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Can I ask - is there any magic in this routine? It seems as though it would just come across as "I'm a smart *rse, I know how this works", more so than any other "street con" themed effect. I'm curious due to it's no setup nature and that it packs small etc, but I just get a bit sick of gambling routines. What makes this special?

No, there is no magic in this routine, it's up to you if you want the spectator to win or not. It is quite neat.

As for being a smartarse, that really depends on the presentation, but yes, you could quite easily look smug or smart doing it.

Farlsborough wrote:It seems as though it would just come across as "I'm a smart *rse, I know how this works", more so than any other "street con" themed effect.

Fully agreed - this particular "trick" has the potential to be just that.

However, you will find an entertaining and strong routine covered in "Strong Magic" (Ortiz).

Mike.

I'm quite interested in this now, but annoyingly can't find any ball chain of the correct size on t'internet. Anyone know of any places you can get it cut to measure from a spool?

BTW, before anyone suggests it, I'm NOT going to spend my life savings on a fancy silver french braided jobby from School for Scoundrels! I've just looked at their website... looks like they're rinsing folk for everything they can, every effect they teach has it's own luxury equipment and some pro stating they "never use anything else"...

Hi,

Try to find a small highstreet ironmongers, failing that even a B & Q's maybe?

Sometimes the smaller shops will sell you the sort of lengh you need and the joining link for mere pennys so have a look around your local shops first.

Just briefly on your presentation worries, you could present it as a warning demonstration, or even showing how magical abilities can be used to outwit the con man, alot of course depends on your own chosen style. David Roth (yes the coin man ) had a nice routine that put two spectators in compation, man/wife boyfriend/girlfriend etc.

Have fun,
John.

It's the sort of chain used to hang a security card round your neck, if that helps.

Barry

Ok, as per-bl**dy-usual I've had to bulk buy to get the right stuff at the right length (you either get a massive spool of it or 18"!), you're supposed to use 5ft apparently (a 2 1/2 ft long loop).

I've got 25ft of 3.2mm ball chain going spare, that's slightly heavier than the ID tag stuff which I think is a good thing, makes it seem a little less flimsy. Also the ball chain connectors to make it into a loop.

It'll probably be relatively heavy to post, but if anyone's interested you can have 5ft with 1 connector for £5 including P&P.

I was at a friends house. He has really high ceilings. To turn on his ceiling fan you pull on knob thing hanging down over a table. Interestingly enough it was the type of chain that works really well for this effect. Quite like the chain used in the toilet to to connect the handle to the plunger thingy. (excuse my technical terms please) The advantage of this is that I didn't have to raid his toilet. Now I just have to convince my friend that he shrunk and that is why he can no longer reach the cord to turn on his ceiling fan.

This may or not be promotion, so edit if you must but a lot of the refrences to the effect mentioned are credited to my father. And while I have not seen the Fundamenatlism DVD I understand that it is my fathers handling but it is not him doing it. And he did not create it he just brought it back so to speak, but it was in the early 80's and he did not present it as magic just as a bar stunt.

I find this a good routine if it is mingled with other "con" stuff. Three or two card monte works well as does the three shell game. Check Paul Daniels' "Bunko Booth" stuff also. With regard to being "smart arsed", that can happen with any form of magic if the performer is a "smart *rse".
Presentation is the thing, and I find that treating it as a gambling experience seems to work. I have printed my own banknotes [promotional material which can also be used for the typical banknote change] which the spectator uses so that they are involved and not just watching and also not concerned about losing their own money.
I do just the basic figure of eight formation on the table and then in the hands and find it gets a good reception if treated with a tongue in cheek attitude.
As with any magic the performer can prove himself to be an arrogant, self centered know all. Hey! That's not you. Is it?

Oops! I forgot what I wanted to mention. The continuous chain can be routined with the ring on string[in this case chain] effect as in the Ickle Pickle trick. This is also shown as a ring on string in the Klutz Book of Magic where it is known as "ring fling". This is not a new trick and has been explained many times so don't berate me for making it available!
It would be a nice finish for the continous chain. I know so 'cos I do it.
You will need to experiment with the chain and ring to ensure all works well.
I work it all into a Pirate theme and it took ages to find the right chain and ring, but it was definitely worth it. Mind you, the ear-ring is very painful!