The name of this effect is right smack on. It is a trick with ESP cards that is very clever and it justifies the use of the word “smart”!

The performer shows 5 ESP symbol cards laid out in a straight row. Each of the cards has a different symbol and different colour. The performer tells a spectator that she will choose a symbol at random, and this symbol will be the only one that is different from the rest.

The spectator is asked to name a number above 10. Let us say she chooses the number 14. Using this number, and starting from either end of the row she wishes, she counts to the 14th card. Let us say that she lands on the red square. She is also shown what happens if she counts from the other end of the row. This time, she lands on, say, the blue cross. She is given the flexibility to choose whether she wants the blue cross or stick to the red square.

Let us say she goes for the blue cross. The performer explains that this is a fair method of choosing one of the 5 symbols. Had she simply pick one from the 5 cards, her choice may be influenced either by the colour or the symbol she sees.

The performer declares that she has indeed picked the only card that is different from the rest. He shows that there is only one blue cross – the other 4 cards depict different colours and different symbols. The spectator is perplexed because, to start with, each of the 5 cards is already unique and different from the rest of the other 4
cards.

The performer turns over the 4 cards that she did not select. Each of these cards has a circle printed on its back. The blue cross card is turned over – it has another cross on its back. It is truly the only card (cross) different from the rest of the 4 cards (all have circles).

As you can see, this effect contains a joke, a free choice of number and which end of the row of cards to count from, a mystery and an unexplainable ending! It is also easy to do – it is practically self-working. You receive the 5 well-produced ESP symbol cards, printed instructions, and a link to a video tutorial.

There is an interesting bonus idea printed in the instructions. It mentions the possibility of using 5 different items on the cards, like 5 different words that mean “different”.

This brings the presentation to a whole new level as there is a play on the word “different”. You can make up these 5 cards yourself as the instructions give you full details of presentation.

If you like ESP tricks, “Smart ESP” provides you a unique and clever effect. (10/10 stars rating).