Laymen's Dream

This is one of Ed Marlos variations of Bob Hummer's Mind Reader's Dream. This does not
use known key cards. A drawback to many Hummer effects are procedures that appear
somewhat contrived. The action procedure tends to be labor-intensive. This method is quite
simple, yet effective.

Method: Have someone shuffle the deck. Ask him to cut off a packet of cards and make sure
that he cuts off at least ten cards and no more than twenty cards.

Turn your back and ask him to count the number of cards in this packet. Say, "There's no way
for me to know the exact number of cards in your packet? Please remember the number. In
fact, add the two digits composing your number. For example, if your number is eleven, add
one and one to obtain two. Then remove that number of cards from your packet and replace
them into the deck. Understand?"

When the spectator finishes this task, continue: "Since I dont know the original number of
cards you had, I cannot know how many you replaced in the deck. I also cannot khow how
many cards you presently have. Please count them and think of any card that has that value.
In other words, if you have five cards left, think of any Five in the deck. If you have eleven
cards, think of any Jack."

Due to the nature of the10-20 Force, the spectator will be thinking of a Nine. Ask him to return
the cards he is holding to the deck and then shuffle.

The next part is important. You must fish for the suit, but you must be do it quickly. The
worst-case scenario is to get two negative answers. If and when you get a no answer, you
must make quick, counter-statements. By the way, Marlo discovered that spectators tend to
choose Red instead of Black cards. Therefore, your initial definite statement (not a question)
You are thinking of a red cardwill likely be correct.

Here is a worst-case example. Suppose that the spectator is thinking of the Seven of Clubs, a
Black card.

Your initial statement is always: "You are thinking of a red card!" The spectator, in this case,
will say no. Immediately counter with another definite statement: "You thought of a Spade!"
The spectator again will say no. Without hesitation, blurt out: "You're thinking of the Seven of
Clubs!" When he affirms, say, "I knew that!"

If the spectator suspects that you are fishing, as soon as you suddenly name the selection, he
is thrown for a loop.The redemptive power of naming the correct card at the climax makes any
"misses" seem purposeful. You give the impression that you are toying with the audience and
really knew the precise answer all along. If your initial, definite statements turn out to be
correct, you are home free. Then the entire business has logical, cumulative potency.

This effect may be repeated if you use another mathematical procedure to force a different
value.