I am looking to learn Copperfield's clock illusion used on TV. Does anyone have any idea on how I might go about learning this one? I can't seem to figure it out all that well.

Every time I see it, it baffles me. Any input would be helpful.

I've never seen it... Could you describe the effect?

He would have you touch the screen filled with numbers in a clock formation, spell the number you were on...do that 2-3 times, and as each time passed he would remove some of the numbers. He finally would know where you were by the last time he said had you do the procedure.

It was freaky.

Jim Steinmeyer created that force. He wrote it up in his book, Impuzzibilities. The force is also described in Eric Maurin's "Watch Crystal" effect.

I heard of it before, I remember it. It is all mathmatical principals.

Try Eric Maurin`s `The Watch Crystal`. That`s what you are searching for! but this is for close up or strolling.not for stage. I want to sell mine. but unfortunately one side of the crystal (there are 2 force times) shows the time quite bad when you breath on it. kiki

If you are talking about the interactive clock where he reveals which one you are on by the spinner thing at the end, yeah it uses a force. If your familar with the clock, when he starts you with the arrows, you move forward by any number and backward by that same number leaving you at a certain position. Regardless which number you choose it will always be the same posistion, then you mover around four and because there are eight on the board, you always end up directly across from where you started and presto all done.

As Scott wrote, it is in Impuzzlebilities.
This book only costs about $12 and is one of the best buys in Magic.
Peace,
Parson

It's good! It is easy, and it is amazing!
However, these kind of mental tricks are easily figured out if you watch it over and over again.

The principle behind these effects is known as the Kruskal Count (originally used with playing cards). It's described in several of Martin Gardner's books.

The principle behind these effects is known as the Kruskal Count (originally used with playing cards). It's described in several of Martin Gardner's books.

I've never ever every cared for these types of illusions/tricks, it all spells maaaaaaaaaaaath only solution to me.

Does DC have any videos/DVDs out?

I think I found a very interesting PDF on the Café a while back that described a proof of the Kruskal count. It was pretty heavy math but it piqued my interest. Hang on and I'll see if I can dig it up...

...got it.

I'm not sure how I can share it with everyone. I'm going to try to convert the PDF into a smaller file and post it here. I'll also try to post the text in a new topic.

Maybe pm me and I'll just email it