I.S.P. by Kaleb Wade

I.S.P. stands for Impromptu Sensory Perception. Essentially it’s creating eight ESP type symbols on eight blank business cards, pieces of paper, or whatever you find and using them to create memorable mentalism presentations.

The three phase routine begins with them selecting a shape. The performer holds the spectator’s hand, calls out the shapes and is able to determine which one they are thinking of. Now the performer dribbles the packet and has the spectator call stop. They take their card and remember their shape. The performer now removes a bracelet and uses it as a pendulum. As the spectator holds the bracelet, it begins to move. Eventually, the performer names the shape they chose based on the movement of the pendulum. Finally the cards are separated for two spectators. They shuffle their packet, each select a card, and mix them thoroughly. The performer takes Spectator 1’s cards and removes the thought of shape. The packet is handed over to the second spectator who mixes them all together. Without ever touching the cards, the performer reveals their selected shape as well.

As long as you can find eight business cards or similar items with blank backs and something to write with, you’ll be set to go with this. It’s great to keep in your head for truly impromptu moments. The routine builds nicely and each phase feels unique from the others. It’s dead easy to do. So easy in fact, that after reading, you’ll likely never forget how to do it. That’s exactly what I want for an impromptu piece that I may not use until the moment arises. I don’t want to be concerned with remembering complex moves or sequences. Once you know the method you can tailor it and the reveals to fit your personality. Kaleb goes over several variations of the method to get your mind going. He also teaches a super fair final phase where they shuffle the packet, pick a card, return their card, and shuffle the packet again. The cards are then laid out face down and they eliminate cards until only one is left. They turn it over and it is indeed their chosen symbol.

In addition to the main routine, you also get another routine called “Mist” where they split the packet into two piles and move cards from each pile until two remain. The performer shows that he predicted which two cards would be left. As a kicker, he shows exactly how all of the cards would be randomly matched together. 

Mist is Kaleb’s version of Will The Cards Match but with a prediction, no spelling, and no matching. It’s a unique take and seems impossible. It’s also self working. It isn’t as impromptu as the main routine because you have to set up multiple predictions in advance, but it’s nice. He also teaches an alternative method for Mist that involves an envelope. It eliminates the need for multiple predictions by painting it red, but I think the original version is the best.

Overall, I think this is a great release that contains several really nice ideas for totally impromptu mentalism. It isn’t something I’d add into my working repertoire, but that’s not really the point. The point is to have something in your head for those moments where you’re completely unprepared and get asked to perform something.