ADD A NUMBER

By Richard Robinson
The magician writes a prediction on a square of paper. Several spectators write numbers on another square of
paper. A spectator adds up the numbers. The total matches the magician's prediction.

Before proceeding, I should point out that there have been dozens of effects called Add A Number. The
methods used vary from sleight of hand to gaffed slates, boards and paper pads. However the effect is
generally the same. Several spectators each write a number, then the column of numbers is totalled, the total
matching a prediction previously written by the magician.
In other times, Add A Number usually involved the spectators writing three or four digit numbers. Today math
is too much of a personal challenge to ask for more than a single digit, then hope that the spectator involved
can total them up. So the process must be kept as simple as possible, although the effect is just as strong.
Props
A familiar object is used to make this version of Add A Number more effective, the currently ubiquitous PostIt Notes pads. There are two reasons for this. First, it is a familiar object, used as the magician will use it to
jot things down. Second, the spectators will generally know that the back of the Post-It Notes are sticky which
gives the magician a psychological advantage.
While any small sized Post-It Notes pad can be used, I've found that cutting the 3 x 5 inch / 7.6 x 12.7 cm size
in half to make a pad measuring 3 x 2.5 inches / 7.6 x 6.35 cm allows for easy handling and acceptable
visibility. Two pads of contrasting color are used in the routine.
Remove the waxed backing sheet from each of the pads. Split each of the pads in half, reverse one of the

halves and stick the two halves together. This results in a pad which has two fronts.
You'll also need a marking pen and a drinking glass.
Setup, Routine & Handling
One one side of each pad write three single digit numbers, one below the next, then draw a line under the
bottom number. Vary your handwriting as you write the numbers so it appears they were written by three
different people. The pads are on the table, writing side down, next to the pen and glass.

The pad is separated into two sections, then the sticky sides stuck to each other. The substitute numbers are
written on one side of each pad. In writing the prediction, the pad is held in the hand to block the substitute
numbers side.
Pick up the two pads, or remove them from your pocket, keeping the written on sides away from the
spectators.
Ask one spectator which of the two colors he or she prefers. This will be the spectator who later does the
addition.

The prediction is written on the pad not chosen by the spectator, removed from the pad, crumpled and
dropped in the glass. The pad to be used by the spectators is picked up, the substitute writing side towards
the palm.
Announce that you are going to write a prediction and do so, writing the total of your pre-written numbers on
the other pad. Pull off the sheet and crumple it, dropping the ball of paper into the empty glass. Hand the glass
to a spectator and ask her to hold it for safe keeping.
Holding the other pad in the palm of your hand with the written on side toward the palm, approach three
spectators and handing them the marking pen ask each to write a number.

Three spectators near each other and some distance from the spectator who will do the addition are asked to
write a number on the pad. The substitute writing side is kept upstage. Once the three numbers are written,
draw a line under the bottom number.
Once the third number has been written, take back the pen and draw a line under the three numbers. Now
place the marking pen in the same hand as the pad. Turn to the spectator who selected the color at the start
and hand this spectator the pad and pen.

Hold the pad and marking pen in one hand. Approaching the spectator who will total the numbers, the hand
turns back up, the fingers and thumb turn over the pad so the substitute numbers are face up.
In the action of giving pad and pen to the spectator who will do the addition, the combination of holding both
pad and pen in one hand is a cumbersome enough visual that you can turn over the pad so the pre-written
side is now facing out. This move is handled as you step over to that spectator, who is located at least a few
seats away from those who have written numbers. It is important that the spectators who've written the
numbers cannot see the pad as the numbers are added up.

Hold the pad near the top edge, ask the spectator to total the numbers and write the total on the pad. Pull the
sheet off the pad and show it to second spectator to confirm it is correct, then stick the prediction to your coat
lapel momentarily.
As soon as the spectator has totaled the numbers, have this spectator lift off the top sheet or do so yourself.
Turn to the spectator next to the one who totaled the numbers and ask if the total is correct, at the same time
pocketing the pad and pen. Stick the paper to your coat lapel or hold it up as you step back upstage.

The prediction is removed from the glass, opened and proves to be correct.

At this point I personally prefer to ask the spectator holding the drinking glass to remove the prediction,
uncrumple it and read the number written on it aloud. Then I ask the spectator who totaled the numbers if this
is correct.
On your prediction paper, write down more than just the number. 'I think the yellow pad will be chosen and the
random numbers will total 11.' will do.
Performance Notes
Add A Number uses many of the classic dodges and premises of mental magic. These include the use of
apparently familiar objects, the spectator given a choice of object, the prediction visible and held by a third
party, putting a distance between those who write numbers and the person who adds them up which allows
the switch to be made during the travel time between them, and including a nonsensical revelation - that the
spectator will chose the yellow pad - as part of the prediction.
Selling an effect like this only requires that the performer get the handling down so it can be done without
thinking about it and that all of the activities are done in a casual, off hand manner as if none of them are
particularly important.
__________________________________________________