"The art of predicting is by no means a newcomer to Mentalism.The human race seems to have a lust to know what is going to happen before it happens. Millions of pounds and dollars have been made out of telling the future." - Tony Corinda, 13 Steps to Mentalism, Step 4
This is a really difficult page to set up, as predictions are very difficult to define. A simple presentational twist to an effect can very easily change it from a mind reading effect into a true PREDICTION. For example, Mental Epic-style presentations can easily be changed into prediction routines, by simply writing the words before a sentence. However, I will focus here on published effects presented as predictions.
At any time during your performance you ask someone to name any playing card. They simply name a card, it's a completely free choice. The card they named is removed from the deck and tossed openly to the table.
You begin to explain that the previous evening you had a strange experience in which you felt compelled to mark the cards, actually inscribing each one with a name. As you say this you begin turning over the cards one by one revealing a different name on the back of each card.
The names are all different, and appear to be random. Just like the card they named, selected purely at random. But if you are a believer in destiny, then you know nothing is truly random. And as proof that the meeting was in fact destiny, the lone card on the table is turned over and written across the back in bold marker is the actual name of the person who selected it!
This is really as written. Plus, it can be done impromptu, with no set-up beforehand. Also note, there is no secret writing involved, you just have the deck and you're off. Plus, you do not have to use names on the backs of the cards either, any words can be used... This is really a whopper of a prediction, especially since (read it again) THE NAME OF THE SPECTATOR IS ON THE BACK OF THEIR THOUGT-OF CARD! Get this here.
