80/20 Control Mentalism Routine for Beginners
By Making Magicians Since 2001 | Published: 2026-10-31
Category: How-to Guides
Learn a simple mentalism routine using the 80/20 control. Force a card and control it in one smooth action—perfect for beginners.
Quick answer
The 80/20 control lets you force a card and control it to the top in a single action, making it ideal for a simple mentalism routine for beginners.
Why the 80/20 control works for mentalism
Mentalism routines often rely on subtle forces and controls that feel natural to the spectator. The 80/20 control reduces the number of moves, so you can focus on presentation and misdirection.
Because the control is done in one smooth action, it looks like a casual riffle and stop. This makes it perfect for beginners who want to add a mentalism effect without complex sleights.
Step-by-step mentalism routine
- Step 1: Set up the force: Hold the deck in your dominant hand and riffle the edge. Ask a spectator to call stop at any point. When they do, separate the deck at that point and show the card they stopped at. This is your forced card. Common mistake: Riffle too fast. Keep a steady, even riffle so the spectator feels they had a free choice.
- Step 2: Return the card and control it: Take the forced card and place it on top of the lower half. Then dribble the remaining cards from your other hand on top. The 80/20 control brings their card to the top of the deck. Checkpoint: After dribbling, the card should be on top. If not, you may have placed it on the wrong half.
- Step 3: Reveal the card mentally: Hold the deck behind your back or under the table. Claim you will use mental energy to find their card. Bring the top card forward and reveal it as their selection. Common mistake: Revealing too quickly. Build suspense by pausing and making eye contact to sell the mentalism aspect.
Product facts
- The 80/20 Control: The 80/20 control allows you to force a card and control it in a single action after a spectator calls stop during a riffle. This simplicity helps beginners maintain a natural flow during a mentalism routine, reducing the chance of mistakes.
The 80/20 Control
