An independent purchase and review. Not sponsored.
“Mental Match” is a mentalism magic effect sold by NEO MAGIC and an updated version of their earlier effect, “Scramble.” Priced at £15, this iteration brings the routine to a broader range of hobbyists and performers. An easy-to-carry pocket effect released by the companies Mind Burp games.
The Effect
The routine relies on two predictions to impress an audience with a card trick without playing cards! Using tiles marked with suits and card values, the volunteer shakes them until one value is selected and then one suit remain. The performer predicts the selected card, then reveals the unused tiles carry coloured backs. Once the volunteer arranges the tiles in colour order like a domino sequence, the performer then correctly predicts the colours at each end of the row of tiles.
What You Get
Presentation Box: A sturdy card storage box that houses the effect for safe keeping. NEO MAGIC effects now tend to arrive in these very nicely packaged boxes which make them easy to store and keep.
Components: Thick cut-card tiles (featuring playing card numbers and suits) and a cloth string bag.
Instructions: Clear, straightforward documentation that allows for quick learning and handling of the effect. A suggested script to present the routine is also provided.
Performance
I used a pad and spilled the tiles in front of my audience. After separating the tiles into values and suits, I worked through the routine. Of course there is a method to the handling. It was a straightforward routine and I supervised casually to aid the random choice. Your volunteer can handle the tiles but avoid any inspection with supervision.
The effect gives room to present how you feel comfortable. As I practiced and performed to different spectators, I also became more confident letting them handle the tiles. Just make sure you keep the reveal on the reverse of the bag hidden until needed.
The reaction to both predictions was genuine amazement. The excellent reaction made it worthwhile performing. Of note, the final colour prediction which is potentially on show throughout the performance had not even been noticed by my volunteers.
Thoughts
Price: At £15, it is very affordable. The price also includes delivery in the UK.
Suitability: from child to adult hobbyists and professionals.
Difficulty: Easy with no awkward handling or sleights to master. Just some careful handling and timing. Classed as a self working effect.
Portability & Reset: The routine is easy to carry and features an instant reset, making it practical for walk-around or impromptu situations. The tiles can be stored in the bag and you simply need to separate the suits from the value tiles at the beginning of any performance. You can easily do this while being viewed during the start of the routine (with care). This approach aids the randomness of the selection and volunteer involvement.
Audience Reception: Performances gained strong reactions and I was met with “How did you do that?”. The two prediction reveals left them scratching their heads. No doubt their ability to handle and shake the tiles leaves them in no doubt that they made the selections.
Quality: While the tiles are card, they are thick and heavy-duty, which appear surprisingly durable. The cloth bag though small, nicely holds all the tiles.
Presentation: The effect leaves room for personality and presentation tweaks. E.g a hand-written prediction. If using a small pad to perform on, make sure you use a size that allows for the tiles to be lined up completely in a row (or do that part of the performance directly on the table).
Verdict
An easy-to-present, pocket-sized mentalism piece that delivers amazing reactions. Fun to perform and it is well-suited for hobbyists to professionals of all ages. It would also make for an excellent stocking present at Christmas.
I was very quickly performing the effect with confidence after following the instructions. Your volunteer can also help handle the tiles and once finished, you can easily perform quickly again to a brand new audience. Ideal as part of a small performance set.
I had been waiting for this effect for some time and loved performing it. I am a fan of NEO MAGIC products and I own most of their products and books. In the magic world, the effects are thought of as packet tricks that many can perform and are very popular. You certainly can’t beat the price for this routine.
Do take a look at the NEO MAGIC website to order and check out all their products. Delivery is very fast from this very respected magic family business.
https://www.neomagic.co.uk/product-page/mental-match
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