Mentalism Trick

Play Mentalism Trick with friends — 3+ players, 10 minutes. Play online party games with friends. Free in Pocket Party with 150+ IRL social games.

3+ players, about 10 minutes, ages 5+.

Play online party games with friends.

Setup

Before the game even begins, covertly pick one other person to ‘get in on the trick with you. This person will be the ‘mind reader’. Secretly explain to them a unique system behind your trick. For example, the next object will be the correct one after you point at a RED object. Or it could be when you say a secret phrase like “I wonder if he’ll get it?”... Any system will work, as long as you both know it and everyone else doesn’t pick up on it (don’t make it too obvious!). When the time is right, casually suggest playing this mentalism game. Explain that for this game, you will need a volunteer to be the ‘mind reader’. Make it feel like anyone can volunteer, but ensure you choose your partner in crime you have already trained. Tell him he needs to leave the room. In advance, secretly explain to one person (referred to as the mind-reader) a unique system behind your trick, e.g., the object after you point at something black will be the nominated object. Later, gather your group, including the mind-reader. Invite a volunteer to step out of the room. Purposefully select the mind-reader you spoke to earlier. Ask the rest of the group to nominate any random object that can be seen in the room, eg, a guitar sitting in the corner. Invite the mind-reader to re-enter the space. Announce that you will start to point at a series of objects, and the mind-reader must correctly identify which object was secretly nominated by the group, ie, they respond with “NO” or “YES.” After pointing to one or more objects, you deliberately point to any object in the room that is black. Thus, when you point to the next item, the mind-reader will know that this is the nominated object. Repeat this trick for multiple rounds. Gradually provide more and more obvious clues with each round until everyone in the group understands the source of the ‘magic.’

How to Play

When the ‘mind reader’ has left the room, explain to everybody they need to collectively choose one object in the room that the mind reader needs to guess - for example, an old vase on a shelf. Then invite the ‘mind reader’ back into the room. Announce that you will point to a series of things in the room, and the ‘mind reader’ has to respond with ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. While pointing out random things in the room, use your secret system, whatever that is, so that the mind reader can correctly identify the chosen object. Continue playing multiple rounds until the group figures out the source of the ‘magic’.

Frequently asked questions

How many people do you need to play Mentalism Trick?

Mentalism Trick is designed for 3+ players. It works best when everyone can hear each other and take turns quickly.

How long does Mentalism Trick take?

A round of Mentalism Trick usually takes about 10 minutes, depending on group size and how much discussion your players add.

Can you play Mentalism Trick without extra props?

Mentalism Trick is built to be lightweight. Check the on-page rules for any simple materials your group might need before you start.

Can kids play Mentalism Trick?

Mentalism Trick is recommended for ages 5+. For younger groups, read the rules first and choose categories or prompts that fit the room.