|
|
Effect: Using invisible thumbscrews, the magician causes the spectator’s two outstretched index fingers to come together magically. This routine was shown to me by a great friend and magician to whom this book is dedicated. As a hypnotist, he used this routine to win over his subjects. It was his idea to use the invisible thumbscrews. The idea of the thumbscrews helps to make this old bit even more magical. Try this bit before another of your favorite mentalism routines, and you will discover that it helps to make the magic moment much stronger. Routine: Have the spectator interlace her fingers and clench them into a fist. I say, "Pretend you are squeezing the juice from a lemon." (FIG. 1) Once she has done that for a few seconds, have her outstretch her index fingers. Instruct your subject to press her index fingers together (FIG. 2). Having done that, instruct her to separate her index fingers. Have her bend the fingers back as far as they will go (FIG. 3). Now act quickly. Place the index finger and thumb, of each of your hands, near the back of each of her outstretched index fingers (FIG. 4). Using your index fingers and thumbs, pretend to be turning a thumbscrew with each hand. The muscles in her index fingers will relax, causing them to come together. As this happens, bring your pinched fingers in closer to narrow the area into which she can stretch her index fingers. Explain that you do not wish to touch her fingers, and she should not touch you. Continue bringing your fingers in closer as hers relax, finally touching. Once her fingers meet, breathe a sigh of relief, as if this were difficult to accomplish. Obviously, when you perform the Invisible Thumbscrews, you want to select someone who will cooperate and follow instructions. Yet if she should she try to resist, remind her again to relax and not to touch you. Eventually, her fingers will relax and you can move yours inward, as if subconsciously pushing hers together. If you are polite, she will want the trick to work. People love to experience magic and therefore should succumb to your suggestions. |
