FORCE 4 INSTRUCTIONS©

compiled by Wayne Rogers

First published April 2013
Revised June 2013
Revised Jan 2014
Revised August 2014
Revised September 2015

These instructions and any video clips produced for the

product and routines, may be updated from time to time.

A copy of the current updates and video clips will be posted at:
http://www.nzmagic.com/FORCE4OWNERS.html

If you join the mailing list on that page, you will be notified when new
information is added.

The password to access the PDF instructions and video clips is:
CHICANEFORce4

2
 1 FOLDER * 4 SPECTATORS * 4 CHOICES

WHAT THEY CHOOSE

IS UNDER

THE PERFORMER’S CONTROL

3
INTRODUCTION
FORCE 4 was designed specifically for my Chair Routine SIGNS OF CHAOS. I wanted to be able to
hand out 4 envelopes or folded sheets of A4 paper to four spectators, and I wanted them to have an
absolutely free choice of the papers offered. Naturally the last person could only take what was left.

My first attempt at solving the problem was to construct a multi- flap compendium. To disguise the
thickness of the flaps, I added a dummy zipper around the outer edge. This was quite successful
and, I believe, a good solution which I used for a while, but I wanted a more streamlined prop.

I shared the idea of my compendium with Sean Taylor who told me he had made something
similar. Sean’s chair routine “The Throne Room” has a clever kicker phase and can be found in his
book “MindStorms”. In the book he refers to a four way Himber Wallet, and mentions that Al Mann used
a ”Diplomental Pouch”. Sean made himself a portfolio for stage work, but gave no details of the
construction. I can imagine that many other performers will have made similar props over the years.

Alan Zingg had previously manufactured his Theta Portfolio, and the smaller T2 version. Both were
designed to switch information written on the pad, or objects like envelopes, cads, photos etc. Also to
secretly introduce, steal or hold out such objects. The Theta Portfolio had many applications.

I had experimented with clipboards with extra flaps, and my “Rising Card on Clipboard” was in fact based
on that principle. While I was still using my original compendium folder, Banachek brought out his
Psychic Pad Folio but, again, that folio was intended for a different use and did not solve my quest for a
simple 4 way force.

The prop that was to become my main inspiration for creating FORCE 4 was the smaller Miller Miracle
Wallet designed by Roy Miller.

My next version, an A4 or Letter size folder with 4 flaps looked too thick and suspicious. The final solution
was to have only three openings, and to steal the 4th envelope from a secret hiding place as the folder was
closed. The result is FORCE 4

Since first using FORCE 4 I have considered alternative uses and brainstormed with other performers.
Some of the outlines of those routines are included in these instructions for your consideration.

I encourage you to explore further the effects you can achieve using this folder.

Wayne Rogers
January 2014

chicane@nzmagic.com
http://www.nzmagic.com

4
CONTENTS
PREPARING THE FOLDER FOR FIRST USE

THE FOUR FORCES

GENERAL HANDLING

PAPER SIZES

FORCE 4 AS A REGULAR WRITING FOLIO

THE JON ALLEN 4TH FORCE

SAMPLE ROUTINES
SIMPLE CHAIR TEST

ROUTINE OUTLINES USING AN OFF STAGE ASSISTANT

THE NAME TEST
COLOUR TEST

MYSTERY BAG AND BANK NITE BONUS

BODY LANGUAGE WITH FORCE 4

SIGNS OF CHAOS Wayne Rogers

CHARACTER-EYES - for School Shows by Jim Kleefeld

FOREWORD - for Library Shows by Jim Kleefeld

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

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6
PREPARING THE FOLDER FOR FIRST USE
Remove FORCE 4 from the vinyl satchel. On inspection you will find on one side there is the main cover,
and under that an extra flap. This indicates the top side, the side you will first open during a performance.

Turn the folder over right to left, there is another opening cover. This opens to the third page.

Now to prepare the insides of the folder. Everything must look the same no matter which page
is opened. THIS IS IMPORTANT. As you go through the forcing sequence it must look like there is
only one way of opening the folder, and therefore ONE page. All three pages must be identical

THE RIGHT HAND SIDE

Open the first cover. The right hand side,
opposite the plastic pocket is blank and you
can choose to leave it blank, or glue on a sheet
or two of paper to replicate a writing pad.

There is no slit at the top of the first two pages

for inserting a proper pad. Use rubber cement
and simply glue a sheet or two in place. If you
intend using standard white envelopes during
your routines, for contrast, use pages from
the yellow pads used by the legal profession.

FORCE 4 will take an International A4 size sheet

or Letter size. See PAPER SIZES page 11. When
using Letter size, trim off ¼” down the left hand
long side. Open to the other two pages and glue
sheets of paper on each right hand side. On page
3 there is a slot for a pad if you choose to use it.
See FORCE 4 AS A REGULAR WRITING FOLIO
page 12.

THE LEFT HAND SIDE

This needs a little more preparation. I like to stick
a photo or a logo in the top left corner. A small
calendar or a label with your name and address will
work just as well . . . anything that looks like it should
be in your folder. Be sure to place it on all three
pages. All pages when opened must look identical.

If this area gets marked in some way, duplicate the

marks on all pages.
THE CLEAR PLASTIC POCKET
In the plastic pocket I have what appears to be
a letter for posting. It is actually a dummy letter
made from one layer of coloured paper with an
address, a stamp and a return address sticker.

You will need to make three of these.

Mine measure 5 ¾” x 4 ¾” (15cm x 12 cm) Tape
the top of the dummy letter in place with clear
sticky tape or use rubber cement.

The envelope or folded paper you will be forcing

is hidden in the clear plastic pocket under the
dummy letter.

When the force envelope is removed, the

dummy must remain in place. The force envelope
protrudes above the dummy letter so you can
grasp the top and easily remove it quickly.

Empty envelopes are in the pockets on the first two pages, and the actual force envelope is in the final
opening on page 3.

Instead of a dummy envelope you can place a folded power bill or some other document. It is best to fold
the document to size and have three photocopies made and place the single thickness copy in the pocket.

If you want something that is smaller than your force envelope, attach it to a piece of black card and slide
the card into the pocket. The dummy letter or paper should be slightly wider than your force envelope .

THE FORCE ENVELOPES

You require 4 force envelopes for the first page. The contents of the envelopes are identical. It does not
matter which envelope the first spectator chooses, the contents are all the same.

On page two you place three envelopes. Again, these have all the same contents. And on page three you
place two identical envelopes.

THE FINAL FORCE

The final force envelope is tucked under the dummy letter in the clear plastic pocket on the left hand side of
the last page. You do not have to open a 4th page for the last force which keeps the whole folder nice and thin.

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 FOUR FORCES
Upper left, PAGE 1 the first 4 envelopes all
have same contents.

Above right, PAGE 2 the next 3 envelopes are

also identical.

PAGE 3 Same with the two on the left.

PAGE 3 AGAIN the final force.

As the folder is closing, pull the fourth
envelope out from under the dummy
letter and offer it to the last spectator. 9
THE JON ALLEN 4th STEAL
Thanks to Jon Allen in the UK for sharing his alternative steal of the 4th envelope.

Jon wanted to use longer envelopes in his routine. He came up with an alternative method for stealing
the 4th envelope that I had not considered and is brilliant thinking on his part!

In my own current routine I use folded A4 paper rather than envelopes, and Jon’s 4th steal system can
be applied to these sheets too. From now on I will personally use the Jon Allen 4th Steal.

A brief note on Jon’s routine:

Rather than just ONE extra envelope, you can actually have up to THREE hidden in the page!
In Jon’s routine 3 volunteers each take an envelope containing a blank piece of paper. They also choose
one of 4 different objects.

In the (4th) envelope, the one left for Jon, is a piece of paper labelled “Top Secret” that he does not want
them to have. He also predicts the item that would NOT be chosen.

This requires four pieces of paper, each with “top secret” on it, and each with a different item, to cover
whichever one is not chosen.

Jon uses three different sections of the backing pad to hold three envelopes but one of them is a
double envelope so he can pull either one of two pieces of paper from it. This gives FOUR outs to cover
whichever item he needs to predict.

The photos of Jon’s setup were taken his first prototype with just one envelope. You will need to
customise your own folder.

Wayne Rogers
August 2014

Jon’s 4th
envelope . . .

Hidden in
“plain sight”
on the
Right Hand
page

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THE JON ALLEN 4th STEAL

Jon hides the 4th envelope under the pad

paper on the right hand side of the force 4
folder.

In this photo the bottom line of the black

outline drawn on the pad hides the top of
the secret envelope.

The top edge of the envelope has a matching

black line drawn on it.

As the hidden envelope is pulled out, it is

automatically turned over and the black line
goes by unnoticed.

Behind the pad a plastic bag holds the

envelope in the correct position.

To summarise the forcing sequence, the first three forces are performed in the standard manner.
For the 4th force, the final envelope is pulled from the secret pocket built into the actual pad paper.

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TO CUSTOMIZE THE JON ALLEN 4th STEAL
In my own routine SIGNS OF CHAOS, I use folded A4 papers in place of
envelopes.
The folded paper has a sticker across the top which indicates the top so the spectator can open the first
fold like a book to locate the number in the fold.

Using Jon’s method I have customised my folder. I sketched a “doodle” similar to Jon’s design and added
some numbers and initials.

The prepared sheet was scanned and printed out on my B&W laser printer. This could also be done in
colour. The printed sheets were doubled up and stuck on openings 1 and two of the folder.
Onto the third page I followed jon’s system and attached a plastic bag to hold the folded paper at the
correct height.

A slit was cut through the sheet to allow the paper to pass through. The sequence of photos will show
how this works. As you close the 3rd page, the paper is pulled straight out from the slit in the pad.

Thanks again to Jon Allen for his valuable contribution to these instructions.

The original pad with my doodles . . . . . . . . . and the photocopies

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 Plastic bag behind the pad page to hold the envelope/paper

Slit through the page

13
Ready to roll . . .
GENERAL HANDLING
OPENING AND CLOSING FORCE 4 DURING A PERFORMANCE
You can handle FORCE 4 in two ways, depending on which side you prefer to have the spectators In
relation to the folder. I am left handed and prefer to have the audience on my right hand side, and the
on-stage helpers to my left. Whatever your preference, the right hand will always support the folder, and
the left hand will always open the cover and flap.

NOTE: I find it is better to keep the long edge of the folder towards the on stage helpers at all times. If
the top edges are towards your helpers, who are close to you, there is more chance that they may detect
the extra covers and flap. There is no writing done during the force sequence so right handers will not be
holding a pen in their right hand.

HANDLING WITH HELPERS TO YOUR LEFT

Rest the folder on your right palm with the right fingers curing around the spine of the folder. Open the
top cover with your left hand so the single edge of the top cover points towards the on stage spectators.
To select an envelope, the spectator will reach over the left hand side of the cover.

NOTE: When opening the folder, there can be a tendency for one or two of the envelopes to cling to the
cover and lift with it. To avoid this, open the cover slowly.

After the first envelope has been taken, close the cover and grasp the edge of the next flap and re-open
both cover and flap together. This will be the only time the double edge (cover and flap) will be towards
the helpers.

To close the folder after the second envelope is chosen, hold the double layers together with the left hand
and close the folder by bringing the right hand side over onto the left. This reverses the folder.
(Do not close the folder left to right or you will need to turn the whole folder over to open the third page.)
Also do not allow the cover to drop down with a thump. That will draw attention to the fact that you closed
the folder. I cushion the closing with my left thumb between the pages. Reposition the right hand to
support the folder, then immediately remove your thumb and gesture with your left hand. This all takes
just a moment and you are now in a position to open the third page, again using the left hand.

To recap this opening sequence.

• Open cover 1 (four envelopes are showing)
• Open cover 1 and the flap together. (three envelopes are showing)
• Close the folder right to left.
• Reposition the weight on the right hand, and open the third page with the left hand. (two envelopes
are showing)

SPECTATORS IN A SQUARE FORMATION

See page 28 for an alternative way of assembling your spectators on stage prior to using FORCE 4

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HANDLING WITH HELPERS TO YOUR RIGHT
The holding of the folder is the same as when the helpers are on your left, with the right hand holding the
folder and the left hand opening the pages. One advantage is that when you open the top cover and the
flap together, the double edges are opened away from the on stage spectators. A possible disadvantage
is that the thickest part of the folder is near the spectators. I don’t think it matters too much as the folder
is black and all emphasis is on the envelopes.

When the spectators reach for an envelope, they go straight in to the open folder. When the helpers are
on your left, they need to reach further, over the cover to take an envelope. It does not really matter which
way round you work. The forcing is the same.

GESTURES AND PAUSES

During the forcing sequence you need to open and close the folder three times. If choosing envelopes
from the folder was genuine, you would open it once and each of the four spectators would simply take
an envelope.

Like the popular criss cross force, you need some time delay built into your actions. You can do this with
natural gestures that give you justification for closing the folder and opening it again. In my routine the
spectators take a folded piece of letter paper and there is a number in the folds. I close the folder and
extend my free hand as I tell them to look at the number and go sit in the chair with the same number.

With the second spectator I close the folder and gesture while holding the folder in the left hand.
Perhaps in your routine there are envelopes containing a card. Tell the spectator not to open the
envelope yet, but hold it up to the light to check there is something in the envelope. As you mention this,
use the closed folder to demonstrate by holding the folder to the light.

If you turn and address the audience after one of the choices, that too gives motivation to close and open
the folder.

Any gesture or reason you can come up with that suits your purpose and looks natural will work.
Of course there is need to close the folder for the last force.

PAPER SIZES
My original FORCE 4 was designed only for International paper size A4. When I discussed the folder with
the manufacturer I took along a Letter size folio for comparison. The manufacturer was set up to A4
standards and it was going to require special tooling for them to convert fully to a Letter size folio.

In the end, we found that the additional fold in the spine added to the overall width. It was very close to
the size of a Letter folio, just a little longer. So the final product will actually take both paper sizes, which
makes FORCE 4 good for American and International paper sizes.

15
FORCE 4 AS A REGULAR WRITING FOLIO
I prefer to keep FORCE 4 for one dedicated routine, however here is a way to set up the folder for both
writing AND for the force.

PLACING A PAD INTO THE THIRD OPENING

If you want to use FORCE 4 as a regular writing folio prior to the force, you will need to add a pad to the
third opening rather than just a single sheet. I would also recommend using only half the thickness of the
pad to avoid too much bulk.

There is slit in the folder on page 3 only for inserting the backing of a pad. When using a Letter size pad you
will need to trim the backing card to fit the A4 slot. Trim the backing card only.

Load up the second opening with the 3 envelopes you want to force. Turn the folder over to the third
opening, and tuck the two force envelopes into the clear pocket, pushing them over to the left. The fourth
force envelope is under the dummy letter. The first 4 envelopes leave in your case or on the table.

Fold the cover around right under the folder, and secure everything with a couple of rubber bands. Now
everything will be secure. No danger of the envelopes dropping out while you are writing. If you write with
a felt pen, choose a whiteboard marker as this will have less bleed through the paper.

Prior to using the folder for your force routine, tear off any sheet with writing on it, slide off the rubber
bands and, as you close the folder, take the two envelopes out of the clear pocket and lay them on the
folder. Close the folder and turn it over.

I recommend performing at least one other routine between different uses of the folder. When you are
ready to perform FORCE 4 , remove the first 4 envelopes from your case and openly lay these out on page
1 of the folder before going into the force routine.

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 SAMPLE

ROUTINES

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SIMPLE CHAIR TEST
This is a simple routine that takes advantage of the FORCE 4 folder.

EFFECT
Four chairs are set out in a row. Each chair is marked with a large sheet of coloured card. Four spectators
are chosen at random by tossing out a light object such as a beach ball. Whoever catches the ball comes
up on stage. As each person stands, they toss the ball over their head for someone else to catch. The last
person chosen brings the ball up on stage.

When all four are on stage they sit in any chair. The performer takes out a black folder and shows that it
contains 4 envelopes. He approaches the first on stage spectator and offers them a free selection of any
envelope. Each spectator in turn takes an envelope. The performer gives them an opportunity to change
their envelope with one left on the folder. Finally there is one envelope remaining for the last spectator.

The performer recaps the random selection process, how each person chose a chair to sit in, and how they
had a free selection of any envelope. They open their envelopes and remove a piece of coloured card that
matches the colour on their chair.

SECRET
The Force 4 folder is set with the force envelopes containing coloured cards in the order of the colours on
the chairs. Four of the 1st colour, three of the 2nd, two of the third, one of the 4th. The spectators can sit in
any chair. The force lines up the colours.

EXTRA IDEAS
To make the outcome even more impossible, you can first arrange the chairs in a “random”
order by using an additional force. There are 24 different ways of arranging four chairs. The
easiest forcing method is with a clear forcing bag. You can make one or buy one from a dealer.

On one side of the central divider you place about 20 folded slips of paper, all bearing the colour
combination you want for the chairs. On the other side place around 6 slips, all with different
combinations. Approach a spectator with the bag and bring out the bundle of slips that
are all different. Show the different combinations then return them to the same side of the
bag. Shake the bag and open the force side for the spectator to choose a slip. Naturally they
will get the force combination. Arrange the chairs in that order and continue the routine.

A bolder method is to dispense with the double bag and have 24 copies only of the force combination.
Before approaching a spectator, reach in a grab a bundle of slips. Miss-call different combinations
then toss them into the bag and have one chosen. Because all slips are all the same you cannot miss.

Continue with the routine. Do not forget to recap the fact that the order of the chairs was also
determined by a random choice.

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ROUTINE OUTLINES USING AN OFF STAGE ASSISTANT
If you have a backstage assistant, FORCE 4 can be loaded by your assistant as soon as they learn certain
information. I do not include dialogue in these routines.

EXAMPLE 1 THE NAME TEST

Invite 4 people up on stage and have them stand in a line. Go along the line and ask each person their
name, and some questions about themselves. Make your questions light hearted, and react with humour
to the answers. When you get to the end of the line ask for a round of applause for all your helpers.

Your assistant comes on stage carrying a folder. Sitting on top of the folder are 4 name tags and 4
pens. The spectators are asked to each take a tag and write their name on it. You open the folder
and there are 4 envelopes. Each helper is asked to choose an envelope. Emphasise that they can
have any envelope, but once they have chosen they cannot change their mind. As they take an
envelope they are asked to check that there is something in each one by holding it up to the light.

When all have an envelope they are instructed to open them, remove the paper and read what
it says. The first person reads “HELLO, MY NAME IS JOHN” . . . and of course that is their name!
John has found his match. Each person in turn does the same thing and each name is correctly matched to
its owner.

SECRET
Back stage the assistant listens for the first name and quickly fills in the name on four pieces of pre folded paper,
drops them into envelopes, and puts them into page 1 of the folder. They do this with the second, third and fourth
names. As they go down the list they are writing one name less each time so the perform can speed up if he wishes.

NOTE Fill most of the writing on the papers out in advance so only the actual name needs to be written down
during the performance. If you anticipate that there might be people in the audience with long or difficult
names, go around the audience first and “vet” them by asking before you get them to come up. This way too, the
assistant has an opportunity to catch the names in advance and have at least one of each paper filled in early.

EXAMPLE 2 THE COLOUR TEST

1. 4 chairs set on stage each marked with a different colour disc on a stick, or a helium balloon.
2. Audience members call out and determine the order of the chairs.
3. 4 spectators come up on stage and sit in any chair.
4. Your helper comes out with a folder and 4 coloured name tags sitting on top.
5. Each spectator clips on the tag that matches their chair.
6. You open the folder and reveal 4 envelopes.
7. Spectators each choose any envelope

19
8. Recap 1: Audience members chose the order of the chairs
9. Recap 2: Spectators sat in any chair (this is actually irrelevant)
10. Recap 3: They chose any envelope
11. They open the envelopes and take out the coloured cards.
12. The colours match the chairs.

SECRET
Back stage your assistant had laid out four sets of envelopes, each set containing one of the colours. As
soon as they see the order of the colours on the chairs, they place the envelopes in the folder to match.
If the first chair is market red, they place the four envelopes containing red on page 1 of the folder. If the
second colour is yellow, they place three envelopes containing yellow on page 2 etc. The one series of
forces with the folder lines up the colours.

You could add to it by having the envelopes numbered on the outside (underneath) and a number on
the seat of each chair. The spectators go to the chair of that number. Your assistant in this case would lay
out the envelopes according to the numbers, which of course also ties in with the colours. This is more
complicated to set up, but the audience do see the spectators going to chairs in a more
random looking sequence.

EXAMPLE 3 MYSTERY BAG AND BANK NITE BONUS

Three spectators are invited on stage. They are shown a table containing 5 or 6 Mystery Bags. The first
spectator has a free choice of any bag. He takes one and the performer brings forward a chair for him to
sit on.

Next spectator follows suit and is seated, then the third spectator chooses. Each has a bag containing a
mystery gift and they are seated in a row.

The Mentalist’s assistant comes on stage carrying a folder which she uses as a tray to collect all the bags
remaining. The Mentalist stops her and takes the folder and tells the audience they should see what
remaining mystery bags contain. They are opened and found to contain worthless items such as a flat
battery, dry marker pen, some poker chips etc etc.

Moving on the mentalist opens his folder and shows it contains 4 envelopes. He explains that each seated
spectator will have a free choice of any of the envelopes. As each person takes an envelope they are given
a chance to exchange for an envelope still lying on the open folder. When each has chosen an envelope
the performer takes the one remaining.

They are then asked to open their bag and see what they have won. They have each taken a worthless or
funny object which they may keep. When they open their envelopes, it has been predicted exactly what
each person would choose.

Finally the performer opens this envelope and reads “THIS ENVELOPE WILL BE LEFT FOR THE PERFORMER,
ALONG WITH AN EXTRA GIFT.” The performer looks further into the envelope and removes a $100.00 bill.
20
BODY LANGUAGE WITH FORCE 4
There are various routines that use the theme of body language. Max Maven’s Kurotsuke is
probably the one that started the trend. Charles Gaucci, Christopher Taylor and Marc Paul and
others all have their favourite versions. Here is a variation that uses the special set up of FORCE 4.

EFFECT
Five spectators come on stage and form a line. They could be seated, but in this routine I prefer to have
them stand.

The performer explains that he has several business cards. 6 cards have the word VICTIM on the rear side.
One has the word THIEF or MURDERER depending on your theme. The cards are mixed by one spectator and
spread across the folder. One by one each spectator takes an envelope and gives the remaining cards another
mix. The performer turns his head way as each card is chosen. The open folder also prevents him from seeing
the cards being chosen. He gives each person one chance to swap their card with one left on the folder.

When all have selected a card, the few cards left are openly checked to see that the THIEF card has been
taken by someone. The spectators now peek at the back of the card they have chosen. Once they have
noted if they are one of the victims or the murderer/thief they fold their card and hold them in their fist.

Situation is you have one Murderer amongst 4 Victims. Only the spectators know which character they
are. The performer asks all 5 “Are you the Murderer?” They all have to say “NO” and keep a poker face. One
by one three victims are eliminated and asked to show their character as written on the cards. They return
to their seats. The question is repeated to the last remaining two. The Murderer is finally identified. The
chairs are turned around, and the murderer’s chair is found to be marked with a red cross. You have tested
your skill at reading body language, coupled with a premonition of where the murderer would be sitting.

SECRET
Side one of the folder is loaded with about seven cards all with the word VICTIM. Side two has 6 cards with
the word MURDERER. The back of the second chair is marked with a large red cross. Side 3 of the folder has
five cards with the word VICTIM.

The first spectator can only take a VICTIM card. Give them a chance to swap their first choice. Step back and
partly close the folder. If they decide to swap, open back up and allow them to do so. Step back again and
ask them not to look at their card just yet. Switch to the next page of the folder and approach the second
spectator. This person will become the MURDERER because all cards are the same. Switch pages again
and the next 3 cards all have word VICTIM. Continue along the line and there is no need to do anymore
switching. Keep the folder open.

The murderer is the second person. Ask your question for the NO answer and eliminate people until there
are two left. As people are eliminated, ask them to show their cards and confirm you are correct. One of the
two will be the second person and you reveal them in a dramatic way.

21
You can vary the position of the person who will be the Murderer, but with this setup they must always be
either the first in line or the second. Once you are onto the third page there is no more switching.

After the 5 spectators have made their selection there will be a couple of cards left. Turn these over to check
that they are victim cards. Place the folder aside with the cards on top.

At the end of the routine, as the spectators leave the stage, tell them to keep the cards as they are your
business cards.

ADDITIONAL IDEA

At the beginning you could show all the cards displayed on page 1 of the folder before commencing the
routine. Show each card has the word VICTIM on the rear blank side. Turn them over then add one more
card with the word THIEF or MURDERER. All the cards are mixed.

The THIEF card is secretly marked the so you can easily locate it. As you place the folder down to begin the
selection of 5 spectators for the routine, pick out the THIEF card and tuck it under the dummy letter in the
clear plastic folder. This gets the card out of play so it cannot accidentally be chosen later.

22
SIGNS OF CHAOS Wayne Rogers

This is the routine I was working when I devised the FORCE 4 folder. It started out as a variation on a Marc
Spelmann effect and sort of grew over a period of a years.

EFFECT
Four floor stands are lined up on stage. The tops of the stands are covered with loose fitting black bags,
numbered in numerical order 1, 2, 3, 4.

The performer shows a bag of poker chips. Each chip has one of the 24 possible combinations of the
numbers 1, 2, 3, 4.

A spectator chooses a poker chip and arranges the stands in the random order shown by the number on
the chip. (Clear or mesh force bag)

This spectator is handed a folded prediction board, and he stands to one side.

Four randomly chosen spectators come on stage and freely choose any of 4 x Letter size name tags. They
write their names on the tags and stand in a row. The spectators are arranged in order of their smiles,
height, sex etc. It varies on how they position themselves. This is a fun section and is played for laughs.

They each select a folded piece of paper from an open folder (FORCE 4) The papers are numbered inside
the folds, and each spectator goes and stands behind the floor stand with that number.

Recap how the order of the numbered stands was chosen at random by a spectator. The spectators chose
any name tag and wrote their name on it. They chose any of the four papers and stood behind one of the
numbered stands.

(Note I emphasise the random choices and do not mention the couple of things where there was no
choice. eg the numbers inside the folded papers.)

Now the revelations begin:

The spectators open the folded papers and each displays a different common sign.
The prediction board is opened out and it shows the same 4 signs in the same order. Performer goes along
the line of specs tearing off the front of each name tag. The tags have the same signs. Same order.

Performer goes back along the line and quickly pulls off the numbered bags. The stands revealed also
depict the same signs in the same order.

This is apparently the finish. Three impossible coincidences achieved by random choices.

After the spectators return to their seats, the performer briefly explains how there is no such thing as a truly
random choice. (Derren Brown type theme patter.)
“We are all influenced by events happening around us. These signs had to end up in this order . . .”

The signs are turned around. The first sign has the day’s date in large letters, and the other three signs in
order spell out the performer’s name.
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THE PROPS
This is a stage routine so the props need to be reasonably large. My final signs are A3 size fitted into
frames from a shop fitting supply store. These are held in light weight music stands.

The cloth bags that cover the signs are loose-fitting black lycra or spandex, with large white numbers
sewn on. You can buy iron numbers from a craft sore. Don’t rely on the adhesion. Sew them as well.

NAME TAGS
The name tags that the spectators write their names should be
A4 or Letter size. I use Corflute. Also called corrugated plastic
or corriboard - known under the trade names of Polyflute,
IntePro, Coroplast, Proplex, Correx, Twinplast and Corriflute.

Print off a copy of each sign and glue it to your corflute name tags.
Thread a length of ribbon through the top “Flute” of the corflute and
form a loop so the spectators can easily hang the tags around their necks.

Cover the front of each name tag sign with a sheet of opaque paper or light card. Use double sided tape along
the top of the tag, or a plastic slide binder. The final thing to do with the name tags is pencil dot the front of
each so you can identify them, and arrange the spectators into the correct order during the performance.

PREDICTION BOARD
Use corflute again and make a folding board, with two signs on each side of the centre cloth tape hinge.

Decide on the order of the signs as this will be the final order ALL the signs used must be lined up in at
the end of the routine. Fold the prediction with the signs on the inside and secure with a rubber band.

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POKER CHIPS AND CLEAR FORCE BAG
The signs can be arranged in 24 different combinations. I chose the order: 3 4 1 2.
Use a label printer and stick this number on 16 poker chips. Drop these into one side of your clear force
bag. Then print out 8 DIFFERENT combinations and place these chips in the other side of the Force Bag.

I use the medium size Pandora Bag from Creative Magic. This is a mesh bag rather than a clear plastic
force bag. The mesh tends to hide the numbers from the spectator better than the clear.

In performance, reach into the side with different combinations and grab a handful to show the
spectator next to you. Drop them back in, give the bag a shake and have the spectator reach into the other
side of the bag where he can only take one of the force numbers 3 4 1 2

FORCE 4 SIGNS
Inside the folder place the same set of signs printed on A4 or
Letter paper and folded into quarters.

The photo shows a number indicating where the spectator will

move to is stuck inside the folds.

When the spectator chooses a folded paper he is asked to stand

behind that number.

The choice of paper is free so the number is apparently random.

I organise the numbers so the spectators don’t just stand behind
the signs in a set order from left to right.

Because the rest of the audience are not always aware that the
on-stage helpers are being guided to a particular position, their
placement seems like they are standing where THEY choose.

SET UP FOR SHOW - THE FLOOR SIGNS

At first this may seem complicated, but once you have all the props organised, it is relatively simple. I work
and number everything FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. If you prefer the other way around, you will need to adjust
everything.

Line up the final signs, that’s the ones on the

floor stands, in the same order as on the
prediction board.

Place the black bags over the signs in the order of your poker chip force 3 4 1 2. Then rearrange the
covered stands back into numerical order 1 2 3 4 At this point they are out of prediction order, but the
poker chip force will re-align them correctly during the performance.
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SET UP THE NAME TAGS
Lay out the name tags in the order shown below. Cover with the opaque paper and pencil dot in order.
A simple dot placed in each corner is all it takes. Make sure you can read them quickly as you work.

1 2 3 4
When the spectators choose a name tag and stand in a line, they could take any tag and be standing in
any order. When you line them up according to their “smiles” you are actually placing them in a special
order so when they select the folded paper from the folder, and move to behind the floor stands, they
take their positions in a random looking order.

SETTING UP THE FORCE 4 FOLDER

This will drive you nuts setting it up the first time. Once you have it sorted, each performance is simple.
You need to decide which number the spectators will stand behind once they have chosen their folded
sign. I use the order 1 3 2 4.

On the FIRST PAGE of the folder place FOUR copies of “smiley face” sign.
The number in the folds of the paper is 1. They will stand behind number 1
which is in position 3rd from the left (second from the right)

On the SECOND PAGE of the folder place THREE copies of the “toilet” sign.
The number in the folds of the paper is 3. They will stand behind number 3
which is the first position from the left (fourth from the right)

On the THIRD PAGE of the folder place TWO copies of the “Stop” sign.
The number in the folds of the paper is 2. They will stand behind number 2
which is the fourth position from the left (first from the right)

On the THIRD PAGE under the dummy letter, place ONE “No Smoking” sign.
The number in the folds of the paper is 4. They will stand behind number 4
which is the second position from the left (third from the right)

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IN PERFORMANCE
Now you have everything set up, you are ready to perform. Remember there are three times during the
routine where the on stage spectators have choices forced upon them. Provide these forces fly by the
audience you will set up three impossible coincidences. When you turn around the floor signs at the end
you will display a message that is a fourth impossibility.

I place the prediction on top of the FORCE 4 folder, followed by the name tags and the clear or mesh
change bag. Have at least two large felt tip pens on hand.

Read back through EFFECT to follow the sequence. If you set up everything correctly, everything will work
like clockwork.

The covered signs will be aligned according to the poker chip force with the mesh bag. After the spectators
have written their names boldly on the front of the name tags and hung the tags around their necks, they
assemble in a line. If by chance they are in the correct order, which you can see by the pencil dots on the
tags, you can go straight into the section with FORCE 4 and the folded signs. Otherwise you will need to
do some rearranging. Quick check who has to be moved and do so in a fun manner.

An alternative to moving your spectators at this point, is to simply take your folder and proceed straight
into the FORCE 4 process. Say you want to have each person select at random a choice of folded papers.
Open the folder and offer first choice to the person who’s name tag is secretly marked 1.

Make sure the spectators are well spaced on stage. Next go up to No. 2 and give him the second choice,
followed by No. 3. Finally there is one person left for the 4th paper.

Everything is now lined up for the climax.

THE SQUARE FORMAT SYSTEM

See page 28 for my revised system of arranging the 4 spectators. This can be used in any FORCE 4 routine.

THE FINAL MESSAGE

After the spectators have returned to their seats, you still have one final surprise. On the backs of my signs
I have a message spelled in large letters. On the first panel is the days date. The other three panels spell my
stage name CH IC ANE. Quickly turn the signs around to reveal the message.

EXTRA
You could have any message. You could use the name of the company. Or the backs of the signs could
have some predictions from other events that happened during the show. It could be a word from a book
used in the show. The possibilities are endless. The only criteria is that the words should be in the correct
order to make the earlier random arrangement of the signs relevant.

There is no need to restrict the signs you use to my suggestions, ESP symbols or colours. If you are working
for an important client, consider images that reflect the client’s business.
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FORCE 4 Square Formation
There are times in some routines where you need to force the envelopes in order to specific people who
have already made a free selection of an object. It might be so you can force according to say, the hats the
spectators have chosen, or in my Signs of Chaos routine, the order of the name tags you have secretly marked.

If the spectators were to line up across the stage in a straight line, it would be suspicious if you did not start
at one end or the other and work your way across, one person at a time. For example you could not start with
one person, skip the next, come back to the second person then finish with the 4th. It would look suspicious

In my original Signs of Chaos routine I started out by arranging the people in the order of their “smiles”.
A ploy that suited my end result, but it was the weakest point in the routine.

The way I get now get around this problem is to arrange the 4 spectators two on each side of me, in a square
configuration. This solution came to me after watching a Rick Maue’s DVD and the routine he calls FATE.
Rick has the 4 spectators stand in a square with himself and a table in the centre. Although my reason for
adopting the square arrangement is quite different from Rick’s, his setup provided me with the ideal solution.

There are 24 possible configurations. Here are just 6 examples.

1 2 1 4 2 1 4 1 2 3 3 4
3 P 4 2 P 3 3 P 4 3 P 2 4 P 1 1 P 2

Example 1.
I position myself at P between the two upstage spectators. In the first arrangement example, I would approach
the person downstage to my left (1), then move to the person immediate to the right of that spectator (2). Next
I would step back between the two remaining and turn first to my left (3) and then address the last person (4).

Example 2.
From position P move to spectator 1, then step back to spectator 2. Move across to 3 and then forward to the
last spectator 4.

Example 3.
From position P move to spectator 1, across to 2, back to 3 and then to the right and the last spectator 4.

You can see that by interacting with each person in turn, asking their names, where they are from etc., you can
make any order seem natural by using the Square Formation. The audience are not to know you are moving
around in a specific sequence because there is no obvious order like there would be if they were all standing
in a straight line.

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CHARACTER EYES - A Force 4 School Routine Jim Kleefeld

EFFECT
Standing across the front of the school stage or auditorium are four music stands. Each has a large card
on it. From left to right (audience view) they are numbered 4, 3, 2 and 1. You say that you will need four
people to come forward in a moment, but that first they must think about one of their positive traits -
something that makes them a good person. Tell the boys and girls that you will choose someone sitting
quietly, smiling and thinking hard.

Pick someone to come up front. Introduce yourself and get their name. Point out the four cards on the
stands. Tell your volunteer that they will need to go and stand behind one of the cards and face the audience.
Say that they might think they have to go to the first stand (point to the one on the left with the number 4
on it) because they were first. Tell them that since they were chosen first, they might think they have to go
to the one marked with a 1 (Point to the last stand with the 1 card). But since the numbers do not indicate
the order in which people are chosen, they can stand behind any number they wish.

While the helper moves to go behind a music stand, turn to the audience and choose a second volunteer.
Have them come up front and introduce themselves. Repeat the instructions that they are to choose a
placed to stand, and that it can be behind any number. Choose a third helper and then a fourth. When all
four have a place, tell them that they did well to decide where to stand and that everyone will now get
another choice - of any one question.

Show a small clear bag with four folded pieces of paper. Ask who wants to go first and go to the person who
raises their hand. Have her take out any one slip of paper and hand it to you. Open it and read:
“If your class chose you to count all the money from the class bake sale, would you tell them exactly
how much it was?”

Ask who wants to go next. Have the person who raises their hand next take a paper slip from the bag. Open
it and read it:
“If you got to be the line leader this week, would you let someone else be the line leader next week?”

Ask the remaining two volunteers who wants to go next. Have them take one of the two remaining paper
slips. Read it:
“If the principal came to the classroom to talk to the class, would you sit quietly and listen?”

Have the last person remove the last slip and hand it to you. Read it to her:
“If your teacher asked you to take a note to the principal would you go directly to the office?”
Each of these should elicit a “yes” response.

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Say that their last choice will be to take an envelope with a picture inside. Bring out the FORCE 4 pad and
have each child take an envelope. After all four have envelopes, have the students open them and show
the contents to the audience. Each person has chosen a picture of an eye, all in different colours.

Address the audience:

“Each person who came up front got to stand by any number they chose. Then they got to pick any
question to answer. Then they got to choose any small picture. Let’s see if they brought their true
character to light. In other words, let’s see if we can ‘character-eyes’ each person.”

Address the first person in line:

“You decided to stand by the number 4. You could have chosen any small picture, but you picked the
one with the blue eye. Can you turn your Number 4 card around and show us the back? It is a large
picture of a blue eye, and it matches this picture of a blue eye. You answered that you would count the
bake sale money correctly. Let’s open that picture and see what is inside.”

The child sees that the large blue eye/number 4 picture card is folded and opens it. Inside is a large sign, all
in blue, that says “I am Trustworthy.”

Address the second person in line:

“You decided to stand by the number 3. You could have chosen any small picture, but you picked the
one with the green eye. Can you turn your Number 3 card around and show us the back? It is a large
picture of a green eye, and it matches this picture of a green eye. You answered that you would take
turns letting others be the line leader. Let’s open that picture and see what is inside.”

The child sees that the large green eye/number 3 picture card is folded and opens it. Inside is a large sign,
all in green, that says “I am Fair.”

Address the third person in line:

“You decided to stand by the number 2. You picked the picture with the brown eye. Can you turn your
Number 2 card around and show us the back? It is a large picture of a brown eye, and it matches this
picture of a brown eye. You answered that you would listen to the principal respectfully. Let’s open that
picture and see what is inside.”

Inside the large brown eye/number 2 picture card is a large sign, all in brown, that says “I am Respectful.”

Address the last person in line:

“You decided to stand by the number 1. You have a . . . (Let the audience mentally fill in “black eye”
but don’t say it out loud.) What’s on the Number 1 card? It is a black eye, and it matches this picture
of a black eye. You answered that you would carefully complete a job for your teacher. Let’s open that
picture and see what is inside.”

The child sees that the large black eye/number 1 picture card has is a sign, all in black, that says “I am
Responsible.”

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Address the audience:

“Often the decisions we make can CHARACTER-EYES us as respectful, trustworthy, fair, or responsible.
How do you want people to see you?”

Collect the props and send the students back to their seats.

PROPS
The FORCE 4 pad is set up with four envelopes to force cards with pictures of blue, green, brown and black
eyes.

A small clear bag has four slips of folded paper or index cards inside, each with a printed question. This is
not a force bag and there are no extra papers.

You also need four large folded signs. These can be made from cardboard or corrugated plastic and any
size large enough for your audience. Letter size or A4 works fine.

To make each sign, use cloth tape to hinge two panels together along the shorter edge, so that it opens
out very wide. On the inside of this double-wide panel, glue or paint letters for the final message. Fold the
panel shut. On the front, glue or paint a large numeral. On the back, glue or paint a large picture of an eye.
The blue eye has a number 4 on the back and the words “I Am Trustworthy“ in blue on the inside.

Continue with the other folders, making sure the numbers, eye colours and inside message colours match.
The illustration on the next page shows the outside eye pictures and the insides of the opened panels.

SECRET
The Force4 prop does most of the work. Set it up to force the four small eye-colour pictures on your helpers
in the order that the large pictures are set up on the stands. Since the inside message matches the outside
large eye and you force the small eye picture, you already have three matches made.

The only choice left to match is when the children choose a question to answer. You do not use a force bag
and there are only four cards with questions. So how does each child choose the question that matches his
folder? Simple - you lie.

Each of the four folded cards inside the clear bag has a question on it, but it does not matter what the
question says. You will not be reading that question. It is only there so that the students can see that there
is SOMETHING printed on the paper. You have memorized the four questions you want to ask, and you
know which one to ask by where each child is standing.

No matter which paper the first child pulls out and hands you, you unfold it and pretend to read it, but you
simply ask him the question for his character trait. If he is standing by Number 3, you question him about
whether he would be respectful. If he is standing by Number 1, you question him about whether he would
be honest, etc. Pocket the papers after reading them. No one ever sees the actual words that are written
there.

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NOTES
While this routine is specifically scripted to demonstrate four points of good character, note that
it could be adapted to demonstrate four other types of messages in any educational routine. Just
change the inside messages and the questions you ask each student. If you are doing a school
show on anti-bullying, the four messages could be four types of bullying behaviour or four ways
to prevent bullying. You can use the tag line, “How do we CHARACTER-EYES bullying?” A show
about recycling could end with four ways to help the environment: Reduce, Re-Use, Recycle, Repair.

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FOREWORD - A Force 4 Library Routine Jim Kleefeld

EFFECT
Bring out four cloth tote bags, each a different colour and stand them up in a row across the front of the
stage. Then show a basket with four plush characters. You say, “In a moment, I will bring up four helpers.
Each of you will get to choose one favourite book character - Cat in the Hat, Curious George, Olivia or
Papa Bear - and one place to stand - behind this red bag, this yellow bag, this blue bag or this green
bag. Let me pick someone sitting quietly.”

Choose a person to help. Have them come to the front and hold out the basket so they can see the four
plush characters. Let them name any character. Take it out of the basket and hold it up for everyone to see.
Hand it to the helper and ask her to “go stand behind a bag.” Repeat this three times until four children are
standing behind each bag, and each is holding a plush character.

Say, “I didn’t know who would come up front to help, but I did know who would choose which book
character and which bag. In fact, I wrote it down on four different papers, and put each one inside a
different envelope. I just forgot which paper was in which envelope.”

Open the FORCE pad and show four identical blank envelopes. “Let’s see if our friends up here can do a
little magic and find the right message.”

Each child picks one envelope from the pad. “Let’s see whether I really did know, and whether they each
did their magic.”

Have the first child open her envelope. Inside is a piece of paper folded twice. Say, “I’ll trade you that paper
for what is in the bag. Reach into the bag and show everyone what is in there?”

She hands you the paper. Hold it openly while she reaches into the bag and takes out a book. Open the
paper. Facing the audience is a picture of a book. Say, “The front of the paper has a picture of a Curious
George book. Can you read what it says on the back of this paper?” She reads “You will pick Curious
George.” She is holding a plush Curious George and has taken a Curious George book from the red bag.

33
Go to the second helper. Have him hand you the folded paper inside the envelope he chose. Open it while
he removes a book from his bag. Have him read the back of the paper. It says “You will pick The Cat in the
Hat.” He is holding a Cat in the Hat push toy and a Cat in the Hat book that he took from the yellow bag.

The third helper reads “You will pick Olivia.” The paper she reads has a picture of an Olivia book on the
front. She has an Olivia doll, and an Olivia book she has taken from the blue bag.

The fourth helper takes a Stan and Jan Berenstain book from the bag, is holding a plush Papa Bear, shows
a Berenstain book on the paper, and reads “You will pick Papa Bear.”

Close with a quick recap: “I guess each of you found a favorite character and somehow, each one of you
did some magic and picked exactly the right message.”

PROPS
Four children’s books with recognizable characters. Four plush animals that correlate with those books.
Four cloth tote bags in different colours. Use the kind that have a flat bottom and will stand upright when
opened.

Alternatively you could use paper bags or cardboard boxes painted solid colors. The tote bags are nice
because they tend to sag and flop closed when standing so the children will not be able to see what is
inside at first.

Four large papers with the pictures and messages as outlined above. These need to be large enough so
everyone in the audience can see, so use a letter size or A4 size and fold them twice to fit into the envelopes.

Finally, four small, but clearly printed paper signs that say “Stand by the RED bag,” “Stand by the YELLOW
bag,” “Stand by the BLUE bag,” and “Stand by the GREEN bag.”

PREPARATION
Pin one sign on the back of each plush animal. You do not want the sign to be seen from the front, but you
want it to be large enough so that a child can see it and read it when you hold the animal up in front of
their face. Put each character’s book into the tote bag that matches the colour pinned on their back. So, for
example, if you pin “Stand by the RED bag” on Curious George, then place the Curious George book into
the red tote bag.

Photocopy or scan a picture of each book cover. Print this on an A4 or letter size paper. On the back of the
paper, print “You will pick. . .” and add the name of the book. Print in large plain block letters and use this
simple wording for children’s shows.

You want a child to be able to read it quickly. Do not write “I predict your selection will be. . .” or “Your
favourite author must be . . .” as some children may not be able to read those more difficult words.

Set up the Force 4 pad to force the book messages in the order you will place the bags on stage.

34
PERFORMANCE
Follow the procedure as outlined above. The wording is very specific and written to create a dual reality.
You say “Each child will get to choose one character and a place to stand.” To the audience it sounds
like the students have a free choice of a plush character, and then a free choice of where to stand. To the
children who help, they feel they are being asked to pick a character which will tell them where to stand.

Also, you do not have the children pick up a plush toy. You ask them to “name” one. As each child names
a character, lift it up and show it to the audience. As you do, you hold the plush toy in front of the child’s
face so they can clearly see the sign you pinned on the back. They read the message and go stand where
the plush toy tells them to. So, the person who picks Curious George will go stand by the red bag. Inside
the red bag is a Curious George book. You have made two “free” choices match without doing anything.

Next, you finalize each pair of book/character choices with a third “free” choice by using the FORCE 4 pad.
The person who chose the Curious George doll gets the paper with the picture of the Curious George
book and which says “You will pick Curious George” on the back.

35
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to say thanks to Paul Romhany for encouraging me to market FORCE 4.
Over the years I have brain stormed with Paul more than any other magician.

Luca Volpe published his “The Ultimate Chair Test Routine Act” in 2010 and we have corresponded
occasionally since then.

Thanks to Luca, Paul, and Brendan MonTanner for being among the first to purchse FORCE4

Special thanks to Banachek (who released his Psychic Pad Folio in 2012) for his encouragement and
compliments on FORCE 4

To Mark Stevens at Stevens Magic Emporium for his continued support and encouragement.

Jim Kleefeld first read my instructions without the folder, and one of his questions was about using
Letter size paper instead of A4. A quick check and I found both paper sizes work with FORCE 4. I found
my original notes to the manufacturer and I recall we discussed this. BUT I had forgotten. So thanks
Jim for prompting me to check. Jim, thanks too, for the School and Library show routines you kindly
contributed.

Thanks to Jon Allen for contributing his 4th STEAL for the August 2014 revision. This alternative way of
making the fourth force, streamlines the whole handling. It also opens up the possibilities of having
several outs in the last envelope, and expands the number of uses that Force 4 can be used for.

Special thanks to my wife Liz (who normally wonders why I spend so long on the computer) for
watching so much television on her own while I wrote these instructions.

Wayne Rogers
August 2014

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