23 by Michael Weber (Instant Download)

The Enigma Unfolds

Dive into the intriguing world of the "23 Enigma," a pervasive superstition that suggests the number 23 appears with uncanny frequency in life, often with mysterious significance. Michael Weber expertly harnesses this compelling theme to create a mentalism effect that is not just a trick, but a genuinely captivating experience. This isn't just about a card appearing; it's about making your audience believe in the impossible connection of numbers and fate. "23" provides a powerful narrative hook, drawing your audience into a story before the magic even begins, setting the stage for an extraordinary reveal that feels destined.

An Impossible Prediction & Reveal

Imagine this: a spectator is invited to engage directly with the mystery. They cut a portion of the deck, shuffle it, and then *mentally* select any card they see, keeping its identity a secret. In a bold move, they then *silently remove* a quantity of cards from their packet, equal to the value of their chosen card, hiding them away. All choices are theirs, seemingly random, ensuring no one, not even they, knows the exact location of their mentally selected card within the remaining shuffled cards. Yet, defying all odds, when you count down to the 23rd card in the remaining deck, an anomaly appears: a unique, red-backed card bearing a prominent '23'. The kicker? This distinctive card is not only the 23rd card but is also, impossibly, their mentally selected card, known only in their mind. There are no forces, no ambiguous statements – just a pure, inexplicable revelation that will leave your audience stunned.

Why "23" Belongs in Your Repertoire

Michael Weber's '23' offers a rare blend of strong magical impact with a presentation hook that immediately draws in your audience. The effect is largely spectator-driven, lending immense credibility to the impossibility of the outcome. It's clean, direct, and leaves a profound impression, making it a perfect opener or a memorable feature for any close-up or parlor performance. The instant download format means you can start learning and performing this masterpiece today, adding a truly unique and mysterious piece of mental magic to your act that plays big and resonates deeply with anyone fascinated by the unexplained.

Original Specs

There is a superstition surrounding the number 23. It is said that actively trying to avoid the number only makes the connection more likely.
The spectator is told he will intentionally select a lucky card and use the number associated with that card. He is invited to cut off less than half the deck and to shuffle the cut-off cards. He is told to fan the cards in front of himself and remember any card number card he sees.
The spectator turns the fan of cards face down again and shuffle them so even he has no idea which of the cards is the one he mentally selected.

“This deck has 52 cards but you are going to intentionally upset the 23 Enigma by hiding some of the cards. Silently remove a group of cards equal to whatever card you mentally chose. For example, if you are thinking of the Ten of Spades, silently remove any ten cards and hide them in the card case then place any remaining cards back onto the rest of the deck.”

The performer suggests that the Enigma occurs no matter what you do to try to avoid it. After counting down exactly 22 cards in the pack he reveals that the 23rd card is not only the only red-backed card in the deck but that it also has a giant number 23 printed on it.

Without ever speaking the name of his card, the spectator turns over the red back card to discover that it is exactly the same as his mentally selected card.