Trickshop.com - David Hoy's Bold Book Test

David Hoy’s BOLD BOOK TEST & POCKET BOOK MIRACLE

David Hoy’s Hoy’s BOLD BOOK TEST & POCKET BOOK MIRACLE

TRICKSHOP.COM eManuscript. Not for resale. © Copyright 2004. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2004 by Trickshop.com Trickshop.com Inc. All rights reserved. -1-


David Hoy

a.k.a. Dr.

Faust

Many of today’s top mentalists have been greatly inuenced by the late David Hoy’s bold approach to the art. Hoy, who performed professionally as Dr. Dr. Faust, believed that the best effects in mentalism utilized subtle, direct methods and strong showmanship to achieve powerful results. The two books tests covered in this manuscript manuscript are a perfect example of how he applied this thinking to his own effects. His “Bold Book Test” is brilliant in its sheer simplicity. simplicity. Its method enables you to perform this time-honored classic of mentalism at a moment’s notice and without any preparation prepa ration whatsoever. His other test, the “Pocket Book Miracle,” is designed for more formal performances. And while it does require a modest investment of time and money, you’ll nd it well worth the effort. The effect is a breeze to pe rform and the impact exceeds that of most commercial book tests on the market – many of which sell for substantial sums of money. Give these two tests the time and attention they deserve and you’ll have a couple of real gems for your own repertoire.

© Copyright 2004 by Trickshop.com Trickshop.com Inc. All rights reserved. -2-


THE BOLD BOOK TEST As David Hoy would say, here is a book test so simple, yet so bold and subtle; you can do it anyplace, even in “brightly colored boxer-type swimming trunks!” All All you need are a shelf of books in a home, library, library, bookstore, etc. Effect

A spectator chooses ANY two books. He keeps one and you get the other. other. You You turn the pages in your book until he stops you. You tell him the page number and ask him to look at the rst word on that page in his book. He does, and after concentrating for a moment, you reveal the word he is gazing at in his book! How it works

Begin by asking a spectator to pick any volume from a shelf of books and to hand it to you. Once he does, ask him to choose another book. When he turns to get the second book, you open the one you are holding to somewhere in the middle and note the page number and rst word on it. You You do this quickly and then, quietly close the book. When the spectator turns around with the other book, take it from him and hold out both books at arm’s length. Ask Ask him to “point” to one. As David Hoy would say, “A silent little prayer at this point might help.” If the spectator chooses the rst book – the one in which you’ve already noted the page number numbe r and rst word, simply hand it to him. If not, say to him, “Good. I’ll take this one and that leaves this one for you.” To the deeply initiated this is the horror of horrors, “magician’ “ma gician’ss force,” not to be shunned, and not even recognized by magicians when performed with condence and urbanity. You now begin paging through your book and tell him to say, “Stop,” whenever he wishes. It doesn’t matter where he stops you – you simply LIE and say whatever page number you previously noted in his book.



You should make it a point, not to stand too close to the spectator. Stand at least a few feet away and tip the book toward him as you repeat the page number. Don’t worry; he couldn’t see the page number with “bifocal binoculars” anyway. anyway. Just make sure you begin paging through quickly enough that by the time he stops you, you’re somewhere in the middle of the book. That way, way, the spectator will not be able to discern any discrepancy between the page number you’re telling him and the actual page number he stopped you at. Remember, you must do this boldly and with complete condence. That’s what counts most! Once he looks up the “same” page in his own book, have him concentrate intently on the rst word on the page. Note, if it’s the kind of book that has a repeating chap ter heading at the top of each page, tell him specically to concentrate on the rst word of the rst paragraph. Give him some time to focus on it. You You may want to feign some brief difculty in initially reading his thoughts. Don’t overdo this, though. After a few moments, slowly SPELL the word and then, say it. This helps build the drama. Whatever you do, don’t just blurt it out as if you knew it all along! So you have it, a completely impromptu, yet astonishing book test. And And it really can be done anywhere. Think of all the places that have or sell books – from airports to hotel lobbies or even a prospective client’s own ofce. And no one can ever claim that you prepared for it ahead of time.



POCKET BOOK MIRACLE Now in the case of this book test, they could accuse you of preparation and be right! But then, you’re not going to give them that chance. In order to perform this test, you’ll need to obtain three identical paperback novels nov els and two different ones that are exactly the same size an d preferably all from the same publisher. It’s It’s key that all of the books are the same height, width and thickness (number of pages). Titles put out by the same publisher tend to be identical even with regard to the weight of the paper used, so select all ve from a single publisher pu blisher.. However, make sure to choose books with strongly contrasting colors and subject nature. You’ll also need some rubber cement and a borrowed business card. Preparation

Carefully remove the covers from two of the novels that are the same and an d from the two different ones. Don’t worry if you lose a page or two in the process, it won’t matter. Now, Now, glue the “different” novel covers on the two identical books (that you removed the covers from). When you’re done, you’ll have what appears to be three different books. In actuality, only the covers of the books are a re different – the inside pages are all the same. A good psychological touch is to use novels that are current. Spectators don’t attach suspicion to familiar objects and a book they have seen in shop windows all over town is unlikely to raise any doubt. Performance

Throw all three novels on a table and have a spectator pick one. Tell him that he will use the rst one he selects, so he should make a careful choice. Now have another spectator select one of the remaining novels. Ask him to place one of his business cards into the novel and to leave an inch protruding. Say his card will serve as a bookmark.



Take the book from him and open it to the page where the business card was inserted. MEMORIZE the rst words on the page and then cover them with the spectator’s business card as you show him the page pa ge number he selected. Ask him to tell the rst spectator that page number. Have the rst spectator open the book to that page and note the rst few words he sees. After a tting build-up, you can dramatically reveal the words the spectator is “thinking of.” This book test is suitable for formal shows and while it does require some minor expense and preparation, you’ll nd the effect is well worth the effort. It is as STRONGER than most commercial book tests on the market. Good Luck!


T R I C K S H O P. C O M P U B L I C A T I O N S A N D E F F E C T S

COLD READING TRADECRAFT

Imagine meeting someone for the very rst time and being able to reveal not only some of their innermost thoughts, but details of personal events yet to come. It appears to be nothing less than a genuine demonstration of extrasensory perception, ESP. ESP. This is the power of cold reading – a process used by professional psychics, mind readers, fortunetellers, intuitive counselors and guides, and mentalists. In “Tradecraft,” “Tradecraft,” you’ll you’ll learn l earn how to harness this power to entertain your clients. Our concise “how-to” manual takes you step-by-step through the process of developing YOUR OWN cold reading abilities – from gaining a solid grasp of the underlying scientic principles at work to the practical application of specic methods and techniques. Plus, you’ll even learn how to correctly answer the most difcult questions readers face. Rated ve stars by MagicWeek.com. 52pp. MASTERING HYPNOSIS

If you’re you’re interested in mastering the art and science of stage hypnosis, we’re we’re condent you’ll nd no better guide available today. today. This This insightful, how-to guide will teach you everything you need to know – from how to hypnotize both individuals and groups to the closely-guarded professional techniques used to deepen hypnosis and maximize the power of hypnotic suggestions.What’s suggestions.What’s more, thoughtfully designed practice sessions will help you become procient in performing many of the same classic tests and entertaining stage hypnosis routines used by top professionals worldwide. Plus, get in-depth advice on putting together and marketing your own stage hypnotism show. Rated ve stars by MagicWeek.com. 98pp.

EXTREME MAGIC

Interested in strong, s trong, visual,“in-your-face” magic you can perform per form at school, on the street or in the clubs? Extreme Magic brings you over a dozen of today’s most powerful street magic effects. Tricks Tricks you’ll be ready to do anytime, anywhere, to amaze old friends and new. While a few of the effects and techniques do require some practice to master, you’ll be able to perform most right away. Booklet with easy-to-follow photographs and concise, clearlywritten text. Learn many of the best tricks from David Blaine’s Blaine’s Street Magic TV Special, including The Marlo Snap Change, Change, Twisting Arm Illusion, Balducci Levitation, Ash on Hand, Two Two Card Monte, Spoon Bending, and much more. 25pp.

MATRIX MATRIX VISUAL COIN ASSEMBL ASS EMBLY Y

Four coins (US or Canadian quarters, UK 10-pence coins, etc.), placed in a square layout on your close-up pad and each covered with a playing card, assemble one at a time under the same card. The ight of each coin is amazing – the spectators actually see the coin vanish from one card and reappear under the other as you snap the cards. No gimmicks or extra coins are required. At the end, you are left completely clean and all may be examined. Our clearly written instructions with over two dozen large, clear photos make learning this professional sleight of hand routine a breeze. In fact, you’ll probably pick it up with just a few hours hours practice. Rated ve stars by MagicWeek.com. MagicWeek.com. 12pp.


SI STEBBINS UNPLUGGED UNPLUGGED

While most magicians and mentalists are familiar with the Si Stebbins System, very very few ever tap its true potential. In Si Stebbins Unplugged, you’ll you’ll learn how to transform any deck into one of the most powerful trick decks ever devised. Best of all, it will be a deck that you can use not just for one trick, but for an entire performance of entertaining, commercial commercial card magic effects. What’s What’s more, when you’re you’re done, the deck can be fully examined! Clearly-written explanations and over 50 photographs detail every aspect of the system – from basic handling to innovative concepts and techniques designed to elevate your work into the miracle class. A must-have resource for every magician and mentalist who performs with a deck of cards. Plus, 16 entertaining effects. If you work for real people, this is absolutely killer material. Rated ve stars by MagicWeek.com. 52pp. PREMONITION MENTAL CARD MIRACLE

Eddie Joseph’s Joseph’s Premonition is considered by many to be one of the most amazing feats of Card Mentalism ever conceived. Here’s the effect. ANYONE ANYONE in the audience is asked to name ANY card. The person naming the card is asked to come forward and pick up the deck of cards on your table. This person now removes the deck from its case and deals out every card in the pack but fails to nd the one he named. He is now told to count the cards and nds only 51. ONE CARD IS MISSING AND THE MISSING CARD IS THE ONE JUST NAMED ALOUD. ALOUD. The magician reaches into his pocket and without the slightest delay brings out the very card named by the spectator. 13pp.

PAUL FOX MIRACLE GIMMICK

Perform absolute mind reading miracles with a deck of cards. For For years, this was Paul Fox’s Fox’s best kept secret. A small gimmick that allowed him to ascertain the identity of cards merely thought of by one or more spectators. Please note, nothing, nothing, except the deck, is ever seen by the spectators. s pectators. The deck may be handled with perfect freedom – nothing is concealed on the ngers or in the hands. There are no duplicate cards, no false shufing and no memory system or mathematical formulas employed. The gimmick does everything except whisper the names of the chosen cards in your ear. Fits Fits any bridge or poker-size deck. Use your own deck. We We supply the gimmick with our new updated, illustrated instructions that make learning how to use it a breeze! Plus, four four mind boggling routines from the master himself. 10pp plus gimmick. TWO-WAY MARKED BICYCLE DECK SYSTEM

Learn how to mark your own Bicycle deck using the same professional system used by magic shops. No messy inks or colors to match. A simple, inexpensive tool available at any ofce supply or art or craft store is all you need. Our Our illustrated instructions show you step-by-step how to mark all suits s uits and values. Two-way Two-way system works with both red and blue backed decks, and enables cards to be read from the top or bottom. Instructions sold for entertainment purposes only. only. 16pp.


SWINDLED! THREE CARD MONTE

“SWINDLED!” makes learning the Three Card Monte easier than ever before – from giving you advice on what types of cards to use and where to get them to showing you the “real work” in terms of the moves and handling behind the effect. Concise explanations and over three dozen large, FULL COLOR photos capture every aspect of the action. All of the mechanics are laid out and detailed with easy-to-follow, step-by-step step-by-step instructions. You’ll You’ll learn not only the “how” of each move, but the “why” as well. What’s What’s more, once you’ve mastered the fundamentals, we’ll show you how to build and script your own routine and give it a nish certain cer tain to add an exclamation point to your performance – from powerful endings like the Torn Torn Corner and Bent Corner dodges to ones which require a minimum of handling, but still look great. 35pp. SEALED VISION

The performance of the X-Ray Eye Act always always leaves a profound impression upon an audience. You You begin by talking about “second “second sight” and how you have developed your own abilities in this area. To To preclude the possibility of subterfuge, you now allow members of the audience to pl ace heavy cotton wads against your eyes and then seal them with surgical tape. To make it even more conclusive, a dark heavy blindfold is placed around your head. However, However, despite your vision has been completely sealed off, you are able to walk into the audience and read money, credit and business cards, pick colors, name objects, etc.This denitive treatise by Will Dexter covers over a dozen types of blindfolds, numerous techniques and subtleties, as well as program ideas and publicity stunts such as the famous “Blindfold Drive.” 73pp. HOW MANY? ROUTINE

The “TWO “T WO IN THE HAND, ONE IN THE POCKET” trick is a classic of magic. And like all classics – the plot is simple, direct and magical. Three Three balls are shown. Two of these are placed into into your left hand and the third one goes in your your pocket. Magically, Magically, the third ball travels from your pocket to join the other two in your left l eft hand. This effect is repeated a second time. Finally, Finally, just when the audience thinks they are catching on and believe you have three balls – you slowly open your hands to reveal you have none! Over two dozen photos take you step-by-step through this easy-to-master routine. Just two simple moves accomplish everything and there are no gimmicks whatsoever. Best of all, you are left completely clean at the conclusion of the effect and reset for your next group of spectators. Ideal for walkaround, trade shows, etc. 9pp. 9pp.

PICKPOCKETING FOR MAGICIANS

New online edition of Eddie Joseph’s classic book, “How to Pick Pockets,” Pickpocketing for Magicians is a terric introduction to the art. The The techniques outlined in this concise guide are based upon the basic principles of misdirection and diversion. See how virtually anything carr ied in a person’s person’s pocket can be secretly removed – even while a thousand eyes are watching you! You You will also learn how to remove wristwatches and ar ticles of clothing without being detected. Many Many excellent effects that will add a unique blend of comedy and mystery to any magic act. With this guide, anyone anyone can learn to pick pockets. Imagine the reaction you’ll get when you remove a spectator’s shirt or boxer shorts! It’s all explained. Plus, Plus, you’ll you’ll even learn how to practice your pickpocketing skills at home. A fun and informative read. 24pp. 24pp.


CLASSIC ACES

This is the classic card effect, effect, where where four aces are are each removed from from the deck and covered with three indifferent cards. One by one, three of the aces magically vanish from their respective piles and assemble with the fourth ace. You’ll master this classic in record time thanks to our new streamlined handling, which which virtually eliminates all difcult sleights. Supplied complete with our own clearly written, photo-illustrated photo-illustrated routine and top quality Bic ycle poker-size gaffs. Use any regular Bicycle poker-size deck.

OUTBACK

Tom Tom Dobrowolski’s Dobrowolski’s Outback offers offers non-stop magic and a climax that never fails to deliver a knockout punch! The “twisting” “twisting” premise is simple si mple and direct. Under seemingly impossible conditions, four four cards (all the same value) magically turn over one at a time. Next the backs change from red to blue. Sound good? It is, but wait there’s there’s more. For a mind-numbing climax, you now visually transform the backs into FOUR COMPLETELY COMPLETELY DIFFERENT BACK DESIGNS. At this point, you have the option of instantly resetting the cards for tablehopping or dropping them on a tabled deck to leave yourself clean – since the four cards that do all the magic are ungaffed. Two very simple moves do all the work and both are fully explained in the instructions with crystal clear, large photos. Supplied complete with four pages of instructions, including an entertaining Australian patter stor y, and poker-size playing cards. FLASH BILLS

Magicians are suddenly rediscovering this classic Fred Kaps’ K aps’ effect. effect. Here’s Here’s the effect. You You remove a handful of blank strips of white paper about the size of paper money from your wallet and slowly count them out - showing both the fronts and backs. They’re They’re just what they appear to be – blank pieces of paper. Next, you fold them, give your wrist a snap and suddenly, you’re you’re holding real bills of whatever denomination you choose. Instead of blank pieces of paper, you can change ones into tens, ves into fties, tens into hundreds, etc.! etc.! You You get the idea. Best of all, this trick is easy as it is visual thanks to the special gimmick. you can easily make up additional gimmicks. We supply illustrated instructions with strips of coated enamel paper cut to size and a special practice gimmick made up with fake George “Dubya” “Dubya” Bush $200 bills. You’ll be doing this one minutes after getting it! WILD CARD PRO

One of the most popular packet card tricks of all time. Nine cards are shown. Eight of the cards are all the same, for example – the “Jack of Spades.” The ninth card is different, let’s let’s say it’s the Ten Ten of Hearts. (Note, the actual cards in your set may be different than this example.) You explain that in magic, the “Ten of Hearts” is considered a Wild Card and any card that touches it will also become one. To To illustrate your point, you proceed to slowly transform each Jack into a Ten – until all nine cards are shown to be the Ten of Hearts. You’ll get credit for amazing sleight of hand, even though our routine is actually very easy to do. Comes Comes complete with our own clearly written, photoillustrated instructions and a set of top quality Bicycle poker-size gaffs.


UNCANNY CIGARETTE

The Uncanny Cigarette Cigarette gimmick lets you perform amazing cigarette producproductions, vanishes, and and manipulations without sleight of hand. Works Works with any UNLIT cigarette or dummy cigarette. For For example, push a c igarette into your hand and it vanishes in an instant. A moment later you can pull the same cigarette from your mouth, ear or even nose! And then, you can push it back in and vanish it from the same spot! Many moves will even work work with a small pencil. What’s What’s more, this versatile little gimmick even doubles as a cigarette producer, so you can produce a seemingly endless supply of cigarettes from thin air. Show Show you hand empty, reach out, and a cigarette magically materializes at your ngertips. Toss Toss it into a hat or paper bag and then produce another, and another. another. How many is up to you! The Uncanny Cigarette gimmick is constructed using durable, high impact plastic. One size ts all. Supplied with illustrated instructions. This This is one you’ll be having fun using just minutes after getting it. HINDU THREAD TRICK

The “Hindu” or “Gypsy” Thread Trick as it is also also known, is one of the most beautiful and visual close-up tricks tri cks in magic. It is also so bafing, many magicians have paid huge sums of money to learn its secret. A two-foot two-foot length of thread, unravelled from a spool, is broken into a number of smaller pieces. Without any false moves, these pieces are bundled up and placed on the remaining piece of string. The two ends are pulled apart and the string is magically restored into one continuous piece of thread. Anyone Anyone who saw David Blaine perform this effect on his “Street Magic” special can attest to its effectiveness. Comes Comes complete with the “proper type” thread along with easyto-follow, to-follow, illustrated instructions teaching the “real work.” No difcult moves. You’ll learn this classic in less than a half hour. Please Please note, we supply enough thread to last you over 500 performances!

To order these and other fne Trickshop.com Trickshop.com products, please visit our web site site at: http://www.trickshop.com/

EPICARD TRIPLE PREDICTION

Epi-Card offers you all the impact of Hen Fetsch’s Mental Epic without the out-of-date slate! In fact, Epi-Card can be carried in your pocket, so you’ll always be ready to perform this powerful and impressive triple prediction at a moment’s moment’s notice. The props couldn’t be fairer or more elegant – just three double business/calling cards, and wine glasses which can be borrowed from your host. Use it to predic t names, dates, phone phone numbers, serial and credit card numbers, famous people, landmarks, locations, playing cards, or virtually anything else you can think of. There are absolutely no sleights, no carbons or image transfers, no gaffed envelopes, no mirrors, no palming, no extra cards to get rid of at the end, no gimmicked pens or markers, and you end COMPLETELY COMPLETELY CLEAN. Plus, your predictions can be handed out as souvenirs (with your ad imprint on the back, if you like) at the end of your per formance. We supply you with everything you need, including practice materials and enough EpiCards for six live performances (additional rells are available or you can make your own EpiCards using the camera-ready artwork provided). Epi-Card is perfect per fect for private par ties, banquets, banquets, comedy clubs, meetings, etc. etc.

Trickshop.com - David Hoy's Bold Book Test

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