Marvellous Memory

Effect: You appear to memorize the order of a pack of cards.

Secret: Cut a small hole in the bottom right corner of your card case. Ask someone to shuffle the cards and hand them back to you. Look through the cards quickly, then place them in the case. Hold the case in front of you and you will see the index of the first card through the hole. Name this card and pull it from the case. Do the same with a few more until you think you have proved that you really did memorize the order of the cards.

That Rings A Bell

Effect: A small bell rings of its own accord.

Secret: A small bell is on your table. Hold an opaque scarf in front of you, between your hands. In the top right corner of the scarf there is a small pin. Show the other side of the scarf by moving the right hand to the left and the left hand to the right. Do this a few times, then pin the scarf to your left shoulder. This leaves your right hand free to reach down and ring the bell. Immediately bring your hand back up to recover the scarf from your shoulder.

Sweets To The Sweet

Effect: Sweets, produced from a handkerchief, eventually vanish.

Secret: Tie a wrapped sweet to a long length of thread. Attach the other end of the thread to the centre of one side of a handkerchief. Fold the handkerchief in half. Hold two corners in one hand and two in the other. Tip the handkerchief and the sweet falls out into a box on your table. Allow the handkerchief to fall open, with the sweet hidden at the rear. Lift the handkerchief and repeat the above movements until you have produced numerous sweets. Then tip the box to show they have vanished.

Sympathetic Diamond

Effect: A large Ace of Diamonds changes colour when coloured handkerchiefs are passed over it.

Secret: The principal diamond on the card is actually cut out. It gets its colour from a piece of card held behind the Ace. Each time you want the colour of the diamond to change the secret card is moved to a new position. To get a multi-coloured diamond, position the card centrally so all four corners on the card are visible through the diamond-shaped hole. The handkerchiefs hide the movement of the secret card, look colourful and provide a reason for the colour changes.

Sweet And Sour

Effect: You tell the difference between sweet and sour by means of an amazing mental ability.

Secret: On a sheet of card write the words "SWEET" and "SOUR" and tear the card into nine pieces as shown.The pieces are dropped into a bag and mixed up. When you reach in and take a card, you know immediately whether the word on it is "SWEET" or "SOUR". This is possible from the way the card is torn. The "SOUR" pieces have only one straight edge. The "SWEET" pieces have two straight edges, with one exception which has no straight edges whatsoever.

Sum Trick!

Secret: Write 1089 on a piece of paper, fold it and place it on your table. Ask someone to choose any three digit number. All three digits must be different and the first must be higher than the last. Get them to reverse the whole number and write that underneath the first. If, for example, he chose 983 he now writes 389. The lower number is then subtracted from the other. The answer (which, in this example, is 594) is then reversed and this time the two are added together. Open the paper – your prediction is the same as the spectator's total. In fact, if the calculations are done correctly, the answer is always 1089!

Stop!

Effect: A matchbox obeys your commands.

Secret: Run a thread through the end of a matchbox drawer (see figure 1). Put a small eraser or a block of wood in the drawer on top of the thread (see figure 2) then close the box. You are now ready to show the trick. Hold each end of the thread, with one hand above the other. The matchbox should be near the top of the thread. If you hold the thread loosely the box will slide down the thread but if you secretly tighten the thread the box will stop (see figure 3). With practice you can make it stop or go at your command.

Sticky Wand

Effect: This effect is similar to "Palm the Wand" but takes a little more practice to do it correctly.

Secret: A combination of holding the wand or pencil in different ways will give the impression that it has become magnetized and is sticking to your fingers magically.

Presentation: Hold the wand between your hands (see figure 1). Lift one thumb (see figure 2). The audience will still think that your other thumb is holding the wand. Then lift the second thumb (see figure 3). They will be amazed! Study figures 4 and 5 and you will see how the trick is achieved. Carefully interlace your fingers so that one is folded inside your palms (see figure 4). The wand is held behind this hidden finger (see figure 4). Pull your hands apart quickly and let the wand fall when the trick is over.

Spotted

Effect: You predict the numbers on two dice.

Secret: On a postcard write the numbers four and five. Place the card in an envelope. Glue two dice in one end of the drawer of a large matchbox with the four and five spots uppermost. Put two loose dice in the other end of the drawer. Open the matchbox to show the loose dice. Close the drawer and ask a spectator to shake the box. Take the box back and open the drawer at the end containing the glued dice. Allow someone to see the dice then close the drawer. Your prediction is opened and it, of course, correct.

Spirit Initials

Effect: A spectator's initials appear on his own hand.

Secret: Hand someone a soft pencil and ask him to print his initials on a sugar cube. Take the sugar and secretly press your thumb against the initials. Drop the sugar in a glass of water. Ask the spectator to hold his hand over the glass. To show him what to do, you guide his hand over the glass. As you do this, press your thumb against his palm. You have now transferred a copy of the initials to his palm. He will receive a surprise when he sees the initials on his palm.

Spin Vanish

Effect: A matchbox is banged on a spinning coin to stop it. When the matchbox is lifted the coin has vanished.

Secret: Spin a small coin on the table top. Hold the matchbox, which must be empty, so that the drawer is open side down. Bang the matchbox sharply on top of the coin. Ask a spectator if he thinks the head or tails side of the coin is uppermost. Lift the box and the coin has disappeared. Because you banged the matchbox down so hard the coin penetrated the cover and is now inside the box.

Spelling Bee

Effect: Ten cards are counted in a magical manner.

Secret: The cards you use have been secretly arranged in the order shown. The actual suits do not matter. Run the cards, one at a time, from hand to hand. This reverses the order so the Nine is now on the top. Place the 10 cards on the pack. To show the trick count off 10 cards (this gets the arrangement back to normal, with the Three on top). Take the cards one at a time from the top of the packet and place them on the bottom as you spell A C E (one card to each letter). Turn over the card on the E and it is an Ace. Drop this card on the table. Now spell T W O – again moving one card from the top to the bottom of the packet for each letter. Turn over the "O" card, a Two, and drop it on the table. Continue spelling in this way until you get to 10. For the 10th card you have only one card left but pretend to spell the letters as before to amuse your audience.

Soapy Secret

Effect: A coin is shown on the palm of the left hand. A moment later the coin has vanished.

Secret: This trick only works with a small coin. The coin is shown on the palm of your left hand which is then closed into a fist. You then press the nail of your second finger against the coin, for on that nail is a small piece of soap. When you open your hand it seems that the coin has disappeared – but it is really stuck to the back of the second finger with the soap.

Salt Cellar Suspension

Effect: A salt cellar is suspended from your fingertip.

Secret: All you need, apart from the salt cellar, is a toothpick. Keep the toothpick hidden behind your forefinger as you touch the salt cellar. Secretly push the toothpick into the top of the salt cellar. Hold the hidden toothpick between your thumb and forefinger and you can lift the cellar. It appears that the cellar is sticking to your finger. Take the cellar in your left hand and pull it away from the toothpick. As you hand the cellar to someone for examination, secretly drop the toothpick on your lap.

Rubber Wand

Effect: The magician's solid wand or pencil seems to turn to soft rubber. On command, it turns solid again.

Secret: Hold the wand horizontally in front of you between thumb and forefinger about a third of the way from the end. By moving your hand up and down in short quick moves, the wand will seem to become flexible and appear as if it were made of rubber (see illustration). This is an excellent optical illusion.

Presentation: Tap the wand on something to show that it is solid. Say the magic word and now demonstrate that it is wobbly and flexible. Another magic word and it turns solid again.

Rope Through Body

Effect: A rope passes through your assistant's body.

Secret: Two spectators are invited to examine a long length of soft rope. Put the middle of the rope over your assistant's head to her front. Take both ends of the rope around the back of her body where you apparently cross over the ends. In fact your assistant secretly sticks up her thumbs and you wrap the rope around them as shown. Hand the ends of the rope to the spectators on either side. When you clap your hands your assistant secretly lowers her thumbs and walks forward – free of the rope.

Royal Flush

Effect: Five cards change into a Royal Flush.

Secret: Take the Ten, Jack, Queen and King of one suit and cut them in half diagonally. One half is glued on to one of four other cards of any value and suit. Add an Ace to the group and fan out the cards. It looks like five ordinary cards. Lift the cards so the backs are towards the audience. Take off the Ace and show it, as you secretly turn the other cards end for end. Replace the Ace and then let everyone see the faces. They have changed into a Royal Flush.

Rising Pencil

Effect: The magician places a pencil into a bottle. It reacts to his commands and slowly rises and falls in the bottle.

Secret: The pencil is made to move with the aid of a very fine thread.

Props: A pencil, a vase or bottle and a fine thread.

Preparation: A very fine nylon or black cotton thread or even a long human hair (18 inches to 24 inches in length) is tied, taped or applied with wax to one end of the pencil. The other end is tied to a button on the magician's clothing.

Presentation: Drop the pencil (thread end first) into the bottle or vase (see illustration). By moving slightly away from the table the thread will become tight and, on command, the pencil will either rise or fall, depending on your movements.

Ring Of Deception

Effect: A bangle passes on to a length of rope tied securely to your wrists.

Secret: You need two identical bangles and a long piece of soft rope. Secretly put one of the bangles on your arm, hidden under your coat sleeves. Have two spectators tie each end of the rope around your wrists. Show the bangle to ensure that it is solid. Turn your back, quickly pull the secret bangle down your sleeve on to the rope and hide the bangle just shown in an inside pocket. Turn back to face the audience and show the bangle tied on the rope.

Ring On

Effect: A ring is magically threaded on a string.

Secret: Place the string and ring supplied on a table, together with a safety pin and a handkerchief. Cover the string, ring and pin with the handkerchief. Allow the ends of the string to remain visible at all times. Place your hands beneath the handkerchief and push the centre of the string through the ring. Open the pin then close it so it goes around the right side of the loop and the rest of the string (see figure 1). Put your left forefinger into the loop (see figure 2). Remove your right hand and lift up the right end of the string and ask someone to hold it. At the same time move your left hand along the string (keeping your finger in the loop) until you reach the end. Remove the handkerchief and show that the ring and pin are now on the string (see figure 3).

Ring And String

Effect: A ring threaded onto a loop is released, although a spectator is holding the string.

Secret: Read PREPARATION carefully to see how you can solve this puzzle.

Props: Any ring and one cord.

Preparation: Get someone to help you practice this item before presenting it. Tie one piece of cord into a loop (circle). Slide the ring onto one end of the loop. Have your friend hold up his fingers. Put each end of the loop over one finger (see figure 1) but not too tight. Take a section of this cord and make another loop over the finger on the other side of the ring (see figure 2). Be sure you put the second loop below the first loop on the finger. Take the original loop and carefully lift it above the finger (see figure 3). Tell the holder to tighten up on the cord. As he does, you let go of your loop. The ring will fall free even though the string is still on his fingers. You will have to practice this a number of times before you can expect to do it smoothly.

Reverse Loops

Effect: A cord, coiled around a magic wand or pencil and tied through a ring, is pulled free of the wand and yet the ring remains securely tied.

Secret: As you wind on the cord, you secretly reverse the direction.

Props: A magic wand or pencil, a ring and a length of cord.

Preparation: Practise coiling the cord around the wand until you can do it without hesitation.

Presentation: Take the cord and wind it around the magic wand in one direction for the loops then stop as if counting the loops with the first finger of the hand that is holding the wand. Leave the tip of the finger on the wand, just past the third loop (see illustration). Then add three more loops but in the reverse direction. Practise this carefully and try to get the ends of the cords to hang down about the same lengths. Cover all of the loops with your free hand, now have someone tie a ring to the two loose ends of the cord. As you say a magic word, have him pull straight down and the cord will come free from the wand.

Red Or Black?

Effect: From a pack of cards spread face down on a table, you are able to tell which are red cards and which are black.

Secret: First separate the reds from the blacks. Bend all the red cards upwards. Bend all the black cards downwards. Mix the cards together. Spread all the cards face down on your table. Throw them down haphazardly and then invite a spectator to mix them up even more, so it is obvious they are not in any special order. Ask people to point to different cards and you can tell them if they are red or black by the way they bend.

Quick Tie Handkerchiefs

Effect: Two handkerchiefs are thrown in the air where they knot themselves together.

Secret: Apart from the two handkerchiefs, all you need for this trick is a small elastic band hidden in your right hand. Pick up one of the handkerchiefs with your left hand and place it in the right. As you do so, push a corner of the handkerchief into the elastic band. Do exactly the same with the second handkerchief. Throw the two handkerchiefs into the air and catch one of them as they descend. The elastic band holds the two handkerchiefs together and they appear to be knotted.

Pin-through Pin

Effect: You separate two linked safety pins without opening them – proof that solid can penetrate solid.

Secret: Link two large safety pins together. Hold them as shown. Pull them apart with a sharp downward movement on the right hand pin. There is a knack to getting this movement exactly right but with practice you will be able to do it every time – and the pins will separate. What actually happens is that the pin on the right opens the left pin for a moment. The left pin closes again and it appears that you have caused metal to penetrate metal.

Perplexing Pencil

Effect: A pencil adheres to one hand and then to the other.

Secret: The secret is a small pin pushed into the pencil. Hold the pin between the fingers of your right hand. The pencil seems to stick to the fingers. Bring your left hand to the pencil. Turn to the left and revolve the pencil between your hands. This causes the pin to move from your right fingers to your left fingers. Remove your right hand and the pencil is now apparently stuck to the left fingers. By reversing this movement, you can move the pencil back to the right hand.

Pencil Vanish

Effect: A pencil disappears.

Secret: Show a pencil or pen and drape a large handkerchief over it. As soon as the pencil is out of sight, secretly extend your forefinger under the handkerchief as you allow the pencil to drop down your sleeve. Take the handkerchief with the other hand as if holding the pencil through the material. Throw the handkerchief into the air and the pencil has vanished!

Palm The Wand

Effect: To prove that you have magical powers, place the wand or pencil across the top of the palm of one hand, with the back of the hand towards the audience. Slowly open your fingers and the wand apparently sticks to the hand as if magnetized (see figure 1).

Secret: Grip your wrist with your other hand (see figure 2). Unbeknown to your audience, your right index finger is holding the wand. Don't ever let the audience see the way you hold the wand.

On Your Mark

Effect: A selected card is located within seconds.

Secret: With a soft black pencil draw a diagonal line down both sides of a pack of cards. When you show the trick, you remove the cards from the case and ask someone to take any card, remember it and return it anywhere in the pack. Pick up the pack and look at your pencil mark. At one point there will be a small back mark out of alignment with the rest of the line – that is the chosen card.

Numbered Thoughts

Effect: While you are out of the room a three-figure number is chosen. On your return, you read your assistant's mind and reveal the number.

Secret: When you return to the room after a number has been chosen, you place your hands on either side of your assistant's head. Your friend now tightens and loosens his jaw for the appropriate number of times to signal each number in turn, pausing between numbers.As your fingers are near his temples you can feel this muscular movement so it is easy for him to transmit numbers to you without saying a word.

Name That Name

Effect: You reveal a thought-of name.

Secret: Cut a slot in the top of a box with a removable lid and tape a small box on the inside. Write the same name on 10 slips of paper. Put them in the box and replace the lid. Hand out 10 blank slips and ask spectators to write a name on their slip. The slips are put in the box through the slit. They actually go into the hidden box. Remove the lid for just one slip to be chosen. As all the slips are the same it is easy to reveal the name chosen.

Multiplying Money

Effect: Three coins increase to six in your hand.

Secret: Show three coins and count them out on to a magazine. Unbeknown to your audience there are three more coins hidden inside the magazine cover. Fold the magazine slightly and tip the three visible coins into your hand. At the same time the three hidden coins will slip from the magazine into your hand too but the audience do not know about this.Wave your other hand over the one holding the coins. Slowly open your hand to show that the coins have mysteriously multiplied.

Money, Money, Money

Effect: Spectators try to win some money – but you win.

Secret: You show five envelopes. One contains a £5 note, the others slips of paper. You have secretly marked the money envelope with a pencil dot. Ask someone to mix the envelopes then return them to you. Move the marked envelope to the second position. Ask someone to spell "money", transferring one envelope to the bottom of the pile for each letter. He keeps the envelope that falls on the letter Y. Do the same with three other spectators. You are left with one envelope, the one containing the money.

Money Telepathy

Effect: While you are out of the room, a coin is hidden under a cup. When you return, you announce the value of the hidden coin.

Secret: A secret accomplice is used. It is your accomplice who actually places the cup over the coin. He places the cup down in such a way that the position of the handle tells you the value of the hidden coin as shown in the illustration. Before doing this trick, you must agree with your accomplice which handle position will be at the 12 o'clock position or you may read the signal upside down and that could prove disastrous! This trick can of course be performed using any currency.

Money Making Matchbox

Effect: Two coins are placed in a matchbox and the box is closed. When the box is opened again the number of coins in it has increased to three.

Secret: Open the matchbox and hide a coin between the top of the drawer and the cover of the box as shown. Place two coins in the box and push the drawer shut. This forces the hidden coin to drop into the drawer. Make a few mystical passes over the box and then open it. Say: "That's the way a magician makes money!".

Miserable Money

Effect: When you shout at a coin, it gets so upset it bursts into tears!

Secret: Secretly conceal a wad of wet tissue paper between the first and second fingers of your right hand. Borrow a coin and place it directly on top of the tissue. Be careful that you do not allow anyone to see the tissue as you do this. Now squeeze the coin and the tissue together. Water drips from the tissue and it appears that the coin is crying.

Metal Bending

Effect: A spoon is bent and then straightened again.

Secret: Take the spoon in your left fist. Position the bowl so it rests on the table. Move your right hand over the left and change the left grip to hold the spoon by third and little fingers. As you pretend to press the spoon against the table top, bring your hands up to a vertical position as if really bending the handle. Move the hands back and forth as if the metal is becoming really supple. Blow on the spoon and throw it on the table. The handle is straight.

Matchless Ribbon

Effect: Matches change into a ribbon

Secret: Glue together several half matches and put the finished block into the drawer of a matchbox, together with one ordinary match. Put a ribbon in the other end of the drawer. You push open the drawer, take out the single match and let everyone see the box is apparently full of matches. Tap the box with the match you have just removed. Open the box again (but this time from the other end) and show that the matches have changed into a ribbon.

Match Rise

Effect: A match rises from a matchbox.

Secret: Make a small hole in the top of a matchbox. Push a match into the hole as shown in the illustration. When you push the drawer, the match will be forced out through the hole. If you tilt the matchbox slightly with the end of the drawer facing the audience, it will give the impression that the match rises from the drawer as it is opened.

Match Restoration

Effect: A matchstick is broken in half then magically made whole.

Secret: You need a handkerchief with a matchstick hidden in its hem. A match is taken from a matchbox and wrapped in the handkerchief. Ask a spectator to break the match through the material but make sure it is the one hidden in the hem that he breaks. Shake out the handkerchief and the match just removed from the box falls out. Casually put the handkerchief (with the broken match concealed in the hem) back into your pocket. It appears that the match was restored by magic.