Nique Tan is a full time performer based in Singapore. This
manuscript outlines his handling of a chair prediction -
without the chairs.
The routine is a multi-phased routine, and it features 3
strong, distinct reveals; a number reveal (in the form of a
prediction), a positional reveal (of who's chosen to stand
where), as well as a final colour matching reveal. Nique has
taken elements from other great chair tests and has combined
them into a routine that is truly perplexing.
All the props required are easily available with just one
trip to your local stationery store, and are easily prepared
as well. The prep work involved is only a one time deal, and
once the props have been prepared, they can be used time and
time again.
Neither gimmicked envelopes nor NWs are used in this
routine; anything and everything can be examined and handled
by the audience members chosen to participate. The method is
as direct, bold and sure-fire.
This effect has been a feature in Nique's commercial stage
show for the past two and a half years, and he has decided
to share the routine with the mentalism community.
Reviews:
"A clever effect that genuinely plays big, so many layers
and moments that will leave any audience perplexed."
- Marc Spelmann
"Nique has created a strong routine, that is very portable,
well thought out and very solid. His manuscript is clear,
illustrated and informative. If you enjoy chair tests, you
will enjoy this."
- Chris Rawlins
"Nique has come up with a very well constructed chair
routine... that doesn't involve chairs. He has taken some
tried and true methods and blended them into a worker
routine. I'm sure many will be pleased with this routine.
The bonus here is that it packs flat yet plays very big and
doesn't require you to carry around a bunch of chairs."
- Greg Arce
"I like this very much... I'm sure this will go into the
repertoire of many mentalists all over the world."
- Luca Volpe
MY COMMENTS:
The attraction here is that it is a chair test that doesn't
require chairs. There's absolutely nothing original so far
as principles or techniques. However, Nique Tan, who is
certainly quite familiar with the latest chair tests, has
crafted a very well-structured routine featuring the best
elements of what's available. There are influences from
Gary Kurtz, Max Maven, Barrie Richardson, Colin Mcleod, and
Patrick Redford, among others.
I know that many may feel that three strong reveals is far
too much and puts it squarely in the mental magic category.
That's something I certainly won't disagree with, but
whether that's a good thing or a bad thing depends entirely
on your persona and style. It could fit your act perfectly.
So this is merely a consideration and observation that I'm
pointing out to aid you in deciding whether this is for you
and not a criticism at all.
As the blurb says, there is a one-time preparation of
materials using items you can find at a local office supply
store. These items will pack flat (and, yes, play big, of
course). There are no sleights or difficult moves, but,
like most chair routines, the presentation and script are
essential.
This twenty-one page PDF explains the routine, details how
to make the props, provides alternative handlings, and
contains color pictures so you can see what Nique Tan uses.
Of course, one could customize the designs to suit one's
needs. For those who are looking for a strong chair test,
this one is certainly a version that should be considered.
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