The Links with Aberdeen FCs Pittodrie Stadium in the background

Not to be confused with "The Lynx Effect" series of televison advertisments, the Links effect is a collective description for a variety of optical illusions that affect local cricketers (especially rare visitors) at The Links cricket venue in Aberdeen (North East Scotland). These illusions are believed to be partly induced by the Links Sirocco, which is known to have both a physical and psychological impact on players (notably bowlers).

(Note: the Sirocco itself may be partly illusory as it is commonly perceived to be constant, contrary to known meteorological evidence).

The most obvious Links effect is the appearance of the wicket itself which, to those afflicted, looks totally unsuitable for play and hidden dangers are seen where none actually exist. Although the playing surface does indeed look "scruffy", it historically produces high scoring. Incidences of serious injury are very rare, particularly in comparison with other grounds. Although the home teams at The Links, through experience, are generally immune to this aspect of the effect, an exception is Mannofield, who have shared the ground with Bon Accord for many years. Mannofield (the Grades arm of Aberdeenshire C.C.) are raised on top quality wickets and, as a result, view The Links with an especially critical squint. They have frequently cancelled games there on the premise that the wicket could prove dangerous.

The "slope" at The Links may be due to tidal forces.

Another illusion may, in fact, not be an illusion at all. From the Pishy Pavillion (on the boulevard (east) end of the ground), the wicket, when viewed with the Broad Hill (to the west) as a  backdrop, appears to be on a not insignificant slope. Various geological studies has, to date, failed to identify any noticeable inclination. One explanation put forward for the (perceived) slope involves the actual construction of the ground. Originally built on land reclaimed from the sea, soil was spread over sand (which allows The Links to dry quickly). A side effect of this is that the ground is prone to tidal movements. Links 5 is especially affected by this and the outfield shifts constantly, sometimes creating difficult undulations.

Other suggested causes for Links effect are heat deprivation, insecurity (no changing facilities), negative reinforcement (from passing football fans) and chemical agents. This last possibility may have some basis in fact as there have been recordings made of high concentrations of uric acid in the pavillion and, more frequently, around the bushes that skirt the east edge of the ground.