Calculated Risk is an insanely fantastic resource for those that want to read (and blow) minds – and mostly with a borrowed iPhone. No special apps are required. Although Michael Murray’s book is only 52 pages, it delivers the keys to the kingdom for those that want to be able to unlock their spectator’s iPhone and amaze with a total of 9 routines.
For these routines, an iPhone, not an android, is required. The title effect, “Calculated Risk” is the first routine taught in which two spectators secretly enter their iPhone unlock PINS into a borrowed iPhone’s calculator and add up the two numbers. For example, if one spectator’s unlock code is 9865 and the other’s is 6764, the total will be 16,629. The phone is handed to the performer with the total on the display. The spectators see the performer either clear the calculator or keep the total on the screen. Amazingly, the performer is able to open the first spectator’s iPhone after it is locked and then a second later open the second spectator’s locked iPhone. The routine and the justification for all the moves is expertly crafted and it is a dragon slayer.
This book is written with ultimate clarity. Not only is the title routine clear and easy to understand, so are the remainder of the effects, most of which use the iPhone’s calculator app. The book has numerous photographs which make the already easy to understand written instructions even easier to follow. Murray also provides a secret link to several videos that clearly demonstrate how to perform the effect. There are two videos for the Calculated Risk routine and two additional videos; one for Perfect Opener and one for One in Ten Thousand.
Perfect Opener is a clever routine in which the performer is able to mentally transmit his unlock code to a spectator. After the spectator calls out the code from their mind, it is entered into the iPhone which unlocks.
One in Ten Thousand is a fantastic effect in which a spectator is able to read the performer’s mind. The performer asks the spectator or guess his unlock PIN. The spectator guesses what they believe to be the performer’s unlock iPhone PIN by gut feeling. The performer then shows he has entered that exact same code into the calculator. This effect is quite astonishing.
All of the effects have significant angle issues so your spectators cannot be behind you or see the screen during certain parts of most of the routines. The routines, one of which involves the entry of data into the notepad app, are not difficult to learn and most are very easy to perform. There is some memory work, but it is not too extensive and worth the small amount of work it requires to perform. Some of the routines require the performer to be able to do some “behind the scenes” work as they are holding the borrowed iPhone in front of the spectators which may be uncomfortable for some beginner performers.
There are other routines which teach you how to divine a birthday or zodiac sign or guess random numbers. A minority of the taught routines require some pre-routine set-up or on the fly secret set-up.
The great thing about Calculated Risk is that you can amaze with any iPhone at any time. If someone asks you to do a trick, you are ready if they have an iPhone. Murray appropriately credits numerous mentalists for the input and as being sources as inspiration for many of the routines.
The ad copy accurately describes the taught routines (some from the spectator’s point of view) as follows:
Calculated Risk (Feature routine) – Unlock TWO borrowed mobiles in an incredibly easy fashion
Perfect Opener – The spectator names ANY four digits, they are typed into your genuine phone lock screen and your mobile opens
iSwami – A method for using the iPhone calculator to seemingly predict any two digit number
One in Ten Thousand – Have a spectator intuit (or predict) any four digit number/pin code/unlock code
Feedback – Did you know your iPhone has a memory for numbers?
Phone Clone – Show just how vulnerable out phone security system actually is
Identity Theft – A method for stealing your spectators identity
Frosties Reveal – Reveal your spectators exact DOB or starsign
Noted – The notes application on either your or the spectators mobile will become your new peek device
The book itself is a paperback that measure 5 ¾ by 8 ¼ inches with a glossy finish and a well-designed logo. The book, as of the time of the writing of this review retails for $39.95.
Calculated Risk is a great addition to any modern mentalist’s library ranging from a working pro to a hobbyist that can’t wait to knock out their friends.
This great book is available at your favorite Murphy’s Magic retailer.