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Jeff Pierce's Telepa-Three
Reviewed by Tom Lauten
Jeff Pierce has done many up and coming (and seasoned I dare say) mentalism
performers a favour with his latest release, "Telepa-Three". This tidy 3-phase
ESP routine builds very comfortably and dramatically as it plays out in the
spectators very hands. Here's how it looks...
The spectator shuffles and cuts a set of (fully displayed and un-gaffed) ESP
cards into two piles. Dividing the stacks again, a random number of cards are
turned face up and are shuffled with the remaining face down cards. From across
the room you direct the spectator to reassemble the mixed cards into a single
stack, shuffle them again and finally cut this full stack to one of the random
face up cards. From across the room the performer draws a symbol on a spiral pad
and shows the drawing to the spectator…it matches the cut to card.
Still at a distance from the performer, the spectator now separates the face up
and face down cards. Placing the visible face up cards to the side the spectator
counts the yet unseen face down selections. Once again, from across the room,
the performer writes in their pad and holds it up. The spectator is asked to
announce the number of random cards left face down. The performer turns the pad
to show what they have written, it is the exact number of face down cards.
Finally, the face down cards are held up by the spectator so that only they can
identify them. They scan the symbols as the performer writes once again. The
performer calls out shapes as they write, the spectator deals the correct cards
onto the table until there are no cards left. The paper is immediately handed to
the spectator to verify that the description of the remaining cards was correct.
To some this effect will ring bells…and it should. It's main working method is
based upon a well respected technique and routine. In the instructions, Jeff
Pierce openly credit's the artist who's work was an inspiration and has released
this effect with their blessing.
"Telepa-Three" is a very slick use of a series of solid techniques resulting in
the clean illusion of a very logical and fair demonstration of ESP powers.
There is no peeking, no use of nail writers, no gaffed cards, no reading of
marks (although the cards you get are marked), no confederates and no formulas
to remember. You receive an illustrated manuscript, 25 ESP cards in a plastic
wallet and a small spiral bound notepad. All you will need is a pen.
There is plenty of room to customise the means and methods within the routine as
offered, you aren't rigidly locked into everything so it is perfect for
integrating into ones own repertoire and style. If you are a well practiced
mentalist you may (perhaps not) already know what is going on in "Telepa-Three"
but it's is certainly worth a serious look. If you are building your skills,
techniques and reputation you would be well served indeed by this tight and
convincing routine.
Available from
www.jeffpiercemagic.com
© Tom Lauten, October 2005