Effect: Three spectators secretly distribute three "Word Number Cards" (One, Two, Three) among themselves. They then select from five "Red Numeral Cards" (10,11,12,13,14) based on the magician's ambiguous instructions. Without asking any questions or touching any of the spectators' cards, the magicians know the specific Word Number Card and Red Numeral Card held by each spectator, plus the sum of their two cards when added together.
Description: If you have never heard of the 5/3 principle, you are going to be amazed. If you have heard of it and think it is a cute puzzle, you were right.
- This version transforms the 5/3 principle into an amazing mind-reading effect.
- Gone are the meaningless props.
- No turning your back on the spectators.
- No looking at a secret crib. The crib hides in plain sight.
- I have eliminated all the weaknesses to create an effect you will enjoy doing, and your spectator will be astonished.
- The theme makes all the simple procedures seem natural.
- The effect requires only 8 cards from a blank deck.
In my version, you not only reveal the sum of the cards but also both cards the spectator chose, resulting in three distinct revelations for each spectator. This is all done without ever seeing the spectator's cards, touching their cards, or asking any questions. Everything is an easy one-time setup that takes less than 10 minutes.
The marking system is simple and can be created in seconds. It can be used for other effects. Only 4 cards are marked.
Even though this effect uses marked cards, you never see the backs of the spectator's cards! I know that does not make sense, but wait till you find out the secret. Also, you never touch the cards.
The crib, which contains all necessary information, hides in plain sight and serves as a central aspect of the presentation. It eliminates the need for secret peeks or any memorization.
- Two variations of the effect are presented; one version does not use CSCs (corner short cards).
- Over 30 photos and charts make learning the principle fast and easy.
- Easy to do
- Works 100% of the time
- No fishing
- No equivoque
- No electronics
- No phone apps
- No dual reality
- No reset!
- Instantly repeatable, spectators choose different cards each time.
Included is a JPG image of the crib that you can print out at various sizes. Also included is a video showing you how to practice this effect alone.
1st edition 2025, PDF 29 pages.
word count: 3717 which is equivalent to 14 standard pages of text
