Banachek's number reading trick

[briandunning]

Re: The trick where Banachek had the dude stand up in the back of the room, then read off the numbers on his ID card.

I don't expect anyone to tell me how it was done. All I want to know is: Are there people here who can do that trick????

My wife & I are going crazy here.

 

[Geek Goddess]

Re: The trick where Banachek had the dude stand up in the back of the room, then read off the numbers on his ID card.

I don't expect anyone to tell me how it was done. All I want to know is: Are there people here who can do that trick????

My wife & I are going crazy here.

On the Cruise, he had someone do the same thing, but read the serial numbers off of a dollar bill. It's impressive, no?

 

[AZAtheist]

Nancy and I just got back from the Penn and Teller show. He said during his performance that ALL the psychic mind reading tricks are tricks, without exception. So...I'd say that it was a trick. I don't know how the trick is done but this weekend I saw the same trick (with variations) done three times...Banachek, Jamy, and Penn & Teller. Rest assured, as Penn said, "all miracles are ********".

 

[phyz]

My wife & I are going crazy here.

I have come to peace knowing that I will likely never know how Banachek does it. I will contend that my mind is as inquiring as the next. But I'm OK not knowing Banachek's (American) magic.

I wish that peace on anyone who sees Banachek or othert magicians. Enjoy the awe they visit upon you.

 

[RemieV]

Aren't we not allowed to say how tricks are done? I actually saw how this one was done. But I don't wanna say

 

[Kevin_Lowe]

If there is an incredibly boring and easy way for a magic trick to be done, that's probably how it is done.

 

[Reno]

I'd like to know via PM please RemieV if that's allowed. Oh, and Banachek is a wizard.

 

[Brown]

This sounds like a trick that Kreskin frequently used. If Kreskin can do it, then almost anyone can do it. Moreover, if Kreskin can do it, then almost anyone can do it better than Kreskin can do it.

Folks, a general bit of advice about mentalism. Chances are very good that, if you know how the effect can be performed, you will be amazed at how simple the secret is. You may even be sort of ashamed that you fell for such a simple ruse. When you see the performance again, it will no longer seem entertaining. It may even seem clownish.

If you are burning to know secrets of mentalism, many of them are available on video from various dealers. But I warn you: you will be severely disappointed if you think you are going to learn anything earth-shattering.

 

[Lisa Simpson]

Aren't we not allowed to say how tricks are done? I actually saw how this one was done. But I don't wanna say

We do not reveal magician secrets here.

Subforum:

Conjurer's Corner
For a discussion of magic and magicians, NOT TO INCLUDE THE DISCLOSING OF SECRETS

 

[briandunning]

I'm sure it's disappointingly easy. I'm convinced that he had the information, and that his explanation of "reading your body language" was just a distraction. We just can't guess how the heck he got the information.

I saw a similar trick on TV where an associate ran over to the subject in the audience with a microphone that had a tiny video camera attached to it, but I'm going to believe Banachek's statement that he doesn't use a radio or anything like that.

 

[Overman]

Aren't we not allowed to say how tricks are done? I actually saw how this one was done. But I don't wanna say

I think he was lying to you.

I talked to a couple of other mentalists and they said it was not the method you suggested...of course they could have been lying to me...

 

[fuelair]

Aren't we not allowed to say how tricks are done? I actually saw how this one was done. But I don't wanna say

Not on this forum, I fear.

 

[snex]

ever heard of pickpocketing? if you want your number to be the one that is read next year, get a large wallet and wear loose pants.

 

[El_Spectre]

I think he was lying to you.

I talked to a couple of other mentalists and they said it was not the method you suggested...of course they could have been lying to me...

Yeah, there are often several ways to do a trick, so when an audience member says "ah ha, you did it THIS way", the magician calmly creates the same effect with a completely different method.

Of course, lying to the audience works well too.

I've seen Banachek do basically the same routine 3 times now (and even "stabbed" him once) and it still amazes me.