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Details

Fate?

Rick Maue

(Based on 1 review)
Imagine this: Five audience members are brought forward--one joins the performer at the center of the performing area, and the other four position themselves in the four corners of the stage (where there are four laminated targets to mark the spots). Six small squares of aluminum foil are introduced-wrapped inside each one is either a blue poker chip or a red poker chip.

From the corners, the four audience members each select a foil packet, which are opened to reveal the color of the poker chip chosen by each person. The two remaining packets are also opened to see what two chips have been left behind. At this point, the performer poses a question to everyone about whether they believe that the decisions that they make every day actually affect their lives-or is everything that happens predetermined? In other words, is everything simply in the hands of Fate?

The performer then asks the audience member at the center of the stage to pick up a small stack of cardboard signs that has been sitting facedown on the table. As she displays them, one at a time, each sign details exactly what has just occurred-step-by-step-as if all of the choices made by the four different audience members were indeed predetermined. But after the last sign is revealed, there is still one more surprise revelation that brings the routine to an amazing conclusion.

The package contains:
  • 15 Step-By-Step Message Signs.
  • 3 Sets of Five Cards - So that you can change the outcome for repeat shows.
  • 6 Laminated Target Cards - Extra laminated targets are included so that you can change the final revelation for repeat shows.
  • 12 Poker Chips.
  • Complete Scripting.
  • Complete Instructions.
  • 2 Pages of Detailed Photographs.
Laminated Targets 8 1/2" x 11" (22cm x 28cm)
Chip Diameter Approximately 1 5/8" (4 cm)

Reviews

Christopher Carey

Official Reviewer

Mar 04, 2008

FATE is one of those rare, almost perfect, dream effects. It's not technically challenging. The climax contains multiple surprises. It allows you to use five participants, and, If presented correctly, your audiences should be shouting "No Way!" as you show each revelation.

That's the good news. The only thing I don't like about FATE is that it uses an odd combination of props. Poker chips wrapped in aluminum foil, plastic target signs and laminated posters are used, and if that doesn't get you excited, you're not alone. So, I have to be honest, when I first read through FATE, I loved the method but couldn't see myself performing it.

I'm happy to say, that after thinking about the effect for several months and substituting a few props, it's now one of my favorite routines. If you decide to present this effect as is, I'm sure you won't be disappointed, but for those of you, who like me, need a way to justify everything you do in your left brain, you'll need to come up with a different way of presenting this. You'll also need to keep Max Maven's idea of "process mentalism" in mind if you decide to pull the trigger. The process of getting to the climaxes could appear very boring to your audiences, so you'll want to watch your pace and choice of words.

Of course, there's nothing more rewarding than going through this process and I love tweaking things to make them my own. Rick Maue's simple and clever method allows you to present a piece of mentalism with three different outcomes. This is especially nice for repeat performances.

Mr. Maue has given us a gift. I've heard from those that have seen him present FATE that they were sold on the spot. I haven't had that privilege. I'm looking forward to the day when I can thank Mr. Maue in person for this truly wonderful piece of mentalism.
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