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(4 reviews, 33 customer ratings) ★★★★

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Balls by Stefan Olschewski

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:

  • Extremely low budget
  • Use any cardboard box
  • Use any cigar box
  • Use any envelope
  • A more “ungimmicked” look and feel compared to all the shiny boxes out there
  • No malfunctioning mechanisms
  • No electronics
  • No stooges
  • No difficult moves
  • Only a one-time-preparation
  • Can also be performed as a strictly one-man-effect (no secret assistant needed)
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.
word count: 1565 which is equivalent to 6 standard pages of text



Reviewed by Brian Reaves (confirmed purchase)
★★★★   Date Added: Wednesday 18 January, 2023

In the right situation, this is nice. You can do it alone, but the assisted version is much stronger. Once you construct the props necessary, you'll be set to go from that point forward (except for the prediction, of course). This is a cheap alternative to the expensive prediction chest models out there that accomplishes the same thing using a very similar method, so if you're just wanting to see if it fits in your act before investing in shiny expensive props, get this. The single-person version of this isn't as strong as some other methods out there though.

Reviewed by Don Jarrard (confirmed purchase)
★★★★   Date Added: Tuesday 30 August, 2022

Method has been used since the 1950's. It was even in a Linking Ring magazine back then. But magicians usually don't use published methods. However, it is easy and can really work well. Sometimes we have to buy tricks separate to realize the potential. It is a stage trick. You need a tray and hanging box. That is weird in a home. Schools, churches, night clubs. Easy and cheap to put together. Recommended.

Reviewed by Heather Johnson (confirmed purchase)
★★★★★   Date Added: Tuesday 10 May, 2022

This is just such a remarkably deceptive concept that after I read, very quickly I may add, I immediately put this into my act. For the money, I can't think of a better way to perform the master prediction. The book was easy to read, clear to understand, and overall of good quality.

Reviewed by Paul Booth (confirmed purchase)
★★★★   Date Added: Friday 03 April, 2015

Through the clever use of combined older methods, Mr. Olschewski has created a terrific 2 person concept that can also be accomplished as a single performer. The props are as promised, very inexpensive and should not require much maintenance or wear thru regular use. Whenever I see his name attached to an effect I know it will be something of quality. Once again, Mr. Olschewski does not disappoint. For such a meager investment you will gain a utility that has abundant possibilities.