The “Ishihara Test” is an actual scientific test for colour blindedness designed by Professor Ishihara in 1917.

The performer conducts a colour blindness test for the spectators.  He brings out the packet of Ishihara Test cards.  He tests the colour blindedness of his spectators by pointing out to the colours of some of the nearby objects.  He turns the packet of cards face downwards and spreads them and ask the spectators for the colour of the backs of the cards.  The answer is grey.

The spectators pass the tests without any problem.  But this is not the correct test, remarks the performer.  He turns the packet of cards over to reveal the instruction card of how to read the test card.

He keeps the instructions card away and the real test now begins.  The performer shows each of the 5 Ishihara Test cards and a spectator can read and identify the number in each card.  The performer now makes a magic gesture and claims to hypnotise the audience into being colour blind.

The performer shows each card quickly and says that no one can tell the numbers in each card.  The spectators protest because they can clearly read the number in each card.

The performer then confesses: he is actually testing the memory of the spectators.  He asks if the spectators can remember the colour of the back of these cards.  All will say “grey”.  The performer turns over each card to show that each back has a different colour from one another.

You receive all the specially printed cards and a link to a 24 minutes video tutorial conducted by Liam Lenavon himself.

The entire effect is very well structured so that the magical transformation of the backs of the cards come as a real surprise.  The “vanish” of the grey colour backs is accomplished without the use of sticky stuff or magnets.  In the end, all the cards can be examined by the spectators.

It is a fun and novel trick with a surprising ending.  (Rated 5/5 stars)