This is a clever application of an equally clever principle used in magic.

In effect, a woman and a man from the audience are nominated to help the performer in an experiment.  Three different photographs of the statue of Marcus Aurelius are displayed.  The woman and the man each freely chooses one of the photographs, leaving the last one to the performer.

When the woman turns over her chosen photograph, written on the back is “This photo will be chosen for the woman.”  Similarly, the man turns over his selected photograph to find the words “This photo will be chosen for the man.”  The performer’s photograph has the words “This photo will be chosen for me.”

Marcus Aurelius was a Roman Emperor with his famous quotation “Everything is unfolding as it must, and if you observe carefully, you will find this to be so.”  This forms the basis of an interesting patter for this trick.

As stated in the promotion for this trick, there is no forcing, equivoque, secret writing, switching, ambiguity, or multiple outcomes.  You receive a 22 page nicely printed instructional booklet, four photographs of the statue of Marcus Aurelius, and all necessary materials to gaff the photographs.

Other ideas are also discussed.  Instead of using photographs of Marcus Aurelius, pictures of different houses can enable a spectator to pick her dream house.  Martin Lewis’ “Technicolour Prediction” can also be presented using this method, completely different from the two different methods employed by Martin Lewis for his stage and close-up versions respectively.  Finally, three photographs of different murder weapons are provided where the man and the woman must choose the correct weapon for their lives to be spared!

Versatile applications of a clever principle!  (4.5/5 stars rating)