Sneaky crib
In the previous article, I explained a simple solution to a problem that many magicians and mentalists faced: having a crib. I used it many times and it always served me well. If you haven't seen the previous video, I put the link in the description.
Today I want to reveal a new, sneakier crib technique which is the one that I use nowadays.
It's based on the previous idea, with an added bonus: now you don't need to dispose of the crib anymore. This was not an issue before but there are situations where you might prefer not to do so. For example, maybe you don't have a table next to you, on which to discard the crib, or maybe you can't put anything on the floor due to the specific constraints and style of your event. Or maybe you don't feel comfortable saying "It's a bit messy, let me write this again" because it doesn't fit your performing character.
For all these reasons, and many more, I now use another technique and I will explain it in the context of a book test again. Here is the preparation.
This time you will create a grid of 6 rows and 4 columns. This grid shouldn't touch the edges of the paper so leave a margin of about 2 centimetres (that's 1 inch) between the grid and the edges of the paper.
Next, take a cutting tool and cut out the two middle rows. Finally, put this paper on top of two normal, blank pieces of paper.
Just write each of your sixteen scripts in a different box and you're ready to go.
When you know the long word of the spectator, look at the corresponding box on the crib and start your script. Write down each confirmed letter in the cut out zone. So you're actually writing on the second paper, thru the hole cut out from the first paper. When the script is finished, your right thumb comes over and touches the second paper thru the hole and drags that second paper toward the right, leaving the crib and the last paper behind. It's a bit like a self working second deal.
The general idea is to leave a cut out area in the first paper. This zone should have the average size of the text or drawing you will write down. Then you can divide the space around this hole to obtain as many boxes as you need. In my case, I need sixteen boxes because I have sixteen long words in my book test, but of course it all depends on your effect and your situation.
This crib technique has all the advantages of the previous one. It costs nothing, it's easy to make, simple to use, and it gives you a clear and quick access to all the information you need. It's the technique that I use nowadays with my Babel book test, which will actually be the subject of the next video, because I've been working secretly during the last few months to provide new bonuses to you. I'll tell you all about it in the next few days.
See you soon!
