This is one of my favourite tricks and first got me intrigued in magic. Here's my review.
The Effect
A rubber band is stretched between the index finger and thumb of the left hand, and a second rubber band, dangling from the right index finger is lowered into the half circle created by the left thumb and index finger. The right thumb moves into the loop of the band dangling from the right index finger. This locks the bands together, stretrched between the index fingers and thumbs of both hands. There seems to be no way the hands could seperate without taking the bands off the fingers, and yet that is exactly what happens. With no cover or confusion whatsoever, the rubber bands seem to melt apart, one strand at a time. The fact that it is repeated twice only adds to the mystery. Finally, the spectator himself holds onto one band, as the performer's band melts through it.
Cost
£8.95, you only get a small booklet - But it is easily worth it.
http://www.emagictricks.co.uk/product_i ... ts_id=2928
Difficulty
(1=easy to do, 2=No sleights, but not so easy, 3=Some sleights used,
4=Advanced sleights used, 5=Suitable for experienced magicians only)
3 - It took me quite a while to learn perfectly. You want to be able to perfrom this confidently. It's so good that you wouldn't want to expose any secrets. Excellent effect if you're willing to put in the practice time. With practice you can fool the world.
Review
Brought to you buy World Sleight of Hand Champion and five time Academy of Magical Arts Award Winner.This is an excellent teaching guide by a magical masterand, Michael Ammar. He explains everything clearly and with excellent illustrations by Hannah Tucker. The workings of the trick have been stripped down to avoid any unnecessary moves and Michael gives ideas on patter and a routine to link (no pun intended) variations on the trick.
This effect gets amazing reactions. It's the trick that got me started in magic from seeing a table magician perform it on holiday. I spent weeks trying to figure it out. Pure misdirection, everyday objects, ungimmicked props are cheap and easily carried (all you need is two rubber bands), happens in the spectators hands, has a story to it and there are many different approaches to patter you can use. Absolutely Stunning!
The second method where the band is linked on their hands is particularly strong and unbelievable.
All i can say is if you like close-up magic, sleight of hand, tricks with everyday objects or rubber bands, and you haven't got this. Why not? Go out and get it.
Overall
To quote the back of the booklet...
"...a close-up illusion with ordinary rubber bands that would make the finest magicians in the world proud."
To reinforce what i've said here's a link about The Crazy Man's Handcuffs, started by me.
http://www.talkmagic.co.uk/viewtopic.ph ... +handcuffs
Thanks,
Edward.