What's on Your Mind?

Before you start, conceal three cards in your pocket, faces inward. Have someone shuffle the deck. Take the deck back and deal the top four cards onto the table. (Since you're going to memorize the cards, make sure you don't have two of the same value.) "While I look away," you say, "I'd like you to think of one of these cards." When they're done, gather up the cards, remembering their value from top to bottom. Suppose the cards are nine, jack, three, five. Repeat this to yourself several times and place the cards, face inward, into your pocket, on top of the three already there. 

Tell them to concentrate on their card. Reach into your pocket and pull out one of the three cards you originally placed there. Don't let anyone see its face.

After studying it for a moment shake your head, and place it in the middle of the deck. Do the same with the other two cards you have previously placed in your pocket. Return your hand to your pocket. Ask: What was your card? Separate the cards so you can quickly grasp whichever is named. Produce that card. You might try a repeat. After all, you still have three cards in your pocket.