Hat Gag

I do this sometimes. This is the clean version. If teenagers are watching, the "bird" would look different.

Trust Card Trick

There are two things about the routine. First the premise! Second the tricks!

Let's talk about the first thing first. Trust is essential in real life. If we don't trust people we get paranoid and nothing gets done. A misuse of trust is often combined with bitter feelings and anger. And in a way a magician misuses the trust each time. Because he claims to do something and it turns out it's not at all like what he claimed. Example: A card is shown, the ten of clubs, turned over and placed face down on the table. A snap and the card is turned over again but it is the ace of diamonds. Great little trick, but you cheated. And if the people don't like you, they won't like the great little trick. Because as soon as the audience "feels" some dishonesty they tend not to like you. You lose "authenticity".

So I thought to fight this issue. Head on! By addressing it and letting the spectator mistrust me every step of the way. Is there a chance to get fucked by the audience? If they don't like you, then you will definitely fail. If they like you, you'll succeed even more!

The trick has two phases. The first one is a simple cards across. I really wish I would be able to tell you that tons of research went into this. It's not the case. I simple saw a similar trick and figured out how I would do it. The method is so darn simple and obvious, that somebody has already thought this exact version before. In the magic business is a saying... "When in doubt credit Marlo."

You can actually get away with the method, as the second packet of ten cards is only introduced after the dirty work is done. That really helps alot.

The second phase is the classic Biddle trick. I added nothing to it, except offering the specator that he can lie and fuck up my trick. Is that an addition to be proud of? I think yes!

Rope Routine #3

This really has been my emergency routine for years. Sometimes my little bit of extra rope got lost and suddenly I was pressed to do something. Flip's DVD really helped me. He has a bit where he does all sorts of costumes with rope. And a bit with knots. So I worked out my own little version which is all about knots. Not only has this routine turned out to be a pretty practical routine onto itself. It's whimsical nature also makes it a good encore piece.

let's go into the detail a little. First knot: regular, Second knot: "scientific knot" by Flip from the "Flip's Truly Magical Rope Magic" DVD. Third knot: It's the one handed knot taken from Daryl's "Expert Rope Magic Made Easy" DVD set. Fourth knot: "The Instant Knot" also from Daryl's set. Fifth knot: Tenkai Rope Through Neck. Sixth knot: A fake untying, again Flip. Seventh knot: The female knot using the horizontal loop principle by Flip. And finally the eight knot: The off beat knot also by Flip.

And there you have it. I really urge you guys to create an emergency rope routine yourself. It's good to have, if it happens.

Ring and Rope #2

This routine is not final yet. It has been getting changes over the years. But I think it is a solid routine and it can be done anywhere. All the phases leading up to the part with the extra little bit are taken vom various sources. Willi Wessel, Flip, Daryl and Tabary. The phase right after the steal in which the middle visibly links with the ring is my own. The main bulk following that is almost directly taken from David Williamsons fantastic ring and rope routine. Letting the spectator hold the ring really elevates the trick for some weird reason. And taking off the ends from the rope in the context of a ring and rope routine is something that I have seen Richard Sanders doing.

The routine directly leads into my Rope Routine #1, which leads to solid 7 minutes of magic. That combination is my main opener in my theater show. I've played it so often that I lost count, but I assure you. Packs flat plays big really applies here.

Ring and Rope routines in general are not seen very often these days. I cannot tell you why, but it is a classic and a good one. Unlike the sucker die box.

Holy Crap I've done it twice!

I just realized that yesterdays Rope Routine #2 I've already covered in May. Gee! My brain!