In Case of ESP

Stephen

Max Maven (originally Phil Goldstein - and you can find some of his effects still under his birth name) - was at least a demi-god in Mentalism. Just about anything he wrote and EVERYTHING he performed is GOLD. This one - as are most great routines - has a simple method. Max's performance has beauty to it. His voice is mesmerizing. Once he gets rolling there are no bits of extraneous bits of fluff.
His explanation includes his original gimmick as well as a more recent one and suggests others. He includes references in how various parts of the routine have been developed by others over the past 500 years (don't worry - these parts comprise a total of maybe 2 minutes out of the video. Max was a historian of magic and mentalism.
This is an excellent buy.

Stephen

A very basic but effective version of ESP. In the hands of Max Maven, the demonstration is made to look quite guile-free. Max is and will be missed for a long time. This video will give you a solid understanding of the basics.

Roger

Richard

Max Maven has left us so many pearls--no, make that diamonds--of wisdom. And this video is a great example of that wisdom. A simple effect in the mind of the Maven, turns into a presentational Grand Slam Home Run. Watch his performance. Watch it again. And again. Did you note the absence of both extraneous movement and excess patter? Did you see how Max takes a simple "take a card and I'll tell you what it is" card trick and constructs a very believable demonstration of thought reading?

Take my word for it, if you want to learn how to be a mentalist, sage, or purveyor of hoo-doo, study anything you can lay your hands on by Max Maven (or his alter ego, Phil Goldstein.) Watch his performances, study his books. You will not find a better teacher. And in the case of "in Case of ESP" you'll have a wonderful jumping off point on you way to reading minds.

Roque

great deep understanding,..really helps in learning how to Act and Behave like a mentalist.

Miguel

OUTSTANDING!!!! God rest his soul!!!??

Bill

Leoncio

David

Max is incapable of doing anything but exceptionally fine work. As always, this short clip is chock full of valuable information, advice, tips, etc. Very well done! And, of course, this effect is completely mystifying. Hard-hitting yet not at all difficult. What’s not to love?

Neofytos

That was amazing!!!!
Excellent effect, great presentation, and of course Max Maven a living legend...
Great production values.
Vanishing inc team please bring us more projects from Max.
Even as an one off speech.
Or Masterclass.
Important to have a quality microphone especially for Max Maven

Sly

A trick is just a trick...but to really makes a trick memorable it takes good presentation. Max Maven teaches you the mechanics of the trick but teaches you and challenges you to build on the foundation that he has laid down for you to get a "Wow" moment from your spectator.

Steve

As always Max Maven is very through and in depth. HIs knowledge of magic, history and theory is humbling. I love learning the background of an effect as well as the theory of the idea and presentation. As Max says, "It is a simple method, which is not to say simplistic". This is something you can easily carry with you at all times and a perfect way to introduce someone to the mysteries of mentalism.

Erik

Ross

this is a very compelling explanation of a very cool trick

William

"In Case of ESP" is so much more than a mentalism effect. You receive the "Performance" and the "Tutorial" as to the "how to" for the effect. However, Max Maven provides some brief background regarding the history of the development of the ESP cards, their introduction into the public domain and the world of mentalism, and helps the student or apprentice of mentalism to explore a segment of the mentalism expanse. The presentation is very clear as to understanding, it is interesting and educational. The presentation is brief to not lull the viewer into a dream state, but not so brief as to lose the significance of the material being taught. Excellent purchase. I highly recommend the purchase for the student of mentalism and for the non-mentalist to possess additional knowledge within the realm of magical entertainment.

Kirk

Very simple effect but with a great explanation and thoughts on how to make it your own effect.

Ben

George

Kevin

Interesting food for thought.

Paul

yosef

Tapio

Erik

I cannot believe that I am eating something from Max Maven as “below standard.” Yet I was disappointed. The effect is dependent on having a particular deck of cards, one that’s relatively hard to get these days. It’s always great to hear his dulcet tones and watch his expressive face. But there wasn’t as much substance as I’m used to from him. And I didn’t even feel his usual energy. Generally I would encourage anyone to buy anything Max Maven is involved with … even when it’s less than his best. Not this one. I hate to say it, but save your money.