The Blurb
Counterintuitive is a superhuman impossible divination that expands on the work of Tomoyuki Shimomura and Sebastian Clergue with permission from Richard Kaufman & Sebastian Clergue.
A packet of double sided game cards from the game Cafe Counter that displays a messy counter of cafe cups are introduced. Every side of every card depicts a different collection of beverages and treats that include tea cups, coffee mugs, water glasses, togo cups, cakes, spoons, and coffee beans splattered randomly about. The performer asks that the cards be mixed and one be held up. With a mere glance, the performer correctly counts and names the total number of cups and glasses on the card. As an aside the performer also correctly states how many of those cups are filled with coffee and how many of them are orders “togo.” Next the performer attempts that this be done with two cards and again successfully and quickly counts the total number with a mere glance. Next more of the cards are used and randomized to the same success, but this time the performer not only counts the total number of cafe cups but also identifies the finer details about the total collection. This can include the number of water glasses, the number of teacups, the number of spoons, number of coffee mugs, number of togo cups and even the total number of cakes! To finish the participant randomizes a final set of cards and counts the cups that are showing in secret and hides the faces of all of the cards from view. Now the total only exists in the participants mind and the performer successfully pulls this final count out of the participants head to a successful conclusion.
You’ll receive eleven, specially made, cards to perform the illusion. Both written and video instructions included.
Jheff's Guide
WHAT IT IS:
11 specially made cards with routine(s) included
HOW ACCURATE OR COMPLETE THE AD COPY IS:
It’s accurate enough.
SET-UP AND RE-SET:
The cards do not need to be in any order, so there’s no set-up or re-set time.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED THAT YOU NEED OR NEED TO KNOW:
You may have participants use a calculator and you may want to have paper/billets handy to write down predictions or messages, but these are not necessary. Also, there’s a little bit of memorization involved in order to “read” the cards. It is no more difficult than learning the standard mnemonics peg system and, with a little practice, it’ll be much easier.
SUITABLE VENUES:
Close-up, Walkaround
JHEFF’S JUDGMENT:
This release certainly demonstrates once again that Patrick Redford is one of the finest thinkers in mentalism and magic. This release, though, has a very quirky theme as it’s based on a faux game, it’s not the type of effect that fits in well with formal performances, and it also demonstrates superhuman calculation, meaning this is not for everybody. If this unique offering piques your interest, this will be a fun piece to perform.