What is a Prediction Magic Trick?

Prediction magic tricks, a subset of mentalism, involve the magician predicting the outcome of a situation that appears to be completely unpredictable. These tricks can range from guessing a number someone is thinking of, to foreseeing the outcome of a future event.

Techniques Used in Prediction Tricks

Forcing

In this technique, the magician leads the spectator to make a seemingly free choice that is actually predetermined. This could involve a specific card, word, or action.

Marked Cards

Marked cards are used in card tricks where the marks on the back of each card, invisible to the untrained eye, allow the magician to know which card the spectator has chosen without seeing its face.

Equivoque (Magician's Choice)

This psychological technique involves posing choices to the audience in such a way that the outcome always favors the magician's prediction, regardless of the spectator’s decisions.

Classic Prediction Tricks

The Book Test

One of the classic mentalism tricks where a spectator chooses a word from a book and the magician, who has never seen the book, predicts it exactly.

The Newspaper Prediction

In this trick, a magician predicts the headlines or specific lines from a randomly selected newspaper. This not only surprises the audience but often leaves them questioning the possibility of precognition.

How to Learn Prediction Tricks

Learning magic involves a lot of practice as well as understanding the psychology behind the tricks. Here are a few tips to start:

• Study from professional magicians. You can find books, online courses, and magic workshops.
• Practice the techniques of misdirection and sleight of hand, essential skills for any magician.
• Join magic clubs or online forums to discuss and refine your art with fellow magicians.