Battle of Psychics

Stage 1: Classic Screen Test

After the preliminary selection, the remaining 70–100 people are gathered together in one place—for example, a small theater. Here, they face the most famous selection test, the "Screen."

The concept is extremely simple: an object is hidden on stage behind a thick black cloth. It could be a person, an animal, or an object. The contestant's task is to describe the hidden object as accurately as possible within a limited time (usually around 20 minutes).

Candidates are allowed to use any tools:

· light candles;
· spin magic frames and pendulums;
· call upon spirits for help.

The selection committee then listens to each candidate and evaluates their results. Evaluation criteria:

Accurate hit: indicates strong abilities.
· Approximate description: speaks about average data.
· Complete error: becomes a reason for rejection.

Stage Three: Finding the Man ("Mr. X")

Those who successfully complete the "Screen" (usually 30-40 people) face a second, more challenging challenge—the human search. The goal is to find a hidden person using their photograph or personal item.

The Safronov brothers usually conducted the test. They hid "Mr. X" in the most unexpected places:

· trunks of dozens of cars in a huge hangar;
· garbage bins;
· circus boxes and other props.
🎭 The Final Chord: Meeting the Unknown

For the most persistent (about 15 people), a third qualifying test was scheduled—"Mr. X." The participant was blindfolded with an impenetrable black mask and led into a room containing a famous public figure (an actor, TV presenter, or politician).

In 10 minutes, the psychic had to blindly describe everything they sensed about a stranger. The climax was the "moment of truth," when the participant's mask was removed, and they saw with their own eyes the person they were describing.

In some seasons, the selection format varied. For example, prospective contestants might be taken to Old Arbat Street, where any passerby could ask them a question and test their abilities "live."

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