How to Do Stage Magic Card Tricks

By James Wong

A common principle used by magician to produce something on stage from a hidden place which is demonstrated in the classic decanter magic trick. A handkerchief is pulled by a thread rapidly to appear inside a transparent decanter placed on a table. This pulling thread principle could be used in various different situations to produce objects as the magician desires.

Another application of the same principle is the use of the elastic cord instead of the thread. This also, working like the thread, brings the object from a concealed hiding place. A familiar example is The Card Sword, or a similar device for producing a handkerchief. Here the elastic extends through the hollow blade and emerges at the tip. The cards or handkerchiefs are attached to the end of the elastic. The elastic is stretched out and brought down behind the blade so that the cards or silks may be concealed within a hiding place at the handle.

When the elastic is released the production springs into view at the tip of the blade. The principle is still the same as that in the decanter trick. Here are the familiar hiding place, the object to be produced, the location at which it is produced, and a means of bringing the object to its destination suddenly. Basically, the only difference is that the performer applies the power before the performance. The energy is expended when he stretches the elastic. This power remains stored up for use until needed.

In the above variation the change is in the indirect application of the power prior to performance. You need not use a sword. A broom, a long stick, a cane or anything supplying sufficient length of elastic to allow the object to be produced to reach its hiding place, and with sufficient "take-up" to bring the object to its place of appearance, will do. This principle has been used for years to bring a rose, concealed beneath the armpit, into the buttonhole. It could cause a necktie to appear-perhaps it has.

For stage workers, they may consider incorporating such device in their stage act. For example, they may bring in a coil of rope and scissor magically with the pulling device. And then they can move in to do a cut and restored rope routine. How about a deck of cards for some card manipulation actions?

Think about other ways to apply the force required to bring the object into view. This will be very useful to adapt the trick to different applications. An assistant can be used to pull the thread at the right moment. Or a counterweight is released to pull the thread. Other mechanical device that produces suitable force can be considered. If the method of a stored power is used, elastic chords or springs can be used. - 31406

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