For me it has to be ODDS.

RO top 5 effects:

1. Being Richard Osterlind
2. Being entertaining and engaging
3. Oozing passion for his act.
4. Making laughs organically. (And yeah, he does have some stock gags, too. He knows how to use them.)
5. Making the necessary skills invisible and/or effortless.

Any effect with BCS does it for me

Great suggestions, guys.

Things have certainly changed regarding some regarding in-person interaction, and these classics from Richard all would certainly fit the bill!

As a side note regarding "adapting" during this "apocalypse:"

I took up drawing in my retirement from law enforcement (link in signature if you want to check out what I draw...)

In the few (very few) in person shows that were held this year, I always do a little magic (and of course some mentalism!) as it certainly helps draw people in to the table. Of course, in-depth mentalism effects are out due to time constraints, but effects such as my "7" and a few others are quick enough.

I do a lot of money and credit card effects due to the nature of the environment as those are always already out and in play. I also do some silver dollar effects (my 3-fly with a triple Morgan split, etc,) as it is quick and eye-catching.

Another effect that has usually results in increased sales of my art prints:
I make a prediction on the back of my #DarkMountainArts business card. I ask them to look through one of the baskets of prints on the table and select one that appeals to them. Of course, due to my boon, the prediction matches. (And it also ends up with a busines card in their hand, if not a sale of that print!

Since my artist pens and pencils are out and on display along with a sketch pad, I have done drawing dupes to great success as well, and it ties in PERFECTLY with the art I am selling! RIchards "ODDs" is perfect in this envirinment!

It seems we are all adapting during these "unprecedented times."

You gave some great suggestions regarding Richard's vast catalog, and I appreciate that (another great excuse to dig out his DVDs and books and go gold-mining!)

Bryn

The Watch Routine (brilliant routining)
Breakthrough Card System (Card Calling, 2 Cards in Pocket etc.)
Alpha Mental Plus (his update on the original routine)
Total Knockout (His outstanding routine, but not the props he employs)
Hands-Off (One of the finest mentalism card effects you can perform)

Jared:

Great choices, all.

One of my favs I don't mention much (because it IS a shameless plug!) is an "Add-A-No" original effect that he gave me to include in my LOGAR eBook. NOTHING is needed and it is amazing. I've had the opportunity due to more time at home to refine it and work on some of the mental calculations needed (not there is much at all, but I'm OCD on such matters...)
'
The 'Watch Routine' is one of my all-time go-to routines, from ANYONE. I only hope not EVERYONE goes the route of the smartwatch...

Bryn

Bryn,
Agreed, the "Add-A-No" is a worthy inclusion for its simple set-up, yet powerful impact.

Absolutely, Jared...I'm so glad you like it!

Its another of those "A.A.A." nothing-required gems. My additions/handling in LOGAR really didn't add a lot, as his effect stands on it's own. I was just so grateful he gave me an original of HIS to include in my eBook, as it had been a huge thrill for me to have some of MINE included in his DVDs/books (No Camera Tricks, Mystique, etc.)

Bryn

Great choice, Neil!

I kinda brought this discussion around to how covid/online performances/other "changes" this year has brought might have changed your selections of Richard's effects. His catalog of workers is vast, so there are many to select from!

Bryn

Hilarious!

Watching Richard Osterlind perform many of his routines on his DVDs over the years has been a significant part of my mentalism education. I love watching Richard perform and teach. His Vinyl Folder Q & A from The Sapphire Collection is one of many favorites.

I couldn't agree more!

Bryn

Totally agreed...for me, watching Richard's performances were formative to my interest in mentalism. My top five (no order) would be:

1. OBCS (esp. Two Cards in the Pocket)
2. Spoon bends
3. Watch Routine
4. ODDS
5. PCT

If I had a 6th, I’d say 40,000 Words – I’d read it in Practical Mental Effects but until I saw Richard’s handling in one of his Penguin lectures, I didn’t realize how well it played (and I immediately went to the dollar store to buy dictionaries).

Good ones, 3sdb!

It's interesting how he brings some life to these classics by presenting them in a visual format that you can actually SEE.

And it also goes to show just how well some of these routines (that many literally be 100 years old!) can still entertain the hell out of an audiance.

And no offense to the particular forum here by that name, as I love checking it out as well, but it doesn't always have to be the
"Latest and Greatest."

Bryn

I always go back to Osterlind. You could do just fine as a mentalist with his Mental Mysteries set in a material selection sense.

BAM!

Bryn

For me:
- Breaktrough Card System (MM2)
- Bank Night (MM1)
- The Perfect Center Tear (MM1)
- Change of Mind (MM3)
- Predic-Tac-Toe (my favorite)

Ditto!

And of course his BT stack (a tool not one effect), his CT (a tool not one effect) and his versions of the Radar Deck (both the old one and the new and improved one)



-

Sorry to highjack the thread, but I have a Richard Osterlind related question:

I am trying to find a copy (to buy!) of Richard's "Memorized Breakthrough Card System".

I can't seem to find a copy anywhere, not even on his own site.

I understand that sometimes things go in and out of print but not to find and be able to buy a single copy anywhere is frustrating.

Has it been withdrawn for any reason?

Any pointers are appreciated.

Hello,

https://osterlindmysteries.com/store/ind......ts_id=15

Regards