you to move seamlessly from one group to the next without preparation. The use of 'any pocket diary' makes the prop feel natural and unassuming, further enhancing the impossibility of the prediction. Furthermore, the fact that 'everything can be left for inspection' at the end eliminates any suspicion, solidifying its reputation as a true mind-blower. This digital download provides instant access to learn and master a routine that will elevate your magic and leave a lasting impression on every audience.
Original Specs
Use any pocket diary. Completely self-working. No reset.
Effect: To begin, you hand a spectator your diary for examination - you point out that each day in the diary has the name of a playing card entered against it. This he can verify as he studies the diary, before putting it in his pocket. (Note: it doesn't need to be playing cards - you can fill the diary with anything you desire - people's names, phone numbers, words, symbols, etc.)
Next you bring out six blank business cards. You write something on one of the cards, without showing it to the audience. This card is left on the table in full view. You will never touch it again. (Note: instead of writing a prediction, you could hand out a sealed envelope containing the prediction.)
Taking up the remaining five business cards, you openly write different numbers on both sides of each card. A spectator now names any month (completely free choice) and takes the card that represents his month. He might think of MAY so he takes the card with the number 5 - this ensures that he doesn't change his mind later.
Another audience member (or you can use the one spectator throughout) now mixes the remaining cards and lays them on the table. He flips over a couple of cards (totally free choice) to ensure he has a completely random set of numbers.
The upper 4 numbers are now simply added together. They might total 20. "OK, please look up the 20th day in May." The card written against that date might be the 4C. Finally, your prediction is turned over to reveal that you wrote that very card - 4C!
Everything can be left for inspection.
