Effect
You predict the number a spectator is merely thinking of!
Method
These techniques rely on pure probability. In other words, the numbers “most” people
will choose, “most” of the time.
Performance
Here are the basic techniques employed for predicting a range of numbers:
Any Number Between 1 and 10
Here’s a psychological force. Ask someone to think of a number between 1 and 10.
Most will choose 7.
Any Number Between 1 and 5
Most people will choose 3.
Any Number Between 1 and 50
Another psychological force. The best approach for this test is to tell someone you would
like them to try and read YOUR mind. You mention that before your performance, you
wrote down a number on the pad you are now holding. Without revealing it, you place it
face down on the table. Ask them to close their eyes.
Say, “I’d like you to think of any number between 1 and 50. In the number I am
thinking of, both figures are odd and the digits are different. This still gives you a lot of
possibilities. What number did you see in your mind?” “37!” Please turn over the pad.
The number 37 is written down!
As The Amazing Randi would say,“A miracle of a semi-religious nature!” Actually, it’s
pure probability. The second most likely choice is “35.” You can hedge your bet here
by writing down 35 first and scratching it out (so it’s still visible). This way it looks as
though you had it first, but then changed your mind. Also, by structuring the presentation
so the spectator is trying to read “your” mind, it won’t damage your credibility too bad
if “he” misses!
Any Number Between 50 and 100
Same idea and general presentation as the last one, only this time the digits are even
and different. The most likely choice will be “86” with “68” following closely behind. This
time, however, you have an even better “out” since you will have written down the rights
digits–but just had the wrong order.