Secret of the Serpent by Dan Harlan disguises a clever mentalism space as a simple board game. The spectator is given complete freedom to combine colored puzzle pieces, while you seem to know in advance how the final snake will end.

You introduce a number of game pieces that represent different parts of a snake. The ends of each body part have different colors. The goal of the game is to connect the colors to create the longest possible complete snake, including head and tail.

Before the game begins, choose one head and one tail. Set these aside face down as a prediction.

Next, the spectator receives the body parts of the snake. He or she may combine these entirely at their own discretion by matching the colored ends. The order may be changed, and the spectator can change their mind as often as desired during the assembly process.

When the snake is finished, you reverse your prediction. The chosen head and tail turn out to be exactly the only fitting pieces for the two ends of the snake. Despite all the free decisions, you predicted the final result correctly.

Secret of the Serpent features special artwork by Dan Harlan and is printed on sturdy, collectible-quality puzzle piece material. The whole thing looks like a real compact game and can actually be used as a game.

Except for one simple secret action, the routine is almost entirely self-regulating. This allows you to focus primarily on the presentation, interaction, and the predictive effect.

Secret of the Serpent fits easily in your pocket and comes ready to use. An original combination of puzzle game and mentalism for performers who want to present a prediction without it immediately feeling like a traditional magic trick.