A card prediction using only two small blank file cards. Anytime, anywhere, in the pocket/wallet and almost impromptu. One of the results of my never-ending search for “natural index systems”. It was born in an emergency, when I didn’t have the Knepper outfit with me, because I picked the wrong wallet! 🙂
Now I carry this one with me all the time. Such an obvious idea, and such fun working this. I am pretty sure someone else must have thought of it already, but I never read something like it in the literature. If so, then I “reinvented” it, or better, “hit upon it independently”. I like the combination of the age-old “show-one-hide-one” principle with Kenton’s brilliant trick. But anyway, here we go!
You have to know Kenton Knepper’s brilliant “Kolossal Killer” effect. If not, go get the manuscript. When you understand the trick, you understand the little twist here. This is just a humble replacement of the cards used in Kenton’s effect. Never ever worries about the playing cards for the index, just go along with scratch paper…
Write onto the cards as shown in the photo. On the back of each one, write “I was only one off” or something along the lines. Have these two cards ready in your wallet.
Depending on what the spectator chooses (of course, you guide him into the hearts suit as to Kenton’s instructions or use any of the the diabolic systems the mentalists have come up with), you pull out the right card and hide the non-corresponding value with your thumb on the Queen, 9, 6 and 3. If it is a 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, Jack or King, turn around and show the second part of your prediction. That’s it.
It can’t be any more minimalistic …
P.S.: Of course, you could make up more cards, including the aces, and make up cards for each suit. This should result in 12 index cards covering the whole deck, which fit nicely into one of the common index wallets. I prefer the minimalistic approach for practical reasons …