Michael Murray - Calculated Risk Plus.pdf

Calculated Risk +

by Michael Murray

Copyright 2015 by Michael Murray All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the author. For television performance rights and further information, please contact me at - [email protected]

CONTENTS • Credits & Thanks - (Page 5) • Introduction - (Page 6) • Ethics and Considerations - (Page 7) • Technique Overview - (Page 8) • Who’s Role is it Anyway? - (Page 10) • Additional Thoughts - (Page 20) • Bonus Effects Introduction - (Page 23) • Perfect Opener - (Page 24) • Frosties Reveal - (Page 28) • Noted - (Page 33) • iSwami - (Page 36) • One in Ten Thousand - (Page 41) • Feedback - (Page 46) • Phone Clone - (Page 47) • Identity Theft - (Page 50)

Calculated Risk +

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By Michael Murray

CREDITS & THANKS When I think back over the development of this effect three names immediately spring to mind. Firstly Myke Phillips and Salah Aazedine who jointly created the incredible “iUnlock Your Mind” iPhone application. iUnlock is without a doubt one of the greatest tools a mentalist could ever own. I simply can’t recommend this highly enough and strongly suggest that you look this up on the App Store (iPhone users only). I must also mention the work of Peter Turner. His own thoughts and ideas within this area are more than worthy of your consideration. Our personal discussions regarding this subject have helped to shape this routine into what it is today. In this respect I would like to personally thank the above creators for both their inspiration and friendship, you guys are amazing. A special thanks must be made to Ian (Rasp) Cheetham for both his help in proofreading this work. Ian, your friendship is highly valued sir ;) Things wouldn’t be complete without thanking you the reader for your investment in my thoughts. After all, it is your interest that furthers my creativity. Without you this work would simply not exist.

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INTRODUCTION Within my first book “A Piece of My Mind” I detailed an idea under the title ‘Cal-Ender’ which allowed you to secretly access a piece of information which had been entered into an iPhone calculator. Not content that I had exploited all of the quirks within the inbuilt calculator, I spent an almost mind numbing three hours playing around with the various functions, hoping to unlock some hidden potential. Thankfully my time was handsomely rewarded, and the seeds of several new ideas were born. The routine which I’m about to detail is the one which I perform most often. Since it uses a borrowed mobile, it’s a perfect performance piece for impromptu settings. I sincerely hope that you enjoy the potential of my discovery and that you go further to explore other avenues for its use. If you visit the following address you will find several videos designed to accompany the routines/ideas within this book http://www.mindfx.co.uk/pages/CRT101 Should you require any further help with them, please don’t hesitate to email me at [email protected] Best Wishes Michael Murray (May 2015)

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By Michael Murray

ETHICS & CONSIDERATIONS In performing this effect you are agreeing to do so at your own risk with no liability whatsoever to the author of this book. Be respectful to your audience and use this information wisely. “Respect for ourselves guides our morals, respect for others guides our manners.” - Laurence Sterne In almost all of these effects you will be secretly entering, accessing, or altering information from an iPhone in use. As a result it is always wise to mute the phone prior to the effect. This can be done openly as you suggest that you do not wish to be interrupted during performance. It is worthy of noting that the new iOS 9 now offers the facility for people to use a six digit passcode. Although the effects in this book will still work, one or two may require a little more memory work. To avoid this you can simply ask the spectators if they have updated their passcode to six digits yet, and if they haven’t, you can then present these effects as seemingly legitimate reasons to do so. Although I have never been questioned why I am specifically using an iPhone for these effects; if this ever did happen, I would simply suggest that I am more familiar with the operation of this phone allowing me to be more clear in my instruction. Since most of these effects require some form of calculation the use of the calculator is entirely justified. After all it is important that the calculations are accurate.

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TECHNIQUE OVERVIEW In essence we will be using the iPhone’s inbuilt calculator to peek the unlock codes of two random spectators. Before we delve into the routine, it may be wise to grab an iPhone so that you can work through the following example. Once you have an understanding of how this works, we can then take a closer look at the routining. To begin you must open up the calculator and clear out any numbers by hitting the AC button. The calculator should now register 0 as in figure 1. You will now enter your first four digit number. In the example below I have used 1234. You will now hit + and then enter your second four digit code. In this example I have used 9876. Pressing equals will now give you the total of these two numbers. Figures 2-5 illustrate these steps in action. So far you have simply cleared the calculator and then added the two numbers together. You are now about to reverse these actions and in the process you will be able to view both numbers. To begin you will press the +/- button which is situated to the right of the C button (see figure 6). Whilst the number on display remains the same, you should find that there is now a negative sign in front of it. If you now hit the = button the first passcode will now appear on the screen (see figure 7). To discover the second number we only need press the C button once more to clear the screen. You will note that the C button changes to AC when you do this (see figure 8). Press the = button again and the second number will appear on the screen like magic (see figure 9). You can now clear the display by pressing the AC button one last time (see figure 10).

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By Michael Murray

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10 Page 9

Calculated Risk +

WHO’S ROLE IS IT ANYWAY? Now that you are familiar with the operation of the calculator, let us now consider how these actions take place within the context of the routine. I will then cover the motivational/presentational elements that cement this series of actions together. You will begin by having your first spectator enter their passcode into the calculator. Once they have done so, you will ask them to hand their phone to a friend. The friend will then hit the plus sign, enter their passcode, and then hit the equals button. Now that the two numbers have been added you will take the phone from them, and in this process your thumb will discreetly hit the +/key. Whilst keeping the screen hidden from your spectator’s view, you will now curl your little finger around the bottom right of the screen so that it can hit the equals button. The first passcode (belonging to the owner of the phone) will now be visible allowing you to memorise it. To make the memory work easier you may wish to chunk these numbers. For example rather than remembering four individual numbers, you may find it easier to remember them as two double digits i.e the number 2436 would become twenty-four and thirty-six. Note: Fortunately you will only have to remember one passcode at any given point. As soon as you have committed the numbers to memory you will openly press the C button to clear the screen, and then lock the handset. The lock button is located on the very top right of all iPhone models pre-dating the iPhone 6 & 6 plus; on the newer models this is located at the top of the right hand edge of the handset (see figure 11). You can now openly unlock this phone with the memorised passcode.

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By Michael Murray Upon opening it you will be presented with the calculator application (since this was the last application used). The display should also be clear of any numbers. After flashing this to the spectators you will conceal the display from your spectator’s view. Your little finger will once again press the equals button. When you do this you will be presented with the second unlock code (belonging to the second spectator). This second number may now be memorised in the same way as the first. You will now clear the calculator by pressing the C button and then return the mobile to its owner. You are now free to unlock the second mobile at your leisure. To view a quick video of these steps in action simply copy the link below into your web browser and locate video one http://www.mindfx.co.uk/pages/CRT101

Figure 11 Page 11

Calculated Risk + Now that we have covered the structure of the routine, let us now consider the presentation and motivation behind each of the actions. Your first consideration when performing this effect is the choice of spectator. You will need to choose two people who seem like close friends. Where possible I pick people who are either dressed similar, or at least share very similar tastes in fashion. Note: I personally avoid performing this for couples since they are more likely to know their partner’s passcode. With my target spectators located I will further test their suitability for this effect by giving them a brief reading as follows “You ladies/guys seem like you get along well, I can already see that you hold a similar taste in fashion. How about music or technology, are you iPhone users?” Note: It is very important that you take the time to both listen and acknowledge their responses. Understanding them as individuals is after all going to become the basis for your ability to unlock their phones. Whether or not you can proceed further will depend upon how they respond. Each of the possible outcomes will be handled as follows: Non iPhone Users: If neither of the spectators own an iPhone, then you will be unable to proceed with the Calculated Risk effect. You can, however, use your opening statement to segue into almost any other effect as follows “Your choice of mobile tells me so much about you as an individual. You obviously don’t rush into making decisions, and think very carefully about the choices that you do make in life. You much prefer to walk your own path, rather than simply following others. In this respect you are your own person and that is what makes you, you!”

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By Michael Murray I have yet to come across anyone who doesn’t agree with this statement (it is mostly ambiguous anyway). Note: Feel free to use your own reading here. Upon hearing their agreement you can then continue “Based upon this information alone I am highly confident that I could anticipate your decisions when presented with a set series of choices. I now propose the following…” You are now free to enter into any other routine of your choice. Both iPhone Users: Providing both spectators are iPhone owners then you are free to continue the routine as follows “Can I ask if you know the passcode to each-others mobiles?” So long as the spectators don’t know each others passcode then you are free to continue (I have found this to be the case in 100% of my personal performances). Should you find that the spectators are aware of each others passcode (or perhaps find that either is void of any numerical lock) then you can simply comment on how trusting they are before segueing into any other effect as above. Note: In this instance you could add details of how trusting and strong their friendship is into your reading. Assuming that they are unaware of each others code then you will continue “Considering how long you have known each other, how amazing would it be if your passcodes were the same? Bearing in mind that you can change them at any point, would you mind sharing your present code with your friend?”

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Calculated Risk + Assuming consent is granted between both parties you are now clear to perform the effect “Are you able to access the calculator of your phone without opening it? You can generally do this by pressing the home button and swiping up from the bottom of your screen. If not I will turn away whilst you open it up.” When you are confident that the spectator has followed these instructions you will turn away, then continue “Making sure that no one else sees, can you please clear the calculator, enter your passcode and then pass the phone to your friend”. Pause for a few moments allowing the spectator to do this, then continue “Have you done that? (Allow the spectator to reply) Now I’m guessing by the lack of reaction that the codes are not the same, but one in ten thousand times I’m going to have two very freaked out people standing behind me.” Note: My motivation here is that it is far easier for the spectator to read the numbers than to see them entered one at a time. Also notice that the gag helps to emphasise the difficulty of what’s about to transpire. Addressing the second spectator “In that case let us try something a little different. Can you please hit the plus sign and then add your passcode to your friends so we end up with a combined total of the two…(pause for a moment)… Have you done that?” As soon as the second spectator has performed these actions you will turn to face them asking -

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By Michael Murray “Would you mind if I see this total?” Taking the mobile from the spectator, you will turn the screen towards yourself. As soon as the screen is hidden from the spectator’s view, your thumb will discreetly press the +/- button. Your little finger will then secretly curl round and press the equals button secretly revealing the first spectator’s unlock code. As you perform these actions you will suggest “Whilst this total will not reveal your individual numbers it does give me an indication as to how you think as a collective group.” As soon as you have memorised this number you will openly press the C button. Note: You must take care that the screen is still hidden from the spectator’s view as you do this. As soon as the on-screen display has been cleared you may lower the phone allowing everyone to see the cleared display. You will now openly lock the mobile and pass it back to its owner as you suggest “Suppose for a moment that I could work out the differences in how you ladies/gentlemen think. If this were possible, then I may stand a chance at working out your individual codes. Does that make sense?” Note: It is very important that you lock the mobile before handing it back to the spectator.  This will ensure that the second spectator’s passcode remains safely within the calculator’s memory. You will now direct a series of questions towards your spectators in a seeming effort to discern which numbers they have chosen. Although my specific questioning varies (depending upon the spectators I use), I will offer some of my working examples.

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Calculated Risk + Looking at the second spectator “Just think yes, or no, is your number bigger than your friends?” Note: The nice thing about opening up with this is that you will most often be able to tell the spectator what they are thinking at this point. You only need to recall the combined total to the nearest thousand and deduct the peeked number from this (to the nearest thousand, this doesn’t have to be exact). Turning to the first spectator you will ask “Just think yes, or no, does your code contain more odd numbers than even numbers?” Since you already know this ratio you can openly announce this to the spectator as an extra reveal. Note: As an aid to your memory you may find it helpful to repeat the peeked number in your mind between each question. Turning back to the second spectator you will ask “If you don’t mind me asking, how old are you? (allow them to respond) and yes, or no, do you know your star sign?” No matter what their response is simply nod your head with a smile. Turning back to the first spectator you will ask “and you weren’t born in the spring, summer time were you?” Note: It is incredible just how many people use either their year of birth or the month and day to generate the unlock code of their phone. Should either spectator have done this then it will genuinely appear that you are zeroing in on their number. When this happens you also have an extra bonus in that you can often reveal your spectator’s exact DOB and star-sign along the way. Witnessing a 19 at the beginning of the passcode is generally a clear indication that they

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By Michael Murray have opted for a year. If the number ranges from 2000 to 2015 then this could also be an indication of a child’s birthday too. If you can make a day out of the first two digits, and a month out of the second two, then this could also indicate that a DOB has been used. Directing your attention back to the first spectator you will ask them to hand you their mobile.  Positioning yourself so that only the owner of the phone can see the mobile display, you can now tap on the home button, and then slowly and dramatically unlock the phone. Note: To heighten the suspense you may wish to feign getting a number wrong, or out of place only to correct yourself moments later.  For dramatic reasons I often lower the phone so that the entire group can see the last number entered, and the subsequent unlocking of the phone. Upon opening the phone you will now be presented with the last opened app which in our case is the cleared calculator app.  All you need do to access this is to press the equals button discretely with your little finger and you will be greeted with the second spectator’s passcode. When you do this will entirely depend on how you wish to conclude the effect. Concluding the effect: There are three ways in which you can conclude the effect.   1. Since you already have the first spectator’s mobile in your hands you can casually flash the zeroed out calculator before seemingly typing four digits back into it.  What you will actually do is mime typing in four digits and under the cover of this action you will discretely press the equals button.  You can then triumphantly display this to the second spectator who will confirm your success. 2. You may prefer to use the little finger to secretly hit the equals button to recall the second spectator’s passcode and then commit this to memory, just as you did with the first.  You will then clear the mobile by pressing the C button with your thumb before returning the mobile

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Calculated Risk + to its owner.  Since the second spectator’s phone has never been in play you can ask them to hand it to you for the very first time.   Really play this up as it is a great moment, especially for those who have joined the group half way through.  When performing this version I personally prefer to type two or three of the digits in secret and then openly enter the remaining digit for everyone else to see.  In this fashion the end reveal becomes very visual whilst still maintaining the secrecy of the spectator’s actual code. 3.  Another highly effective way to conclude this routine is to perform the peek and clear as per the method above, then simply whisper the code to the second spectator.  The spectator’s reaction to the reveal will speak volumes to the remaining audience.  Inspiration for the whisper method came from two of my closest friends in mentalism, namely Ken Dyne and Peter Turner. One of the greatest things about this effect is that the calculator ends completely clean at the end. Alternative Handling: Providing that you are confident that the spectator’s calculator can be accessed from the lock screen (this functionality comes enabled as standard on all iPhones and must be manually turned off) you can try this handling. Ask that your first spectator physically unlock the mobile in front of their friend whilst your back is turned. Upon discovering that the codes don’t match you will ask them to open the calculator and type in their code. Their friend is then instructed to add their number to this. Once they have done so you ask them to show the total of the two numbers to you. In this instance you will not take the phone from them, but instead you will simply reach over and press the lock button closing down their phone.

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By Michael Murray Note: The reason for closing the phone is so that the spectator does not alter the calculation in any way. You can now go through the questioning process and only then do you ask for both mobiles. Since one is already in play this will be handed to you first. As the second spectator is retrieving their mobile you will discreetly press the home button on spectator ones phone and then swipe up from the bottom of the screen. This will allow you to secretly re-access the calculator. You can now secretly perform your first peek. Once you have memorised the first number you can press the home button. Taking hold of the second mobile you will draw everyones attention back to the first which you can proceed to unlock. With the first spectator’s phone unlocked you will immediately perform the second peek allowing you to unlock the second mobile. Both mobiles can then be returned to their respective owners.

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ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS If you struggle with the small amount of memory work required you may wish to use a small note pad to apparently record your ‘observations’ of the spectators personalities and in this process you can physically record the numbers needed. For those that mightn’t be too keen on the direct use of the iPhone Calculator, you may like the following approach.  In this variant you will have the first spectator unlock their mobile making sure that no one can see which passcode they use.  You will then suggest “I would like you now to open up let’s say the calculator…(pause for roughly four seconds)…or the notes application, which ever you open first will do, so long as you can type or write a number into it we are fine”   Since the spectator is given enough time to follow through with the initial part of the request, they will always open and settle upon the iPhone’s calculator every time. The use of the calculator in this fashion can later be reframed as the choice of the spectator.  This forcing technique was very much inspired by the work of Dani DaOrtiz. Due to the secretive input methods used in this effect it is preferable to perform it in an environment with a reasonable degree of ambient noise.  If working in a quieter venue it may be wise to mute the spectator’s phone by flicking the switch located on the left hand side of the phone (see Figure 12). Compatibility tests and the natural link with numerology should provide you with some fresh presentational angles that are just begging to be explored. A recent discovery of mine is that after peeking the first passcode you can then press the +/- and then equals buttons once more to restore the original total back onto the display. This allows you to openly

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By Michael Murray lock the screen in front of the spectators and it appears that nothing untoward has happened. This quirk can be viewed at the end of the accompanying video (see video link on page 10). In the teaser video I unlocked the two mobiles simultaneously.  There are two ways to achieve this.  Firstly you can perform the two peek actions one after the other and memorise both numbers.  Alternating the presses between the two mobiles is very dramatic but does require more memory work. Another way to perform the simultaneous unlock is to have the spectators add their pass-codes in the opposite order i.e. The friend will enter their number first, followed by the owner of the phone.  In this fashion the first number you peek will belong to the second spectator.  You can then take the second phone and openly enter the first three digits into it.  You will then remember the fourth digit before using the calculator to recall the second code.  After remembering this number you will now access the lock screen of the first spectator’s phone and once again, openly enter the first three digits into it.  You will now visibly enter the final digit into the second spectator’s mobile, quickly followed by entering the last digit of the first spectator’s code into that mobile.

Figure 12 Page 21

Calculated Risk + To view a video walk through of this technique please visit the following link and locate video two http://www.mindfx.co.uk/pages/CRT101 In this fashion you will be seen to unlock one phone immediately after the other. 

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By Michael Murray

BONUS EFFECTS INTRODUCTION As mentioned in the introduction to this book, my exploration into the iPhone’s functionality reaped more than just the Calculated Risk effect. In this bonus section I will be covering some of my other discoveries for your enjoyment. Some are simple ideas, and others are fully fledged routines, either way I sincerely hope that you enjoy these discoveries. 

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PERFECT OPENER As a nice follow up to the ‘Calculated Risk’ effect you may wish to give your spectator the seeming ability to intuit the passcode to your mobile. Providing you own one of the later iPhone models (5S onwards) you will be able to do just that. Upon sharing this idea with my good friend Myke Phillips it seems that he had already discovered the same feature. Knowing how familiar Myke is with the inner workings of the iphone’s functionality I am excited to see where he takes this with his own thinking. As a side note I can highly recommend Myke’s book Olivia which contains a variety of incredible iPhone based discoveries. To find out more about this title please visit http://www.mykephillipslondonmagician.co.uk Preparation: This effect requires a small amount of preparation. Fortunately this is a one off requirement which upon completion, will allow you to perform this at a moments notice. To prime your phone for this effect you need to make a couple of changes to the ‘touch id & passcode facility’. To locate this you must first tap the settings icon on your iPhone (see Figure 13). Scrolling down a little, you should see the Touch ID & Passcode setting as in Figure 14. Upon opening this you may be instructed to enter the passcode to your phone (if have one set). Once in, you must delete any finger prints that have been previously registered to the phone. This is achieved by simply clicking on any of the finger numbers and hitting delete (e.g Finger 4). You will now use the add fingerprints button (see Figure 15) to add the following prints to your mobile -

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By Michael Murray 1. The index finger, of your dominant hand (in actuality either will do) (see Figure 16) 2. The middle joint of your thumb (you must use the thumb of the hand in which you normally hold your phone) see Figure 17.

Figure 13 Figure 14

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 15

Figure 18

Handling: With the preparation complete you are now set to perform the effect. To perform you must begin by accessing the passcode screen of your phone. You must then slightly adjust your grip so that your thumb lightly hovers above the home button/fingertip sensor as in Figure 18.

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Calculated Risk + Note: This is to ostensibly offer your spectators a clear look at the screen. You will now ask the spectator for any four digits of their choosing. Whilst entering the last digit you must simultaneously press and hold this number, and lower the mid section of your thumb onto the home button. In performing these two actions together your phone will unlock giving the illusion that your spectator guessed the correct code. Note: Notice how the hand that enters the numbers helps to hide the minimal movement of the thumb. Also, in the very unlikely event that one of your spectators suspects that you used your thumb to unlock the mobile, you can openly disprove this by showing that your thumb prints aren’t registered to the phone. Since these were deleted in the initial set up, you will always be clean in this respect. To clean up the effect, you may choose to overt the display from the spectator’s view as you apparently change the passcode to your phone. Since everyone watching now apparently knows your passcode, this process is entirely justified. Note: To save you remembering the spectators chosen passcode it may be worth suggesting that you have temporarily changed your passcode for this effect. To view a video walk through of this bonus addition please use the following link and locate video three http://www.mindfx.co.uk/pages/CRT101 Additional Thoughts: Although ballsy, (and I have yet to try this in person) it did dawn on me that you could perhaps use the same mechanics to achieve a PK unlock style effect. To do this you would simply press the home button once to access the “swipe to unlock” screen. Upon doing so

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By Michael Murray you could now get your thumb into position allowing you to seemingly unlock your mobile by simply having everyone concentrate upon it.

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Calculated Risk +

THE FROSTIES REVEAL When I first developed the Cal-Ender principle, this was the first routine that I applied it to. It is fast, fun, and direct way to reveal someones Zodiac sign and, or, date of birth. Note: I generally reserve this routine for casual instances where people ask what it is that I do for a living. Performance & Presentation: Assuming the topic of interest has turned in your direction I generally open with the following “What I do is really difficult to put into words, since it has been compared in the past with astrology, numerology and that of a psychic nature I would like to first illustrate the difference to you. Have you ever had a numerology reading? No? let me give you one now, would you happen to have an iPhone on you?” Assuming the spectator has an iPhone in their possession you will now ask them to unlock the mobile so that they can hand it to you. When you get the mobile you will hide the mobile screen from the spectator’s view and then quickly swipe to the right. This will display their recent contacts list across the top of the screen (see Figure 19). As soon as you have memorised one or two of the names you will swipe back to the left.

Figure 19 Page 28

By Michael Murray Note: If the spectator has not upgraded to iOS9 you will have to double tap the home button to view this infomation. You will now hand it back to the spectator as you ask “How do you access your calculator on this?” Note: The above step is entirely optional but does give you some great information to use at your leisure within a follow up routine. Although this is a standard feature of the iPhone, it was first brought to my attention by Peter Turner who has some great applications for it. Also notice how the last statement implies a certain degree of unfamiliarity with the phone, which is a great position to be in. Should I fail to find anyone with an iPhone then I will offer my own and proceed with the main effect. Although I have never been questioned why I am asking for an iPhone, if I ever was I would simply suggest that as an iPhone user I am more familiar with the operation of this phone. With an iPhone now in play you will request that your spectator access the calculator. Once opened you will suggest “Please hold the mobile so that no one can see what you are about to type in. Could you also check that the calculator is clear of any numbers too. I would like you now to type in the day you were born; for example I was born on the 23rd of February so if I were to do this I would type in the number 23 (replace this example with your own birth date).” Once you have done that, can you hit the plus sign, and then add the month you were born; for example January would be one, February would be two and so on. If you now hit the equals button you will be presented with your life path number. Note: Since the math involved here is very simple we must deliver the instructions as the spectator follows them. The logic for using the calculator here is to ensure the accuracy of the spectator’s answer.

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Calculated Risk + You will now take the phone from the spectator and display the total to everyone watching. Once you have done this you will openly press the C button to zero out the calculator. Turning the display away from the spectator’s view, you will now discreetly hit the equals button (with your little finger). The calculator will now display the spectator’s birth month. You will now casually hit the C button for a second time before handing the phone back to its owner. Within those brief moments you will now know the spectator’s exact date of birth. This is simply achieved by mentally deducting the month number from the announced total. Note: Whilst you now have this information at your disposal, you must resist the temptation to reveal it right away. Instead we will now layer the effect before making the final reveal. You will now suggest “Numerologists claim that you can tell so much about a person, simply by knowing their life path number. Do you know what your total tells me about you? It tells me that you probably like eating Kellogg’s Frosties!” (Replace with any of the more popular breakfast cereals in your country. No matter how the spectator reacts, you will now continue “Whilst that probably isn’t the most earth shattering thing I could have told you, it is statistically speaking, very likely to be true. In short this is nothing more than a generalisation. When you think about it logically there are countless ways in which each number could have been created, a few days earlier and a few months later, or vice versa, and we would have ended up with the exact same number” Note: Despite the fact that there is a maximum of twelve possible dates that can be generated with each number, the above lines help to hide this from the spectators awareness.

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By Michael Murray You will then continue “It is also my belief that horoscopes, which are derived from astrology, exploit this same process, giving us simple generalised readings in a one size fits all fashion. What I do has more in common with the work of a psychic than anything else. Now, whilst I in no way claim any psychic ability, I do deal with information that I couldn’t, or shouldn’t realistically know.” Note: Notice how we have diminished the credibility of everything that has happened prior to this point. You are now in a position to reveal some of the information that you harvested earlier. I generally prefer to reveal the spectator’s star sign first and wait until they request for more information before revealing their exact DOB. As an example, you may wish to continue from the above in the following way “Personal information about you such as…(lean in and whisper their star-sign to them). Is that true?” Note: Revealing only the star-sign at this point helps to further hide the method. The whisper (credit to Peter Turner for this) helps not only to separate the star-sign and DOB revelations but also adds an air of mystery to the effect (in that the other spectators aren’t aware of what specific information you whispered to them). To reveal the star-sign I would suggest picking up “Speed Learning Star Signs” by Julian Moore (see the link below). In this book Julian details some very simple steps for remembering which star-signs are associated with which dates. www.thecoldreadingcompany.co.uk You may also choose to print a small crib to stick on your pen so that you can glimpse the relevant star-sign as you go to write it on one of

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Calculated Risk + your business cards. Additional Thoughts: Some may prefer the following handling in which the spectator is seen to do almost all of the handling of the phone. To do this you will simply have the spectator make the addition without handing you the phone. Once they have reached a total you will ask them to show you the phone. After you have both announced and remembered the total you will then ask the spectator to hit the C button once to clear it. Careful audience management is required in this process so be sure to choose your spectator wisely. You will then take the phone from them and perform the peek and clear as you hand the phone to a third spectator for safe keeping as you suggest. “Can you please confirm that the calculator is cleared and then hand it back to your friend. I do not wish to touch it (of course the dirty work has now already been done).” In this fashion you can later claim that the spectator generated the total, cleared the phone themselves and this was also checked by their friend. Whilst this may be overkill for some it may appeal to others. Why not try it both ways and see which works best for you.

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By Michael Murray

NOTED Although this idea does not utilise the iPhone’s calculator, I do feel that this is a worthy addition to this book. In essence the iphone’s notes application can be used to either peek or harvest information for you to use at your leisure. I sincerely hope that you have fun exploring the potential uses for this. Inspiration & Credit: I must admit that I am a big fan of apps, however, despite having a healthy collection of them it is very rare that these get used (other than iUnlock). What I like to do, is to use these as inspiration and try to figure out ways to mimic the apps using naturally existing functions. In most cases this allows me to perform these effects with borrowed mobiles which suits me better. The following idea was created in this very fashion and was heavily inspired by one of the bonus effects that comes with Alan Rorrison’s brilliant “Any Dice” application. Those who have this will be aware of the hidden feature that allows you to glimpse anything that a spectator enters into your notes. Whilst this may not be clean as a whistle I’m positive that some will take favour in its simplicity. In the example below I illustrate a couple of ways in which this could be used. These are simply my initial thoughts and I’m sure you will have fun playing with it. Credit for the main presentation below goes to my good friend Stephen Young. I must also add that Myke Phillips also uses the very same premise for his note peek which is included in his book Olivia. Myke’s however uses a very different method and is well worth you checking out. Performance & Presentation: You begin by introducing the idea of word association games. After finding a spectator with an iPhone, you request that they open up their notes application and create a new note. Once they have done this you ask them to consider the word “idea” for a moment (any word will

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Calculated Risk + do here), and then type the first word that springs to mind (based upon your starting word) into the new note. Once they have done this they are instructed to hand their phone to a friend so that they can view the freshly entered word. This second spectator is now instructed to think of a new word, based upon the one which they have just read, and then type it below the first. These actions can then be repeated with as many or few spectators as you like. I would suggest four or five would be ample. Note: The logic for having these words typed, rather than spoken, is so that you can’t be accused of hearing what they are saying/whispering. With a list of random words created (as in Figure 20) you will ask everyone to look at and remember the final word. You are now going to seemingly have the spectator wipe this list from the iphone’s memory, and in the process of returning the mobile to its owner you will secretly peek the entire list. To do this you will instruct whom ever has the phone to press and hold their finger on the middle of the iPhone screen for a few moments. When they lift their finger they will be presented with a series of options. You must ask them to hit the select all option (see Figure 21). Followed by the delete button/back arrow which is situated just above the return button (bottom right of the screen (see Figure 22)). Whilst you would now expect that this information has been cleared from the iphone’s memory, this can be made to reappear with a simple shake of the phone. In doing so you will be presented with an undo option. Click on this (see Figure 23) and all of the text will reappear. Note: The motivation for taking the mobile is so that you can hand it back to the owner.

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By Michael Murray

Figure 20

Figure 21

Figure 22

Figure 23

In performance the gentle shake of the phone is covered as you gesture with both hands commenting that you couldn’t know any of the words. As soon as you have glimpsed the final word (or entire list) you will now press any key. This will delete the information from the display and it will appear that you have accidentally hit a key as you hand the phone back to its owner. You are now set to make your revelations as required. Additional Thoughts: It is also worth noting that after deletion, you could also choose to close the app by hitting the home button. The information will still safely remain in the iphone’s memory allowing you to access the information at a later point. To do this you need only open the notes application and give your mobile a little shake. This could come in handy for pre-show work, especially if you are using your own phone.

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Calculated Risk +

iSWAMI What follows is a rather simple way to seemingly predict any single or double digit number using the iPhone calculator. To do this we will be manipulating the on screen display in a rather unique fashion. Note: If you are using this for a double digit number the spectators choice must be limited in some fashion. The exact limitations and reasoning for this will become clear as we move into the explanation. In this effect it is also important that you mute the phone. Justification for doing this has been given on page 5. For the sake of this explanation we will first discuss the handling of a single digit number, we can then address larger numbers a little later. Intro: Before we go into exact methodology behind this we must first discover whether the spectator is thinking of an odd or an even number. There are many ways to do this, however the most direct method is to simply suggest “You’re not thinking of an odd number are you?” If the spectator replies that they are thinking of an odd number you will simply reply “I thought as much!” Should the spectator reply that they are not thinking of an odd number, you would instead reply with the following “I didn’t think so!” Either response is suitable enough to give the impression that you were aware of the spectator’s thoughts. Note: Credit for the above dodge belongs to the wonderful Gary Kurtz aka Jas Jakutsch

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By Michael Murray Now that you are aware of the odd/even nature of the spectator’s number, you will now seemingly type their number into your mobile’s calculator. Instead you will be entering a quick calculation that will allow you to make the appropriate reveal. There are two differing calculations, the one you will use will depend upon whether the resulting number needs to be odd, or even. Each of these outcomes is handled as follows Set-up for Predicting an Odd Number: If the number to be predicted is odd you will access the mobile’s calculator, and whilst apparently typing in the spectator’s number you will actually press the following (see Figures 24 - 27):

Figure 24

Figure 25

Figure 26

Figure 27

If you now hit the = then the total will register with a one. You are now set to proceed with the effect. Set-up for Predicting an Even Number: If the number to be predicted is even you will access the mobile’s calculator, and whilst apparently typing in the spectator’s number you will actually press the following (see Figures 28 - 31): When you hit the = the total will register with a zero. You are now set to proceed with the effect.

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Calculated Risk +

Figure 28

Figure 29

Figure 30

Figure 31

Adjusting the Total: With your calculator primed, and your number seemingly committed, you will apparently hit the home button. You will now reposition the iPhone so that you are holding it in your right hand, between your first finger and thumb, at the lower right corner (see Figure 32). Notice how the tip of your thumb is hovering slightly over the = button. You will now ask the spectator which number they were thinking of. As soon as they answer you will gesture with the phone to several other spectators as you suggest “If I had asked any other spectator, chances are that the number would have been completely different”.

Figure 32 With each gesture the rocking action of the phone will cause your thumb to hit the = button. Each time it does this, the calculator will add two to the running total. This action will be repeated until you reach the spectator’s number. Once you have done this you will casually slide the tip of your thumb

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By Michael Murray over the home button. You can now press this button which will allow you to lower the phone before handing it to the spectator. You will now ask the spectator for a second time what number they were thinking of. As soon as they answer, you can direct them to open up the calculator and call out the number that you predicted. Note: The reason for having the spectator call out their number a second time is that you want them to remember that the phone was in their hand before they named the number. Working with Larger Numbers: Now that you understand the basics of the effect, let us now consider how to apply this to larger numbers. Birth Day - If you ask the spectator to think of the day they were born (in number terms), this number can not exceed thirty one (because there are a maximum of thirty one days in any given month). As a result you will only ever need to hit the = button a maximum of fifteen times. Nine Force - If you wish to give the impression that you can predict any number between one and one hundred you can use the following technique. Firstly ask the spectator to think of any number between one and one hundred. You will then ask them to add the two digits they are thinking of together. Once they have done this you instruct them to deduct the total of the two digits from their original number. Due to a mathematical quirk the resulting number will always be a multiple of nine. In this instance you will set up your calculator by simply clearing any numbers, then hitting + 9 =, in this fashion you will only have to press the = button a maximum of ten times. Note: I claim no originality for the nine force, this has its roots within mathematical oddities. For the nine force to work it is important that

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Calculated Risk + your spectator is thinking of a number above nine. This can be prompted by either asking them to choose a higher number, or by restricting their choice between ten and one hundred.

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By Michael Murray

ONE IN TENTHOUSAND This routine first began as a personal challenge to myself and is perhaps the one I’ve devoted the most time to. Combining the methodology behind the previous idea with my Springboard principle it will appear that the spectator is somehow able to discover the passcode to the mentalist’s mobile. Note: I wish to give credit to Peter Turner for the inspiration behind this effect. Pete was the first to apply my Springboard principle to a PIN number divination in his effect “Your Intuition”, so without him, this routine would not exist. As a side note, this routine is perfect for following “Calculated Risk” for the sake of congruence, I generally suggest that I will be using an old passcode rather than the present one. Note: The reason I do this is two fold. Firstly, since this isn’t my physical passcode I need a reason for typing it into the calculator rather than simply entering it digit by digit. For those who wish to to do the latter you could instead use my “Perfect Opener” routine. To set this up you will begin by opening the calculator. Making sure that the calculator is clear you will hold it so that the spectators are unable to see the screen. You will now seemingly enter the four digits of your passcode into the display. In actuality you will enter the number 11110. Note: It is important that the spectators are unable to follow which digits you are entering, so be sure to hide all finger movements. Once again, it is advisable to mute the mobile during this effect. You will now instruct your spectator as follows “In your minds eye I would like you to see me pressing the first digit of my passcode. Once you have a digit in mind, and without

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Calculated Risk + saying what it is, please let me know.” Allow the spectator to respond. You will then continue “Assuming for the moment that you are correct, do you think that the second digit will be higher, or lower?” If the spectator says higher you will casually hit the + button with your thumb. Conversely, should the spectator suggest that the second digit is lower then you must discreetly press the - button. Once this has been done you must quantify their thoughts by saying “Higher/Lower (delete as appropriate) by how many?” No matter which number your spectator replies with, you must enter this three times (as though it was a three digit number) into the calculator. As an example, if your spectator had said higher by three then you would discretely press + 333. Note: If you check out the video walk through (check out the link at the conclusion of this routine) you will notice that the thumb is sufficiently hidden from your spectators allowing you to make the calculations sight unseen. You will now continue “Assuming for the moment that your thoughts are correct, you should now have the first two digits of my PIN code locked in your mind. Is that correct?” Note: Since the spectator is being asked to remember two digits so far it is important that they commit them to memory before continuing. As soon as the spectator replies in the positive you will then continue “How about the third digit, do you think that the third is higher or

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By Michael Murray lower than the second?” Just as you did for the second digit, you must press either the + or the - depending on wether the spectator suggests the third digit is higher or lower than the second. You will then ask the spectator how many higher or lower the third digit is compared with the second. No matter which number your spectator replies with here, you must enter this two times (as though it was a two digit number) into the calculator. As an example, if your spectator had said lower by six then you would discretely press - 66. Note: The spectator has now decided upon the first three digits of your PIN code. Make sure that they have committed them to memory before continuing. You will now quiz the spectator in the same fashion to determine whether they believe the fourth digit is higher or lower and by how many. In this instance you will only be entering the suggested number once. With the spectator now committed in their mind to a four digit number you are now ready to amend your calculator total to reveal the very same number. To do this you must first casually hit - followed by typing in the numbers 1111. You will now hold the mobile in the same position as you did in the iSwami effect (holding your mobile by the bottom right corner, with your thumb resting over the = button). You will now ask “The chances of getting the first digit right are approximately one in ten. What number does my passcode start with?” When you hear the spectators reply you will gesture with the mobile

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Calculated Risk + towards the other spectators as you suggest. “If i had asked anyone else here, chances are that they would have named a different digit”. As you say this you will gently rock the mobile back and forwards in your hand (see the video explanation) as you are doing this your thumb will secretly hit the equals button. You must repeat this action until the first digit of the number being displayed matches the number that the spectator has just called out. In this fashion the mobile will automatically self correct the remaining three digits to match the spectators thoughts. Note: Be careful that you don’t prematurely flash the phone display to your spectators during this process. Once you have done this you will casual slide the tip of your thumb over the home button. You can now press this button which will allow you to lower the phone before handing it to the spectator. You will now ask the spectator for for the first time to call out the full number that they were thinking of. Since the mobile is now in their hands you can direct them to open up the calculator application and the number they were thinking of will now be on display. Note: I should add that if at any point your spectator thinks there are two of the same digits in succession then you will omit entering anything at that point and simply move on to the next step. Also, if the spectator imagines that the first digit was a zero then you will simply press the = button until you see a three digit number on the display. Another option I have been playing with is to enter the 11110 into the calculator prior to the performance and close the calculator down. You can then follow through with the routine without the calculator in play. In this fashion you must remember the three numbers that the

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By Michael Murray spectator calls out and whether they are higher or lower. To help with this I picture the numbers in red if they are higher and blue if they are lower. For example if the spectator suggested the second digit was two higher than the first I would visualise a red two (2). If they suggested that the third digit was three lower than the second I would now be thinking of a red two followed by a blue three (23) and if they suggested that the last digit was higher by six I would be thinking of a red two, blue three and then finally a red six (236). In this fashion you can later bring out your mobile and perform the secret additions and subtractions under the cover of seemingly entering your passcode into the calculator.

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Calculated Risk +

FEEDBACK Quite some time ago, I purchased Richard Osterlind’s “Digital Feedback” calculator effect. This beautiful device allows you to peek at information which the spectators have put into a seemingly ordinary calculator. After playing around with these effects, I noticed that it was possible to emulate the “Digital Feedback” facility using a regular iPhone calculator. What I offer here is just the basic idea, and I suggest that you pick up Richard’s Calculator to check out the accompanying routines. In short you will be able to recall the total of any sum entered into the calculator. To do this you will ask that a spectator enter in any calculation as directed by your preferred routine. Once they have the result (and have remembered or recorded it) you will ask them to hit the plus sign, then, under a seeming change of heart you will request that they hit the C button. This will wipe the result from the display. You will then take the phone from them and if they have done this correctly the display will register a zero and the plus symbol will be highlighted as per the image below (Figure 33). If you now hit the zero button this should un highlight (this is optional). You can now recall the result at any point by hitting the = button. Note: Should you wish you can leave the recall until a later time and simply have the spectator close the app after they have hit the C button.

Figure 33 Page 46

By Michael Murray

PHONE-CLONE This admittedly is more of a magic effect than a mentalism one, however I’m sure many of you will have fun with it. I give credit to my friend Mick Wilson for this as he uses a similar setup within his iUnlock routine. Note: This effect will only work for those who have iPhone models 5S or later. I have also included a bonus phone charging effect in the additional thoughts that will work with all iPhone models. To prepare for this effect you are first going to take a screenshot of your mobile passcode lock screen. Please note that the photo you take must be of the passcode entry screen (see figure 34). To take a screen shot you simply press and hold the Sleep/Wake button on the top or side of your iPhone, then immediately press and release the Home button (see figure 35). You will find the screenshot in your Photos app.

Figure 34

Figure 35

Once you have done this you will open up the photograph from within your photo album, then tap it once to view the image full screen. You may now lock your mobile using the sleep/wake button and you are all set to perform the effect.

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Calculated Risk + Displaying your mobile to the spectator you hit the home button and access the unlock screen. Allow them to both guess and enter a couple of passcodes, naturally they should fail to open the phone. After a couple of failed attempts you ask if they know any other way to access the mobile. Taking attention away from the display with this question, you will secretly unlock the mobile using the finger print sensor. This only takes a brief moment and when the phone opens it will look as though nothing has changed. The actual display is simply the full size photograph of the lock screen that you prepared earlier. Note: I use the mid section of my thumb to unlock the screen as detailed in the perfect opener effect. I always cover this by asking if the spectator knows another way to access the mobile. The only difference between the genuine password screen and the photograph will be the colour and possible level of the battery power. In performance I have never had a spectator mention either. Regardless of the spectators answer you will now suggest that they press their finger tip against yours for a moment. Once they have done this you will immediately ask them to hold their finger against the home button/fingertip sensor. As they do this you will gently push the mobile against the tip of their finger. This will in effect close the photo application down revealing the home screen. Fortunately for us this mimics exactly the phone unlocking transition. Note: For those who prefer a more hands off approach you can hand the mobile to the spectator for the duration of this effect. In doing so you do however need to control how the spectator holds the mobile (stretched out on their palm) so that you can still casually unlock it within their hands (as you briefly touch the handset).

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By Michael Murray Additional Thoughts: As an extra convincer you may wish to type three digits into your password entry screen before taking the photo. During the performance you can have your spectator type in three digits before you secretly unlock the phone. Since there is continuity between the two images it will help to hide the method further. As a “magical” presentational angle you could suggest that there is a three digit code that will allow any iPhone to override the fingertip recognition. Taking advantage of the battery level as mentioned earlier, you may wish to take a screen shot of your unlocked mobile’s home screen when the phone’s battery is very low. After charging up your mobile you can now access the photograph making it full screen. By pressing the home button on your phone it will appear that your phone has magically gained charge. If you are performing this it may be wise to change the time on your mobile before taking the screen shot to one that is of a later time (the approximate time when you wish to perform the effect). This will help to cover the one discrepancy. To help cover the animation of the closure of the photograph you may also wish to give the phone a slight shake as you press the home button too. Note: You may also wish to take several photographs, this would allow you to perform this routine at varying times.

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Calculated Risk +

IDENTITY THEFT This routine is almost a role reversal of the previous and instead uses the spectator’s mobile in place of yours. Inspiration and credit once again goes to Peter Turner for his original explorations with this concept. Although this effect works best with those that have the fingertip sensor functionality, this will work with all iPhone models. To perform this effect you must first borrow an iPhone model 5S or later, when you take the mobile from the spectator you must secretly take two photographs. The first photo must be of the password entry screen, and the second photograph must be of the phone lock screen (the one which has the image, time and date on it). Note: The reason why we must photograph the screens in this order will become clear soon. You must also remember to mute the mobile prior to performing these actions. You will now hand the mobile back to the spectator and request that they unlock the phone. Once the mobile has been unlocked you will take the mobile back again. The pretence for this effect is just how quick someone can tamper with the security settings on your mobile. Note: Since you will naturally be unlocking the spectator’s mobile in some of the prior effects you could always run this one back to back with another. Done this way you will have ample cover for the dirty work. You will now secretly access the iphone’s camera roll and quickly locate the last photographs taken. The last image should be of the lock screen (with the time and date). Click on this image to make it full size, then mime locking the mobile (keeping the screen hidden from the audience’s view).

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By Michael Murray You will now mime hitting the home button allowing you to display the mimicked lock screen to your spectator. Averting your spectator’s gaze for a moment your thumb can casually swipe to the right. This will now display the mimicked passcode entry screen to the spectator. You will now suggest that rather than entering the spectator’s passcode to access the mobile you can also access it another way. Divert your spectator’s gaze a second time from the mobile and swipe back to the left to display the original lock screen. You will now suggest that you can also access the spectator’s mobile by cloning their finger print. Ask which finger they use to access their mobile and hold your finger against theirs for a moment or two. An option for those phones which don’t have the fingertip sensor will be included at the conclusion of this effect. You will now take your finger (or thumb) and press it on the home button. This will close the photo application and it will look as though you have stolen the spectator’s finger prints. Cleaning Up: Once the mobile is open you must hide the display from the spectator’s view and then double tap the home button. This will allow you to quickly access the camera roll a second time. You can now tap on each image in turn and hit the delete button wiping them from the photo album. Note: Even though you have deleted the images from the standard camera roll they will still exist within the recently deleted album. You have two options, you can either ignore this and hope that your spectator has no reason to check that at a later date, or you can perform the extended set up (see below). If you are worried about the spectator checking their recently deleted

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Calculated Risk + album after the effect then you could safe guard this with a little more prep time. To do this you will take the initial pictures as described in the original routine, however after the spectator has opened the mobile you will access the photo album and quickly delete the photos. You will now access the recently deleted album and locate the images again within this folder. Once you have found them you can tap on the relevant image as though it was in the standard camera roll folder. You can now perform the effect as normal, however at the conclusion, when you double tap, you will be deleting the images permanently (because you are deleting them from the recently deleted folder). Once you have done that you will tap on the back arrow at the top left of the screen twice. You can then double tap the home button and swipe up which will close the photo album completely rendering the mobile fully examinable. Note: For those who want to speed up the set up time, this can be performed by taking a single photo of the lock screen. In this fashion you can’t show both lock screens but it makes both the set up and clean up a speedier process. Older Handsets: For those who wish to perform this on older iPhone (pre-dating the 5S) you can simply show the lock screens as in the original and then mime entering the passcode before hitting the home button.

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David Blaine learns “Calculated Risk” - January 2015

If you enjoyed this work and would like to check out some of my other creations, then please head over to www.mindfx.co.uk While you are there, why not sign up to my free monthly newsletter too! Best Wishes Michael Murray (September 2015)