Trickshop - Viper Mentalist's Peek Folder

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Like the PEEK WALLET, the PEEK FOLDER can be an invaluable weapon in any mentalist's arsenal, especially for private readings; since it enables you to see anything a sitter has written down, drawn, etc., under fire and without any false moves or billet switches. The basic concept and peek folder design is credited to the brilliant Stuart Judah and Al O'Hagan. And while the design is extremely bold, its simplicity is also its strength. Handled with apparent abandon, the folder passes easily for what it appears to be; a simple cardboard carrier that assures your cards do not become bent or dog-eared in your pocket. In this new publication, we provide a template along with step-by-step instructions that show you how to quickly make your peek folder from a standard, inexpensive presentation folder, readily available from most any office supply store. The entire process takes just minutes. In addition, we also provide you with a streamlined handling that eliminates the unnecessary "magic type" moves in Mr. Judah and Mr. O'Hagan's original presentation - moves that make sense for a magic trick, but are suspect for a casual, one-on-one reading. We hope you'll take the time to make up this simple, yet highly effective, thought-reading device. We're confident that once you handle the properties, you'll recognize the real potential of this clever mentalism accessory. Remember, many of the greatest mentalism (and magic) effects are created by the simplest methods. REQUIREMENTS 2 - Black Presentation Folders, an X-acto® knife, a metal straight edge (ruler), a black fine point Sharpie® and one thin rubber band. For your presentation, you'll also require 2 opaque - 2-1/2" x 3" plain (business-size) cards, and a pen or pencil. TYPE OF PRESENTATION FOLDERS TO BUY Most office supply stores sell inexpensive, unprinted presentation folders. These usually have two pockets. The best type to buy is a black folder with a "leather-like" or "leatherette" texture. These have a matte black 2

finish (dull, not shiny). They may be available individually or sold in a small packet of 10 or less. In packets, they run about 50-cents each. CONSTRUCTING THE PEEK FOLDER The peek folder dimensions are as follows: when flat, 3-15/16" x 5"; and 2-1/2" x 3-15/16" when folded. The cut-out rectangle measures 1-3/8" x 3". The folder is designed so that a business card inside will completely mask the cut-out (as long as it's in the folder). As a result, the folder can safely be left open in performance as long as there is at least one plain business card inside. Print out the cutting template (full size, @ 100%) twice on 20# bond copier paper. Cut out along the outer border.

CUTTING TEMPLATE

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Open a presentation folder out flat and align at top edge of folder with center line of template aligned with fold of the folder, as shown in photo. Lightly tape down with small pieces of masking tape. Using a straight edge and X-acto knife, cut both sides and bottom. Fold small folder in half and carefully trim any excess if one side is slightly wider than the other. Touch up the outer edge of the card - anywhere the lighter card-stock is showing - with the "side" (not the tip) of the fine point Sharpie. Simply run the side along the edge of the card. Take care not to mark the flat surface of the card itself. Cut out window (broken line rectangle) from paper template. Position template over folder, lightly tape down and cut out peek window from small folder. The completed peek folder is shown at left. Next, using the extra paper template (cut out along the outer border as before). Follow same steps to cut out another small folder from the second presentation folder. This time however do not cut out peek window; since this second folder will be your matching ungimmicked folder. PRESENTATION Have both small folders in your left coat pocket with a pencil. The gimmicked folder should have two plain business cards inside. The lowermost card should be offset against the right edge of the folder. See photo. This will make it easier to remove later when you set the sitter's card on top of it. Close the folder and secure width-wise with a small rubber band (as shown below right). The ungimmicked folder is empty with no rubber band. WHEN HANDLING THE PEEK FOLDER, THE WINDOW CUT OUT ALWAYS FACES DOWN OR TOWARD YOU, OF COURSE. 4

To present, bring out the pencil along with peek folder. Take off the rubber band and set the folder (window side down) on the table. Fold faces sitter, opening faces you. You can angle it slightly, so when the top flap of the peek folder automatically pops up a bit; the sitter can see inside somewhat. This helps sell the fact that the folder is just what it seems to be. The plain business cards cover the cut out. Don't rush, let the folder sit there for a little while. Continue your reading with the sitter. Then, when you're ready, press your left fingers on the left side of the top card and your right second finger on the right edge of the offset card underneath. Remove the top card with your right fingers and hand it to your sitter. Turn away as he/she writes a question on the card. Don't worry about the peek folder while this is done. Leave it on the table, partially open. When done, ask the sitter to turn it writing side down and initial the back of the card. Take the card, making sure to keep the writing side down and place it on top of the other card (which is still offset a bit to the right). Almost as an afterthought, remove the card underneath with your right fingers saying, "We may need this extra card later." You'll note, your left fingers apply light pressure to the top card as this is done to prevent it from moving too. Casually toss the extra card aside on the table. Lift the folder with the right hand - keeping the window cut out toward you. If the writing is upside down, it’s an easy matter to spin it around as you switch hands to pick up the rubber band. Wrap the rubber band width-wise around the folder again. This gives you ample time to read what the sitter has written, drawn, etc. - showing through the window cut-out. Set the folder back on the table (window side down) and work newly gained information into your reading. FINISH/CLEAN-UP Remove the rubber band and holding the folder closed with the left hand close to the table top (window side down, fold toward the sitter); reach in with the right thumb and first finger and remove the card. The left fingers make sure the folder stays closed. Don't look at your hands as you do this. Hand the sitter the card, saying, "Would you like to keep your card?" Start placing the peek folder back in your pocket and then, apparently realize you still have the extra card and rubber band on the table. During this moment, you switch the gimmicked folder for the ungimmicked one in your pocket. Place the folder on the table, open it flat and return the extra card. Then, close it and place the rubber band around it; before pocketing it again. This subtle touch drives home the point that it's just an ordinary cardboard folder! 5

AFTERTHOUGHTS The idea has probably occurred to you, why not add an extra flap that extends sideways at the bottom and could be folded over or under? It’s a valid question. The black leatherette folder we use has two different sides – one side is smooth the other textured. If you create an extra flap and bend it in; the side showing does not match the folder interior. In addition, even if you did find a folder stock that was the same on both sides; the flap would not stay flat unless glued down and so would have to be always held in the hand to keep it closed. You could not just set it down and leave it. Plus, if you glue the flap down, the folder has to be larger; which in itself is suspicious for a simple card holder and you would be unable to simply place the sitter’s card in the folder. It would have to be slid in from the side. We experimented with a lot of different designs, including that one, and none improved upon Stuart Judah’s original and simple design for a cardboard folder design. Good design always eliminates unnecessary elements, in this case...the extra flap.

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