What is Mentalism – Detailed Guide With Tricks

I have been performing mentalism for over 20 years. Most people think that mentalism and magic are different. They are not. This might come as a surprise, mentalism is just a type of magic. Luckily, everyone likes a good magic trick. 

Mentalism is the performance of magic tricks that focus on the mind, and must be psychologically convincing to be effective. Mentalism tricks include telekinesis, mind-reading, predictions, feats of memory, rapid mathematics, metal bending, psychic vision, and ESP.

Mentalism, if performed well, will leave your spectators believing that you have heightened mental and intuitive capabilities. I will cover all the details here and teach you some incredible mentalism you can perform yourself.

Mentalism Explained

Mentalism is a branch of magic performed by mentalists, psychic entertainers, where the artist focuses on the mind, and seems to possess highly developed mental or psychic abilities.

Practitioners appear to demonstrate telepathy, telekinesis, mind-reading, psychokinesis, communications with the dead, clairvoyance, displays of extraordinary powers, precognition, and ESP.

Is Mentalism Real?

No! Not even a little bit. Mentalists are nothing more than magicians performing magic tricks. Please know I say this with the utmost respect, I am a proud magician performing magic tricks, and a ton of incredible mentalism.

Why Are Mentalists Held in Such High Regard?

Most people don’t know the difference between a kiddie magician and a more sophisticated magician for adults. Magic, therefore, has become associated with kids. Mentalism, because kids cannot understand tricks of the mind, has become associated with adults.

Some say mentalism is the adult version of magic.

People falsely draw the conclusion that since mentalism is for adults, it must be good. 

Mentalism can be really good, and it can also be terrible, same as magic. It depends on the performer.

Most people believe magic is fake and mentalism is real. This is one big lie that everyone is being fed and accepting. I guess we all just want to believe.

I have found that most mentalists I meet who tell me they don’t perform any magic tricks (cards, coins, ropes, etc.), are too lazy to practice good sleight of hand magic. So it isn’t magic that is weak, it is their magic that is weak.

Many magicians who don’t want to practice and put in the time become mentalists, and do the minimum.

Mentalism Techniques

Most people believe that mentalists are experts at influence, misdirection, and reading body language. It is thought that mentalists possess advanced memory capabilities, use intuition, hypnosis, mind control, suggestion, and manipulate spectators through psychological subtleties.

This is complete nonsense, totally made up!

The majority of mentalism doesn’t require much technique at all. Mentalists that are skilled artists are hard to come by. Many magicians get into “mentalism” because they are too lazy to practice.

Fortunately for them, mentalism type tricks make it seem like they have intuitive abilities and skills beyond imagination.

I do not claim to have any psychic powers; there are enough people who do that for me. 

Mentalism vs. Magic

Mentalism is a type of Magic. So are card tricks and coin tricks. The only distinction is the type of tricks performed. Magic is for the eyes, mentalism is for the mind.

While it is believed that magic tricks are explained by sleight of hand, in mentalism, many believe that the performer is doing it for real. The perception of mentalism is much higher than that of magic.

When people think of magic tricks, they think of pulling a rabbit out of a hat, making a silk change color, or your uncle’s mathematical card trick that he ended up teaching you.

People hear “magician,” and picture a guy in a colorful outfit performing at a kid’s birthday party. Others remember the magic set they received at some point and played with.

When people think of mentalism, they think of a mysterious performer reading someone’s mind and predicting the future. When you hear “mentalist,” you automatically picture a guy in all black with amazing powers performing unexplainable feats.

This is why mentalists just step into character and act as if they have powers, and people believe.

The truth is, both magic and mentalism, if done well, can be astonishing.

The type of magic tricks I am discussing here are the ones performed for adults, not for little kids.

To perform amazing magic tricks, you must practice and perfect your sleight of hand. It takes good choreography and well thought out methods for your magic to be effective.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Magic Tricks for Beginners Amazing Enough for Professionals

Most magicians do not put in the time and practice that is required to master a good magic trick. Instead they perform poorly for kids and claim that kids don’t know.

Newsflash – Kids know! And these are the kids who grow up with a negative outlook on magic.

Why Mentalists Do Not Perform Magic

Many mentalists do not mix “magic” into their performances. They insist they are not magicians at all and argue that magic is a different art form. Their argument is that mentalism invokes belief and is seen as real while magic is accepted as trickery.

I believe it is due to laziness. I perform a ton of mentalism along with magic. The magic tricks I perform are just as strong as the mind-reading tricks. Nobody has ever said no to watching an incredible card trick, before or after I read their mind.

Mentalism Performance

Mentalism is usually presented in a show format in front of an audience. A show requires the full attention of everyone at the same time. Nowadays, it is much more practical and desirable to perform strolling magic and mind-reading at events.

This is what I am hired to do 90% of the time. I walk around and entertain guests throughout the event. It is more casual. I perform all sorts of different magic, including a fair amount of mentalism.

To be honest, I think a lot of mentalism is boring. Not all of it, yet a lot of it. I like to mix some mentalism when I perform, yet I would never leave out card tricks to only perform mentalism.

I believe that mentalists who stroll at events and don’t perform magic tricks severely limit themselves and cheat their audiences.

When I perform a show on stage, I mix magic and mentalism. There are so many incredible mind blowing magic tricks that audiences love. Here is a real performance where I am on stage at a real event performing for about 200 people.

Corporate Stand Up Magic & Mind Reading Show Full Performance

I know many great magicians today who also have a mind-reading show for the right occasion. David Berglas, one of the most famous magicians and mentalists in the world, called himself the International Man of Mystery.

He read minds; he performed card tricks; he did it all. Anything amazing and entertaining! You can learn more about Berglas here.

Should Mentalists Claim They Are Real?

Mentalism is NOT real, it is just magic tricks. Mentalism tricks can be so convincing that audiences start to question what is real. People want to believe!

It is widely accepted that mentalists possess true psychic abilities. This means that spectators already believe before the show starts.

There is a lot of controversy among mentalists as to whether or not they should make disclaimers about their performances. Some say it is morally wrong to claim you have “psychic abilities.”

Derren Brown, the famous English mentalist, maintains that he neither has nor believes in any kind of psychic power. He gives a disclaimer at the beginning of all of his shows.

Magicians admit that they are tricksters and entertainers, and audiences understand it’s all an illusion. Mentalists, on the other hand, tell their spectators that they are reading their body language, picking up on subtle tells, and influencing them to do things.

It is a complete lie. And spectators believe all of it to be true. Many times I see mentalists giving false explanations to their audiences, and knowing the real method, I cannot believe what I am hearing.

Everyone likes to be fooled and entertained. My philosophy is to perform your tricks and let people think what they want. When watching a movie, we might know it isn’t real, yet we are left to enjoy it and be entertained without a detailed false explanation.

Basics of Mentalism

The basic types of mentalism seen today are metal bending, mind-reading, telekinesis, predictions, and book tests.

Bending forks, telling someone the name of the first person they kissed, moving an object with your mind, predicting what your spectator will choose, and divining thought of words are the most common mentalism effects performed.

All of these mentalism tricks are easy to do. None require much practice or any sleight of hand. The tricks rely on secrets, gimmicks, and subtlety. Below you will learn some impressive mentalism that will leave your spectators convinced that you possess psychic abilities.

How to Learn Mentalism

The best way to learn mentalism is to find a specific trick you like, learn the secret, practice till you can do it smoothly, and go perform it.

There are many great mentalism tricks. You will blow minds with the ones below.

In researching all the details of mentalism for this article, I found websites where they talk about focusing on meditation and mindfulness to learn mentalism.

The spiritual aspects these websites talk about are complete nonsense. Mentalism is nothing more than magic tricks. Learn some great tricks that focus on the mind, and you will be a mentalist.

Mentalism Books

3 books on mentalism:

• The Encyclopedia of Mentalism & Mentalists by Corinda
• Practical Mental Magic by Theodore Annemann
• Derren Brown’s Tricks Of Mind.

I really wouldn’t recommend any of these books.

These books were written over 50 years ago and are old and outdated. Entertainment has completely changed. Derren’s book is a good read, he is entertaining, yet I don’t think it will make you a mentalist.

Start with the incredible mentalism tricks below. You will be a mentalist in no time.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Mind Reading Tricks – Is Mind Reading Real?

Mentalism for Beginners

Here you will learn some astonishing mentalism. These tricks are guaranteed to convince your spectators you have supernatural abilities. Though these tricks are for beginners, they are also for professionals.

Mentalism is not based on hardcore techniques that take years to master. These tricks require minimal practice yet you must add showmanship and presentation to make your mentalism convincing.

1. Fork Metal Bending
2. Dice Mind Trick
3. iPhone Prediction
4. Telekinetic Pen
5. Thought of Number
6. Guessing Someone’s Age
7. Mind Reading Trick
8. Open Prediction
9. Book Test (1 book)
10. Book Test (2 books)

Mentalism Tricks

Metal Bending

You shake a fork and focus your mind on it. It mysteriously bends.

How to Do It

You need a cheap metal fork, one that is easy to bend the tine. Either bring your own or use one at a restaurant when you’re out. Show the fork with your right hand (switch hands if you are a lefty).

Relax your right hand casually to your side as you point at your head with your left finger and say, “I focus my mind.” As you say this all attention will be on you. Bend the tine with your right thumb.

Bring up the fork and immediately start shaking it. The motion will conceal the bent tine. You don’t need to go crazy, just a slight back and forth shaking. Gradually slow down your shaking to reveal the bent tine.

Pro Tips

I know it sounds simple. Perhaps you think it won’t work. Try it, you will be surprised. The move is well covered. Your audience will be amazed. Add a little bit of acting as if you are concentrating on the fork to cause it to bend.

Dice Mind Reading – Crazy Cube

Your spectator thinks of a number and you guess it.

Crazy Cube : $4.99 – Link to Buy on Amazon

• Two containers
• A mini die

Watch me perform this trick – 5:30

How to Do It

• Show the containers and die to your spectator. Hand them the small container, cap, and die.
• Tell them to choose a number, drop the die into the container with their number on top, and cap it.
• Turn around while they do this.
• Turn back around and take their container with the lid toward you, tilted downward, so the die is against the inside of the lid.
• Display the inside of the larger container at eye level showing it is solid.
• Place the smaller container inside and get a peek at the number.
• Cap it and hand the large container to your spectator to hold.
• Concentrate and act like you are reading their mind.
• Tell them their number.

Pro Tips

Make sure you have enough light when you perform this so you can see the die.

I know what you are thinking (I’m a mentalist). You think this is a kid’s trick. Watch the video above at 5:30 to see me perform this in real-time. This trick always gets an incredible reaction.

Play it up a little before you tell your spectator their number. A tiny bit of acting goes a long way. You can repeat this trick one time if you want. Usually, I do it only once.

iPhone Prediction

You predict a random number.

How to Do It

You will be forcing a number and revealing it in a very clever and super cool way. You can force any number. I usually choose something I can remember easily, my birthday- 11061975.

You will set your calculator so no matter what your spectators punch in when they hit the equals sign it will bring up your force number. Here is the setup, it takes 10 seconds.

Calculator Setup

1. Punch in 11061975
2. Press +
3. Press 0
4. Press x
5. Press ( *You have to rotate your phone so this button appears
6. Press 0

After you set up your calculator you can go back to your home screen. Your set up will be ready when you open your calculator.

Routine

Write down your force number on a piece of paper or business card and place it face down on the table. Take out your phone and go to your calculator. It is best to get more than one spectator involved here, yet you can have one spectator do all 4 steps:

1. Please punch in a random 4 digit number and press x (times)
2. Please punch in a random 3 digit number and press + (plus)
3. Please punch in a random 5 digit number and press – (minus)
4. Please punch in a random 2 digit number and press = (equals)

The total will say 11061975. You must build this up a little. Here is what you can say.

“You punched in a bunch of random numbers. There is no way I could have known the numbers you would have punched in nor could I have known what the total would be.”

For the big finish flip over your prediction on the table.

Pro Tips

Since your prediction is already on the table, you don’t have to look away or turn around while they punch in numbers. You can hold your calculator and watch what they do. This is important just in case they mess up.

Let’s say by mistake they punch in a five-digit number instead of a four-digit number. Your spectator will want to hit clear and start over, which will ruin the trick. Tell them it is okay, and to keep going, truth is it doesn’t really matter.

You don’t have to use the exact 4 steps I wrote above when your spectator punches in numbers. Anything works. I recommend you do at least four steps so they can’t go back and recreate it.

Don’t do too many steps, or it will get confusing.

You can do this trick with their phone, yet I highly recommend against it. I have tried this out. I used to borrow their phone, I’d go to their calculator, and act as if I was trying to clear it out as I set up the force number.

It is unnecessary, and truthfully nobody wants you messing with their phone. You can set it up on your phone in front of them. This is what I usually do. Just act as if you are looking for the calculator.

You can use any prediction numbers here. You can set it so the total ends up being someone’s phone number, someone’s birthday, etc.

To learn another incredible ending to this trick check out Magic Tricks for Adults.

Telekinetic Pen

You move a pen with your mind.

How to Do It

You can use any bottle. I prefer the type with a cap that isn’t completely flat, like the one seen in the picture below. Since the pen isn’t fully balanced, it will move easily, as seen in the above video.

A basic round pen is best, Bic works well. You will need to static charge the pen. Wrap your shirt around the pen, apply pressure, and rub it a few times.

The best time to do this is before the trick starts when nobody is looking. Turn away and charge it quickly. It takes 2 seconds.

Balance the pen on top of the cap. Hold your fingers above and your thumb near the end of the pen. Your thumb will attract and move the pen. Wiggle your 1st finger at the same time, so it looks like you are moving the pen from above.

Slowly bring your thumb near the charged end. When the pen moves, gently move your thumb up and away. The pen will spin. When it slows down, again bring your thumb close to the pen to give it more momentum.

Once you take the pen off the bottle and put it down, it will lose its charge and your spectator may try. If the pen falls while balancing, it might lose its charge.

You can try picking it up and proceeding. If it did lose its charge, move on to another trick. Recharge the pen at the right moment.

Pro Tips

Practice balancing the pen a few times before you do the trick so you know the right spot. You don’t want to drop the charged pen in the middle of performance.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: How To Telekinesis – A Complete Guide With Tricks

Mentalism Over the Phone

Mentalism can be performed over the phone for your spectators. This is so cool. Here are two easy to do mentalism effects that are guaranteed to amaze. You can also perform these tricks in person.

Thought of Number

Your spectator thinks of any number, you read their mind, and guess it.

How to Do It

Here are the instructions you give your spectator:

• Think of any number between 1 and 100
• Double it
• Add 10
• Half that number
• Subtract your original #
• Concentrate…
• You are thinking of… 5

Pro Tips

This is an easy self-working trick, try it yourself, it is awesome. Follow these steps, it will work every time. Since your spectator is not there, you can open this trick on your phone and read off the steps.

You might want to tell your spectator to take out their phone and go to the calculator, just in case they cannot do the math in their head. You don’t want them to mess up the math.

Check out Math Magic Tricks – The Absolute Best Ones for more tricks like this.

Guessing Someone’s Age

You guess your spectator’s age.

How to Do It

Tell your spectator to take out their cell phone and open up the calculator. Tell them only to use the calculator if they need it. Here are the instructions you give them.

1. Think of your age.
2. Double it.
3. Add 5
4. Multiply by 5
5. Have them tell you their new random number
6. Subtract 2 from the 2nd number. The first two numbers is their age.
7. Concentrate…
8. Tell them their age.

EXAMPLE – I’m 44.

1. Think of your age: 44
2. Double it: 88
3. Add 5: 93
4. Multiply by 5: 465
5. Have them tell you their new random number: 465
6. Subtract 2 from the 2nd number: 6-4=4. New number is 445. The first two numbers is their age, 44.
7. Concentrate…
8. Tell them their age: 44

Pro Tips

This is another easy self-working mentalism trick. Try it yourself; it is so cool. Since your spectator is not there, you can open this trick on your phone and read off the steps. It couldn’t be easier.

It is good to build up the effect before you reveal their age.

“I had you punch in some random numbers to focus your mind; there is no way I could know your age, concentrate, I’m getting something, are you 44?”

Mentalism Card Tricks

Many card tricks can be presented as mentalism tricks where you read your spectator’s mind or make a prediction. The key is to keep it simple. Here are two easy to do mentalism card tricks that will blow your spectator’s minds.

Mind Reading Card Trick

Spectator shuffles the cards and picks one at random. You read their mind and tell them what card they are thinking of.

How to Do It

Have your spectator shuffle the cards. Take the cards back and turn the deck face up. Spread through the cards showing they are all different. Remember the card that is 2nd from the top, that will be your “force” card.

Square up the cards and turn the deck face down. Tell your spectator that you want this trick to be impossible so you will bury the top card and the bottom card.

Take the top card and place it into the center of the deck. Then take the bottom card and place it into the center of the deck. Your force card is now on top.

Tell your spectator to lift off a small group of cards, about 10 or so, flip them face up, and place them back onto the deck. Tell them to do this again yet this time lift off a larger group of cards. There will be a group of face up cards on top of the deck.

Spread the face-up cards until you get to the first face down card. Have your spectator look at this card and remember it. It is your force card. Turn all the face-up cards face down on top of their card so that their card will be lost in the middle.

Build up this trick a little bit. Here are some things you can say:

• “I didn’t know how many cards you would lift off.”
• “You lifted off packets of cards twice, which is pretty random.”
• “There is no way I could know what card you are thinking of.”

Pro Tips

You could just tell your spectator their card. Yet in my opinion, it needs a little mystique to make this a great trick. Tell your spectator to think of their card and concentrate.

You can even act as if you aren’t sure. Take a few seconds. Tell your spectator to silently, in their mind, say their card over and over. Finally, tell them the name of their card.

In the beginning, after your spectator shuffles, be casual when spreading through the face-up cards. Don’t make a big deal of it. Your reason for doing this is to show that they are all different.

Memorizing the 2nd card as opposed to the top card will fool a lot of people. It is a real nice touch that you can use in many card tricks.

This is a terrific mind-reading card trick. It is quick, to the point, and gets your spectator involved. Plus it does not require a table. Strong tricks like this are rare and great to have in your arsenal.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: How to Do Amazing Card Tricks That Are Easy

Open Card Prediction

You write a prediction on a piece of paper and place it on the table. The cards are shuffled and shown to be all different.

Your spectator says any number between 1 and 52. You count down to that number and flip over the card. You show all the other cards are different. Your prediction matches their card.

You will need to buy a Svengali Deck, which you can purchase here.

How to Do It

A Svengali deck consists of the same card, (the force card), alternating with regular cards. Write down your force card on a piece of paper and place it on the table. Shuffle and show the cards are all different.

Ask for a number between 1 and 52. Count the cards face down into a pile. There are two possible outcomes. If they chose an odd number, a force card will land on their number.

If they chose an even number, you will take the next card. Either way, pick up the force card. Place the cards you are holding on the table. Turn over the top card of both packets to show different cards. Turn over their card. Show your prediction.

Pro Tip

Do not pass over this trick, it is so strong. You will blow minds!

CHECK OUT: How To Master The Svengali Deck – Complete Guide

Mentalism Book Trick

The mentalism book trick is when a spectator thinks of any word, phrase, or image from a book, and through reading their mind, the mentalist tells the person what they are thinking.

There are many versions of the mentalism book trick, some use one book, and others use multiple books. Some use an ordinary book, and others use a specially gimmicked book.

The key is to keep the word selection simple. If your spectator has to choose two cards, add the value, and go that page number, it becomes a weak trick. When I perform the mentalism book trick, I have the spectator think of any word, or at least it seems that way.

Here are two versions of the mentalism book test. Both will cause your spectators to believe you can read their minds. The first one is unpublished.

It is something I came up with many years ago and have been performing for a long time. It is a fooler and easy to do. The second one is my handling of a very well known book test – The Hoy Book Test.

Mentalism Book Test (Using 1 Book)

Your spectator thinks of a random word in a book, you read their mind and guess the word.

How to Do It

You will need a paperback book with the page numbers in the top right corner.

Turn your head away so it is clear you are not looking. Hold the book up, and slowly riffle through the pages until your spectator says stop.

Turn your head toward the book and get a quick peek at the page number facing you as you point at the page facing them with your right 1st finger
“Right here is ok?”

Immediately turn your head away again. If your spectator says no, repeat the riffling process.

When they say ok, open the book and move the right side toward them. Your head is still looking away.
“Remember the first couple of words please.”

When they confirm they have a couple of words, close the book. At this point, you do not know their words, yet you do know the opposite page number.

You will get your peek of the words subtly. Start to build up the trick.

“You picked out some random words in this book, which has thousands and thousands of words. There is no way I could know the words you are thinking of.”

As you say this, casually flip through the book. Hold it so your spectators cannot see the pages. Open to the page number you remembered and look at the first few words on the opposite page.

Close the book and hand it to them. Here you will add in some showmanship.

“Concentrate, I’m getting a D, I’m getting an I, I’m getting an R. Are you thinking of the word directly? Concentrate, I’m getting one other word, are you thinking of the word ‘under’?

Pro Tips

Pause and let the effect sink it. If your spectator says they have more words, and you haven’t peeked them, tell your spectator you are only seeing two words in your mind.

Don’t perform this trick if the book has page numbers at the bottom.

If you peek and don’t see a page number, drop where you are holding the book open and say “oops,” and start again. You might have flipped to a chapter page.

Don’t repeat this trick for the same spectators, though they probably will ask you to.

Mentalism Book Test (Using 2 Books)

Your spectator thinks of a random word in a book, you read their mind, and guess the word.

How to Do It

You will need two books, one has to be a paperback book.

Before the trick starts, casually open any book to a random page. Remember the page number and the longest word on the first line. This will be your “force” word.

You can do this beforehand, or you do this in front of your spectators as you pick up the books to show that there are a lot of words. Hand your spectator the book with the word you remembered.

Pick up the other book, which is a paperback. Hold the book so they really can not see the pages. Riffle through and have your spectator tell you when to stop. When they say stop, act as if you are reading the page number.
“You stopped on page 156.”

Call out the page number you memorized in the other book. Vaguely angle the book toward your spectator as if you are showing it to them. They won’t be able to see the number. Close the book.

Here are the directions you will give:

• Please go to page 156 in the book you are holding.
• Please find the longest word in the first line, and think of it.
• Concentrate.
• You are thinking of a C, an H, an A, are you thinking of the word charming?

Pro Tips

Sometimes I see people try to force a specific book on their spectator. This is unnecessary. Just hand the spectator the book with your force word.

Don’t make a big deal of the page selection. Keep it moving as if you didn’t even realize they cannot see the page number. Do not repeat this trick for the same spectators.

Conclusion

Mentalism is hot nowadays. While I think it is ridiculous that people actually believe you have powers, it is exactly what your spectators will think. Use these tricks responsibly!