How to Read Minds (As a Magic Trick)

People visit psychics, palm readers, and mystics because they're attracted to the idea that it's possible to read minds. You can capitalize on this fascination by learning magic tricks that show you know what's in your participants' heads. The three tricks outlined in this article will have you basking in "oohs" and "ahs" in no time.

1

Ask for three volunteers. This is a good trick to perform in front of a crowd, since you'll need three volunteers to do it correctly. Be sure to get exactly three; the trick won't resonate as well with two, and it simply won't work with four. It's best to choose people you don't know well, so the audience won't think you planned the trick together before the show.

2

Give each volunteer a slip of paper. This part of the trick is very important. Take a sheet of paper and tear it into thirds. Give the first third, which will have one straight side and one jagged side, to the first person. Give the second piece, which will have two jagged sides, to the second person. Give the third piece, which will also have one straight side and one jagged side, to the third person.

• This trick can't be conducted properly unless you rip one piece of paper into thirds, so make sure you prepare for it by having a large sheet of paper on hand.
• Pay attention to the person who has the piece that is ripped on both sides. This piece of paper is the key to the trick.

3

Tell each person to write down a name. The first person should write down the name of a person who is alive. The second person (with the double-ripped paper) should write down the name of a person who is dead. The third person should write down the name of a person who is alive. 

 

4

Announce that you will draw the name of the dead person. Make a show of leaving the room or turning your back while the volunteers write the names on their slips of paper. Without your touching them, the volunteers should place their slips of paper in a hat or box. 

 

5

Draw the name. Tell the volunteers to concentrate hard on the name they wrote down. Hold the hat or box above your head, or have someone else hold it, so it's clear that you can't see inside. Tell the audience that you already know what the name of the dead person is, and look knowingly at the volunteer who wrote it down, as though you're reading his or her mind. Finally, put your hand in the hat and feel around for the slip of paper that has two rough edges. Draw it out with a flourish and read the name to everyone's amazement.