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Tiny Plunger – Jon Armstrong

What they say:
This unsuspecting little prop becomes the feature of an amazing trick. The small plunger clings to a thought-of number of cards, finds a selection, and lots more! Based on a concept by Mathieu Bich, with additional ideas by Jon Armstrong and Garrett Thomas, Tiny Plunger is that rare prop that is at once funny, amazing, and memorable. Best of all, the routine is within the range of the beginner.
Cost £32.99 (inc VAT)

What I say:
Above description perfect. ‘Does what it says on the tin’

Difficulty (1-5) 1. This is easy to perform. No sleight of hand

Preparation (1-5) Slight preparation involved (10 secs) once prepared instant re-set.

Review: Ok so I was unsure about this effect before I purchased it. I thought the price tag was a little hefty and was reluctant for a while but in the end CUPS won!
I am so glad that I now have this in my arsenal to perform. When my package arrived and I put the DVD on I must say I was honestly disappointed. Don’t get me wrong the DVD is clear well produced and the method well taught. I just thought that for the price tag I was expecting something awesome. After all the plunger could probably be purchased for a couple of quid from a local hardware store. This feeling didn’t last long once I started practising and playing with the plunger. I found myself coming up with lots of ideas that aren’t taught on the DVD that are as strong as what is taught.
There may be an obvious method to fellow magicians but to the laymen it is totally impossible for them to figure this out as the plunger is sooooo versatile.
Let me explain – Imagine having this trick performed on you if you were not magically minded. A fully examinable plunger and deck of cards await inspection (nothing to suspect or to be seen....honest!) you start maybe by telling a little story about the plunger magical powers etc etc and ask the spec to pick a number between let’s say 1-20. Say they pick 11 BAM! You slam the plunger onto the deck and remove 11 cards into their waiting hand. (You can repeat with a different number if desired) So that will maybe get them thinking. Then you tell the spec that not only does the plunger know quantity it also knows identity, have them select a card sign if need be, and proceed to lose in the deck (specs card really is lost). When the spec is convinced all has been fair BAM! You now repeat the plunge but this time straight to the specs selection. This gets them thinking further.........
Then I tend to add another phase where I can plunge straight to the Aces mixing the cards up in between each revelation, it really is a fooler! But this phase requires a very small set-up
I think the versatility of this device makes it harder for the spec to backtrack which makes it a winner for me and the best thing about it is everything is 100% examinable. No Gimmicks

Although 2 plungers are supplied (1 gimmicked) I don’t think I will ever use the gimmicked plunger as the effect is awesome without the use of a gimmick)
The gimmicked plunger is only supplied for one of the routines on the DVD a kind of ‘do as I do’ routine (where of course the spec can’t)
But in the real world I found that even with the un-gimmicked plunger the specs still struggle to lift the cards like the performer (so no gimmick needed)
Although the core principle isn’t a new one it will have your mind racing overtime to come up with loads of good ideas and presentations for this little gem!
I will carry this with me when strolling as a small plunger takes up next to no pocket space and a normal deck is required which can be used for many other effects before or after.

Positives: Easy to do, instant re-set, versatile, 100% examinable, gets great reactions.

Negatives: None really well pleased with the purchase.

Overall 9/10

Feel free to leave feedback especially anyone who owns this product I would be interested to see what ideas some of our fellow forum users have come up with for this little device.

I didn't buy this, but i did buy the Jon Racherbaumer book on the tiny plunger. I agree it is so much fun. Everyone i have shown the plunger to have enjoyed it.
My problem with it is where the hell do you carry it? I don't want to squash it into my pocket in case it gets misshaped and no longer works. Any ideas?

Also, a potential tip - at the end of the routine leave the prepared card on top of the deck, then if they try to pick up the deck with the plunger it won't work. If they notice the preparation you can always blame the plunger, but this has never happened to me.

The Racherbaumer book is only $5 so worth a look, especially for 1 particular (incredible) effect.

FTHO wrote: i did buy the Jon Racherbaumer book on the tiny plunger.
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The Racherbaumer book is only $5 so worth a look, especially for 1 particular (incredible) effect.

Any idea where this is available plz ??

You can get it from here:
http://realworknow.com/

It's called "Cunning Attractions" and is near the bottom of the page.

FTHO wrote:My problem with it is where the hell do you carry it? I don't want to squash it into my pocket in case it gets misshaped and no longer works. Any ideas?

I dont really worry myself too much about carrying it around as I use the non-gimmicked plunger so if it gets damaged I'll just pick a new one up for a pound or two
Also I try to check the suction briefly before I use it to eliminate holes or damage it may have picked up.

FTHO wrote:Also, a potential tip - at the end of the routine leave the prepared card on top of the deck, then if they try to pick up the deck with the plunger it won't work. If they notice the preparation you can always blame the plunger, but this has never happened to me.

Its never happened to me either fortunately, but I do what you have described if a cop or a palm cannot be done cleanly to remove the prepared card.

Thanks for the tip on the book though, handy to know. Also found some other good reads on the link