Magic Video - Stefan Olschewski - Balls
Description & Effect
Unleash Professional Mentalism on a Budget
Stefan Olschewski's 'Balls' offers a revolutionary approach to the classic prediction effect, allowing you to mystify audiences without breaking the bank. Imagine a powerful, full-view prediction system that rivals expensive, complex setups, yet can be created with common, readily available items. This bold method allows you to perform an unforgettable piece of mentalism that leaves spectators stunned, wondering how you could possibly know the unknowable. It's an accessible alternative to high-priced illusions, empowering you to deliver incredible impact with ingenious simplicity.
The Impossible Prediction Unveiled
At its core, 'Balls' presents a scenario where a sealed container, visible from the start of your performance, holds a precise, detailed prediction. Throughout your show, audience members freely call out random details—dates, numbers, locations, even the amount of money in their pockets. There's no force, no perceived trickery; just pure, spontaneous input. Then, a spectator herself retrieves the container, opens it to find a smaller, sealed box, and inside, an envelope. Upon reading the contents, every single detail matches their earlier, seemingly random contributions. It's a truly baffling moment that cements your reputation as a master mentalist, proving that the greatest effects don't require the most elaborate props.
Ingenious Simplicity, Maximum Impact
What makes 'Balls' truly exceptional is its 'no-budget' philosophy. While grand prediction systems often cost thousands of dollars, this method delivers the same professional-level impact using readily available, inexpensive props—items you might find at a local dollar store. The concise, 7-page PDF manuscript gets straight to the point, revealing the ingenious secret without unnecessary fluff. Reviewed as 'devious' and 'low tech' by industry pros like Greg Arce, this approach enables you to craft a powerful illusion that feels entirely authentic. While it can utilize an off-stage assistant for maximum efficiency, Stefan also provides an alternative handling, allowing you to perform this incredible feat as a one-person effect. This digital download isn't just a trick; it's a testament to the power of clever thinking over costly equipment, ensuring you deliver an unforgettable experience every time.
Original Specs
A method in mentalism so bold you will never believe it works – unless you have the balls!
So what is Balls?
Basically it is a no-budget version of the famous Master Prediction System， that everybody loves but only the pros are able to afford:
A sealed cardboard box is seen standing in full view or hanging from a stand – it can also be given to an audience member at the beginning of the show. Random people call out random things: dates， the amount of money in their pocket， holiday destinations – whatever you (or they) like.
The box is retrieved and opened by a spectator. Inside is a wooden cigar box which contains a single black envelope. The spectator opens it herself and reads out the prediction – of course all the details match!
Advantages:
Sounds good? You bet!
The manuscript is only seven pages long， no flashy fuss， no glamorous pictures … It has been said that if you want to make sure that something will be forgotten， write a book about it. Stefan thinks the bold little secret you are about to learn is so damn good that it should be forgotten immediately and only used by those who really appreciate the method.
So: are you one of those who realize what they are now holding in their hands or will you rather forget it as soon as you have read it?
"Stefan has put out another devious idea that is really low tech. I would say you could practically make this from shopping at 99 cent stores. It will still have the same impression on your audience as those other very expensive devices out there... but it won't damage your pocket. It will require an off-stage assistant， but so do many of the four figure effects. But Stefan gives you an alternative handling to make it a one person effect... no assistant. For five bucks， this is priced too low not to get. I'm becoming a true Ste-FAN!!!" - Greg Arce
1st edition 2011; 7 pages.
