For all you CT junkies, my friend David Thiel is releasing an ebook describing his own creation called Sharpshooter. David was kind enough to try and teach me this at Mindvention a few years ago, but unfortunately I had too many beers and could not retain it. I do remember however that it was a great looking tear.

I bought a pre-release of this for $39 - I am not sure if this price is still available or not. I heard about it when David did his free lecture on Luca Volpe's great Facebook page. The lecture was also very good - it discussed the use of body language in mentalism. You should watch it if it is still available.

Anyway - the book was delayed until May 30th but tonight I received a 2 minute tutorial on the mechanics of the tear to tide me over. I can say my memory at least did not fail me on how good the tear is. I would describe it as a combination of Osterlind's PCT and Barrie Richardson's business card tear. David's version solved issues that I thought were weak points in those two very excellent methods. It's really good.

Anyway, this seems to be flying underneath the radar. Based on what I have seen I can recommend it based on the mechanics of the tear. I look forward to the ebook which David says will focus on, not just the mechanics, but the presentaional aspects as well.

I haven't been this excited for a release in quite a while because 1) I am passionate about this topic and 2) anything David writes is gold.

Again I am not sure what the current price is but like I said I can't wait for my copy.

Thanks for doing this, John. I appreciate it.

The idea behind Sharpshooter is certainly to share my CT. As you know the billet pops open right in your hand. Nothing to steal. Nothing to palm. You have all the time in the world to get your pe*k. It's virtually angle proof. I'm very proud of it and -- until last night you were one of the four people I showed it to. It went out to the people who pre-ordered after Luca's lecture last night...so it's no big secret anymore.

But the idea behind the eBook is to teach the WHOLE routine -- including Body Language cues...and how to use specific Cold Reading techniques to turn the REVEAL into a solid 5-8 minute effect.

Sharpshooter -- the name of my CT -- is been my number one effect for over a decade. It's the only effect I do in sales meetings with clients I'm pitching a show to. I use it close up, in trade shows -- on stage. The routine has been developed over a lot of shows.

I am more excited about this book than anything I've done before because nearly everything I have learned about mentalism and how to present it is part of the Sharpshooter System.

The $39 price was only for Luca's people.

The pre-release price is now is $49. That price ends in four days.

The final selling price for the Sharpshooter System will be $59 once it comes out on the 30th.

It can only be bought at the Magic Pendulums site for now. The link is in my signature.

Thank you again, John, for your post and your kind words. I really appreciate them both.

David

So my book arrived last evening and I stayed up until 3:00am reading it. I'm still only half way through. The first third of the book is about the mechanics of the tear itself and is given in great detail. As stated above it's a very good tear which should be studied by anyone interested in such things. The rest of the book is a masterclass in how to reveal the information in an entertaining way - incorporating cold reading and body language techniques as well as other things. This is information, aside from being important and useful, is imparted in David's entertaining and personal prose.

I am puzzled why this release isn't being talked about. Everyone knows David here. He is universally respected for his personal and insightful posts. His other releases have been well received and this one, in my opinion, is his best.

I recommend this book for anyone interested in CTs - even if you have one you already like. You will learn a lot more than just a new tear.

The Sharpshooter System has been out for two days and the reviews are starting to come in.

Jheff from Marketplace of the Mind says:

"With this work, David has created a new instant-read center tear technique that's very practical. But that's just the tip of the iceberg, so to speak, as it takes up much less than half the book to explain. What's most important is how to perform the instant-read center tear successfully and effectively and that's the real gold in this. One could easily say that David and Sheree's book is the Maximum Entertainment of center tears, which makes this an especially good reason to get, especially if you are new to mentalism or if you feel that your center-tear routines are not as effective as you'd like them to be."

Watch for his full review in the coming weeks.

Jheff gets it. This book is about my CT certainly. But I wanted to create a system that can be applied to ANY mentalism effect...not just CTs.

Thank you again for your kind words, John. I really appreciate them.

David

Day 3 since The Sharpshooter System was released.

Today I heard from Richard Osterlind. Here are some excerpts from his review of the book:

"David's The Sharpshooter System is new and different, totally deceptive from all angles and gives you instant access to the secret information in a natural and easy way. It is one of the best Center Tears I have come across and that alone would be worth investing in this book.

"But there is so much more in The Sharpshooter System! Almost three quarters of the book deals with what to do with the information once you have it. David talks about using the thought itself, cold reading, micro expressions, body language, acting abilities and so much more to make your presentation not only memorable, but staggering! David works all the time and there are no pipe dreams here. I know for a fact that he has used this material for years before setting it down for you to learn from. Even without the new Center Tear, the rest of the book is a course on how to be a real Mentalist!

"I don’t care where you are in your career or how advanced a performer you might be; there is gold in this book that you need to own! If you study David’s words and thoughts, you will understand how you can apply his insights to just about all the Mentalism you perform.

"In today’s trick-a-day world of Internet stores, The Sharpshooter System stands out like a shining light. Here is true knowledge that has been time tested. When you buy this, you are buying part of David. I guarantee when you are finished with this book, you will turn the pages back to the beginning and read it again – and again – and again! I already have twice and I am just beginning!"

The full review is on the Magic Pendulums site. I think it's wonderful to have written something Richard Osterlind has read twice.

Thanks to all who have bought The Sharpshooter System -- in pre-orders as well as since its release. I am really hoping that this book will offer performers a whole new way of performing mentalism. It's a system that's been working for me for well over a decade now.

I have a couple of exciting announcements coming up within the next few days. Keep an eye on this thread -- and at the Magic Pendulums site.

David

Day Five: Great-Reviews-of-Sharpshooter-Continue-To-Come-In

From the legendary Cent** Tear specialist, Joe Zabel:

"I’m not easily impressed by much of the material I’ve read on this subject over the years, but David’s work on his personal system is truly a labor of love and solid evidence of Thiel’s years of development and practical application of a CT method that works for him. Much can be learned from his excellent publication.

"David’s new work on his CT system is quite possibly the most important treatise on this essential tool since Richard Osterlind published his “Perfected Center Tear” several years ago. But what makes the Sharpshooter System such an exciting addition to the mentalism literature is its complete examination of the process and the elements that make it such an effective resource.

"This work has everything – David clearly explains his system, offers ideas and routines, discusses how to manage dangerous angles and to handle hard-to-read writing, presents justifications for writing and tearing, offers cogent peek advice, and thoroughly outlines his ideas for incorporating cold reading and body language elements in his reveals. Thiel includes sections on important theatrical elements often overlooked in CT performance."

Joe's full review is on the Magic Pendulums site.

Day Seven: European Mentalist Rudolph Kunzil says

"I think that I have just discovered the most valuable Center Tear in my whole life of 75 years."

He's talking about Sharpshooter.

Why do I keep posting these reviews? They are coming from some of the top people in the industry on both sides of the ocean. The CT is one of the most powerful methods a mentalist can draw on. Give it a second's thought:

* No reset
* No electronics
* Completely adaptable
* Requires NO specialized props
* Can be performed anywhere: I've done as an impromptu performance for friends...on grandstands at fairs, corporate shows, trade shows...parlor. Tiny audiences or hundreds.
* Requires very little room. (We're talking about billets and a pen, here.)

Sharpshooter is very easy to learn and perform. There are step by step instructions with crystal clear photos...and a link to a recording that shows you how to perform Sharpshooter in real time.

One of the great things about Sharpshooter is that can take as long as you want to get your pe*k because the info is hidden securely in your hand. Study it right in front of the audience and they will have no idea what you're doing.

Sharpshooter is the ONLY effect I perform in sales meetings with prospective clients.

Sharpshooter is a solid 6 minutes of my show because I incorporate c*ld reading and body language interpretation to make the reveal into a full routine. I'll teach you how you can do it too. Leave your audiences wondering how it is possible you could have "known all those things" -- things that go far beyond simply revealing the person, place or thing your spectator is thinking about. Sharpshooter is one of the purest forms of mentalism I know.

More than that: the techniques and methods taught in The Sharpshooter System can be applied to many of the other mentalism effects you perform.

Go to the Magic Pendulums site and examine the reviews. Take a look at what this eBook is about.

Decide if it's for you.

David

I'm still reading. OK - I'm a bit slow. David's Sharpshooter system is very easy to do. Well worth learning. I am more than impressed. I am elated. Due to time restraints (I know I shouldn't have any during this time but I do), I am devouring the material piece by piece with a pen in one hand and a highlighter in the other. Valuable, well written treatise on this subject. David has performed this for me personally before he released the book. Sheree was sitting on the other side of the table with a huge smile on her face. It will blow you away.

Ray

I was fortunate to receive a copy of The Sharpshooter System from David Thiel.

The classic CT is perhaps the most intimidating of mentalism effects. Getting caught red-handed would not only ruin the effect, it'd ruin the integrity of the mentalist, reducing them to a mere fumbling magician. May as well finish the show with floating scarves and linking rings.

The Sharpshooter System is a tight and controlled impromptu variation of the CT that eliminates the risk of exposure, letting you concentrate on the nuances of the reveal. The System doesn't leave you with a burning coal of deceit.

The effect is clearly laid out in text and photos. I followed along with a billet and surprised myself as the answer popped into my hand like a secret bloom.
The second half of the system is a treatise on methods and psychology of mentalism reveals. This is a section of subtleties and minutia from the perspective of a working mentalist. Much of it is theoretical, but it's presented in an informal style, as if you are sharing a dinner conversation.

I suspect Sharpshooter will likely become the new standard for CT effects.

Tell me, Mr. Salk: Did you fear doing the CT before reading Sharpshooter?

David

I do not perform much mentalism but I like book tests and some use a CT, but I generally use other methods I know I can get away with.
And it is a hassle to destroy the pieces to end clean.

Billets are one of the most versatile tools in the mentalist’s arsenal. Incredibly versatile for stage, close up and perfect for casual situations where someone asks you to “do something.”

The centre tear is a brilliant way to obtain information but I have long hesitated to use the methods I have learned in the past. I generally stuck with a peek (A.N.) rather than risk a tear. Not that it is overly daunting but with horrible eyesight and nerve damage in my right hand tears were always a struggle. A problem no more.

Sharpshooter is, at least for me, a dream come true in the area of CT. Easy to implement, undetectable and allows as much time as needed to read the written information. Clearly described with photos and an accompanying video to ensure you get it right.

Even better perhaps than the technique is the theory and psychology that David and Sheree share. It takes what could be just a basic reveal to a new level that will create a wonderful and memorable emotional moment for your spectator. Using the included methods for combining cold reading and body language with the reveal ensures that you will not be forgotten.

David and Sheree have an ability to communicate what could be very dry information in a way that is captivating and entertaining. So much so that I have ordered two more of David’s books. The style is not just informative but engaging and fun to read as well.

Every mentalist needs a CT that will work for them. This is now mine and if you have been struggling at all you owe it to yourself to grab a copy of Sharpshooter. Now the most versatile bit of knowledge I carry and use.

Hi,

Using Doug Dyment's criteria, what criteria does this TC satisfy ?

https://www.deceptionary.com/r2-d2.html#criteria

I have no idea. I am not familiar with Doug’s criteria. I’m sorry.

David

I give Sharpshooter 18/20 of Dougs criteria, with 2 debatable.

Thanks mr. Salk,

By the way, a demonstration video might be interesting.

Today I have the impression that it is a tool that is no longer in vogue. I myself have never been a fan. Many people like and use T-rex today.

After, the rest of the book should be interesting and indeed for newcomers it might be nice to have a good CT + solid foundations in an ebook.

Mr Salk wrote:
Folks should be aware that my list of criteria is not intended to supply a numerical measurement of the "worth" of a tear. Saying that a tear satisfies 18/20 criteria is close to meaningless, as this depends what these criteria are, balanced against the needs of the practitioner. For example, I personally would never consider using a tear that does not satisfy criteria B and C, whereas criteria O and S can be worked around if necessary. So even 19/20 is a failing "score" in my eyes if the missing criterion is B (and almost all billet tears have concealed openings or other moves).

I do discuss this concern on the Deceptionary site, but it's all too easy to focus on quick-and-dirty bullet points rather than deep understanding, and skip over the explanations.

My point, though, is that my criteria are not designed to support the notion of a simple "index of excellence".

Dreda: I am not sure I would say the CT is ever "out of vogue." You are, of course, entitled to your opinion.

But I am curious to know why you have never been a fan of the CT. What don't you like about it?

David

The technique can be justified by rituals, etc. but I don't see the point of it knowing that we have plenty of other techniques that keep the paper intact and even give a perfect illusion/proof that the paper is still theirs.

Also, the direct readings are not invisible and the public won't tell you they noticed something wrong because they're generally well-intentioned.

As a spectator, personally, it never fooled me which is not the case of the first time that I saw for example an acidus novus.

The delayed readings are in my opinion what is better for CT.

Just my 2 cents.

Thank you for those two cents.

I respect your opinions. To be honest, I have the same ideas about p**k wallets. I have never been able to get my mind around the whole idea of why what the spectator just wrote or drew goes into a wallet. Having said that, the guys who use these wallets are currently rolling their eyes...because this method works perfectly for them. It's very much a matter of personal taste I think, Dreda.

To me the CT is the single most logical way to get at the information. In the end, the billet is torn into little pieces and returned to the spectator. I wrote in the book that on a number of occasions I have seen the spectators at the table putting the pieces back together.

I think it's important that the method make sense...and that there should be no pressure on the performer to get the information in a hurry. The fact of the matter is that some spectators write very small...very sloppily...very lightly. The method needs to be something that allows the performer to take as much time as he needs to get the p**k. I also never liked any complicated methods or the necessity to steal out the center of a billet.

To each his own. Thank you, most sincerely, for sharing your perspective, Dreda.

David