Close-up
296 pages
2024
In this first volume, Thomas presents a range of 11 routines, 5 theories, and 11 psycho-behavioural analyses. The routines featured in the book are meticulously crafted and offer a source of inspiration for seasoned professionals as well as magic enthusiasts. You will discover the "Black Mirror" routine, an astonishing coincidence effect combining a prediction and a card at number (CAN).
You will also find one of Thomas’s signature tricks, now a much-loved classic: "Dark Connection". In this routine, the magician, blindfolded, telepathically guesses the card chosen at the exact moment the spectator thinks "STOP". For the first time, Thomas reveals his routine performed with his back to the audience. Although he never glimpses the cards, the magician miraculously reveals the chosen card, followed by a series of astonishing revelations.
You will also discover a routine inspired by Inception, in which one spectator manages to guess the card chosen by another participant, creating a captivating and memorable experience for everyone involved. This routine places you as a spectator of your own effect, making use of audience participation. For those who appreciate technique, Thomas shares his M.C.U.B. (My Card Under Box) routine, a multi-phase routine in which the chosen card repeatedly appears beneath the case.
Finally, for mentalism enthusiasts, Thomas presents his book test: "Fahrenheit 451". In this intriguing routine, a page chosen by the spectator is torn into pieces, and a word is selected from the fragments before they are burned. The magician accurately guesses the chosen word and the page is restored in the book. Lastly, the word chosen by the spectator mysteriously reappears from the ashes, adding a fascinating final touch to the demonstration.
Preface
Introduction
How to Use This Book?
#1 – A PACK OF FLOWERS - “A pack of cards is like a flower, handled delicately, with a light hand.” A very good friend once told me he finally understood how to hold a pack of cards. He had been practising magic for 30 years!
ROUTINE 1: C.L.F. OPENER - A Chicago Opener style routine that serves as my opening trick in close-up when I arrive at a table.
#2 – MENTAL PALACE - Like every Saturday, I am on the Sheffield bus, line 51, heading to the Magic Circle, deck of cards in hand, and I have just completed learning my Mnemonica!
ROUTINE 2: BLACK MIRROR - An impossible coincidence routine combining an Open Prediction effect and a card at number. Two unprepared decks where everything is open to inspection.
#3 – THE KEYS TO MY MAGIC - I always keep a key card in my deck. I develop a reflection on key cards: how to make them and how to use them.
ROUTINE 3: DARK CONNECTION - Blindfolded, the magician magically or telepathically finds the card chosen at the very moment the spectator thinks STOP. My favourite trick with which I have amazed many magicians!
#4 – THE CENTRE OF ATTENTION - I have always been very shy. I was never the person at the centre of attention in my group of friends. But magic allowed me to change that. I am convinced I am not the only one who has been in this situation. I share some keys to help you get through it!
ROUTINE 4: BACKSTAGE - An original routine in which the magician performs the trick with his back to the spectator. Without ever seeing the cards, the magician reveals the chosen card. This is followed by surprising revelations…
ROUTINE 5: ONLY ONE - A thought-of card has been on the table from the start. In the end, this card turns out to be the only printed card in the deck. This routine uses Ran PINK’s “White Room” principle.
ROUTINE 6: 3813 TRIUMPH STREET - A participative triumph routine in which 3 chosen cards turn out to be the only face-up cards in the deck.
#5 – 2 MINUTES TO CONVINCE - When practising magic, you must be credible and convincing. For me, this is the foundation to be listened to, watched, and admired.
ROUTINE 7: M.C.U.B (MY CARD UNDER BOX) - A multi-phase routine in which the chosen card repeatedly appears under the case. A visual, dynamic, and impossible routine for the spectators.
ROUTINE 8: INCEPTION - A routine on the theme of Inception in which one spectator guesses the card chosen by another. A participative routine that will leave a lasting memory in the minds of the spectators. You become a spectator of your own effect and the spectators work for you!
ROUTINE 9: SYNCHRONICITY - A chosen card is found under laboratory conditions and a freely named card has been in the spectator’s pocket from the start. To finish, a devastating climax!
ROUTINE 10: FAHRENHEIT 451 - A book test routine in which a chosen page is torn into small pieces. The spectator then selects a word on one of the pieces before they are burned. The magician guesses the thought word and the page is restored to its original position in the book.
ROUTINE 11: CARD TO WALLET - A 5-phase routine in which the chosen card travels: in the case, under the case, in the magician’s pocket, under the spectator’s hand, and finally trapped in the photo taken at the start of the routine.
In a Few Words
Acknowledgements
Credits