X-Ray by Ben Harris and Steve Shufton - Book

There’s something about X-Ray Vision that just gets the imagination whirring, isn’t there? I remember my uncle Peter pulling one over on me as a kid with a simple stunt that nearly scrambled my brain. He used his so-called X-Ray Vision to see through the table and guess how many fingers I was holding up. Spoiler alert: he was tapping out the answers to my dad under the table. Talk about a crushing realisation! Fast forward a bit, and I found myself performing my own version of this trick, and I've been hooked on the X-Ray Vision theme ever since.

My one-man show, HELLucinations, is where I really shine—it's the act I rely on for my high-paying gigs. Claiming to channel the legendary Dr. Elmer William Bishop, I kick off with some mind-boggling "card reading" before diving into a series of jaw-dropping X-Ray Vision demonstrations. Among these is the classic 'seeing through' a heavy iron box to reveal not only a spectator's chosen card but also its exact position in the deck. And let me tell you, I repeat this with increasingly impossible conditions each time.

Presented with utmost seriousness, this act can run anywhere from thirty minutes to an hour and a half, leaving audiences utterly convinced of my X-Ray powers—even with a full disclaimer. (It's amazing what a bit of theatrical flair can do!)

Now, secretly, I’ve always wanted a "casual" version of this effect—something that you can whip out with any deck of cards, anytime. Enter THE XRAY DECK. Steve has truly knocked it out of the park, crafting a practical solution that allows for this effect to be performed anywhere, anytime. He’s laid out every clever detail of his method in a way that’s as clear as a sunny day.

The XRay effect
The magician shuffles a deck and shows off its uniqueness (yes, all different cards—no duplicates here). The deck goes on the table, and the spectator is instructed to cut it, turn their card face up, memorise it, and place it back on top before sealing the whole lot in the box. The magician then exits, leaving the spectator to follow the instructions (no peeking!).

Upon returning, the magician claims to have developed an uncanny ability—almost like X-Ray vision—and without laying a finger on the box, he stares intently. To everyone’s shock, he names the spectator’s inverted card! But wait, it gets even crazier. He calls out a number, again without touching the box, and instructs the spectator to deal the cards face up. As the tension builds, the spectator counts down to the number called—boom! There’s the chosen card, right where it’s supposed to be! Not only has the magician identified the card from a sealed deck, but he’s also pinpointed its exact spot!

Features

• All can be examined—the deck is completely normal.
• Once the spectator has it, the magician doesn’t touch it again.
• Complete deck of 52 different cards—no funny business.
• Any deck will do—even a borrowed one works!
• No stooges, confederates, peeks, electronics, or mirrors involved.
• No gaffs or gimmicks here.
• Deck and box are 100% real—no prepared nonsense.
• Perfect for one-on-one or larger groups.
• Mind-blowing mentalism that packs a punch!

Once you grasp Steve’s approach, you’ll be performing The X-Ray Deck anywhere with confidence.

Pages: 34 - 8 1/2" x 11" - Photo-illustrated - PDF Format

Here's what some professional mentalists and scholars have said about THE XRAY DECK:

"X-RAY is one of the most fantastic effects I have come across. I like simple, easy-to-perform effects that require subtlety and sleight of mind rather than sleight of hand. This is an effect that Al Koran would have been proud to have invented. I can not wait to perform it and I know it is going to become a magical classic."
- Martin Breese

"Not only did I immediately absorb every last detail and nuance employed in the development of the X-RAY routine, I was blown away by the number of well known and respected names I encountered that had a collaborative role in its construction. X-RAY is an extremely powerful and entertaining effect. Watching Steve Shufton and Ben Harris concoct a recipe for a satisfying and delicious mental effect is as sweet as the frosting on my cake. Do I like it? You bet I do. Highly recommended."
- Larry Becker

"A wonderfully clear cut plot. This is very powerful and appears utterly impossible."
- Marc Paul

"Great idea, great routine and great thinking! Another winner!"
- Greg Arce

"Waaa?!?! That is f[----]ing AWESOME!"
- Jeremy Weiss

"X-RAY is an amazing effect that also ENTERTAINS the audience. I know the professional performers, with dynamic personalities, will love X-RAY. However, I know X-ray will be a miracle, even when performed by average magicians, just for their friends."
- Steve Dusheck