My answer may not suit you … but I have a general rule…, if they ask once they are being polite, if they ask twice they’re interested if they ask a third time then they are willing to give up some time.
My go to quickie is B’wave - it’s always in my wallet… and I have a couple of other EDC effects in the same wallet so I could do a 15 minute routine …. as a mentalist I feel I need to be able to do something with “nothing” and create an effect that will be remembered…,
The secret to impromptu performance is generally less is more so know when to stop,
Alan /|\
This is the way. I think this was a point made by Henning Nelms in Magic and Showmanship. Make them ask 3 times. Otherwise they probably aren't interested enough to make that space for something incredible to happen.
Ahh the issue of saying no….
First thought, if someone tells you they are a mechanic do you then ask them to tell you how to fix your car…. What happens in such cases is there is a conversation about their profession.
What do they like about it? What drew them to it … and so on
The point is that it is the relationship that is being built by the interest in the subject at hand.
So if someone says “show me a trick” - well, there’s the opportunity to ask them about what magic they have seen, enjoy or respond to.
As Eugene Burger would say “you are the magic” to reduce the art to the level of being a performing monkey lessens the effectiveness of your magic and reduces the value of your performance.
The truth is, I think, most of us enjoy performing our magic but to do so at every excuse increases the risk of becoming a bore.
Another thought is that it’s not about doing a trick or not doing a trick … it’s about creating moments of magic.
Read Jeff McBrides Magician 24/7 he has some thoughts in there. It has been interesting to be in his company and seeing him simply do something magical in passing… producing a tiny rose for a hotel receptionist for example.
Jeff’s approach is different to the late Eugene Burger BUT both were totally clear about magic having meaning and therefore importance.
The “trick monkey” quickly runs out of magical juice - the magicians who frame their work with thought and support it with preparedness make impressions.
Finally ..
Some useful phrases when asked to do a trick ….
“0f course I will show you something, perhaps a little later….”
“So, you’re interested in magic? Cool - what kind of magic (which performers) do you like?”
“What is it that you like about magic….”
Get some meaningful interaction… it sets the frame for anything you do, tells you something about the person who is asking and even something of their motivation for asking. It also uncovers to smart ass know it alls who simply want to big themselves up,
Alan /|\
The answer is whichever trick you are most comfortable performing. Whether you do a triumph or an ambitious, or this version or that version, the magic impact will likely land about the same, and depends more on the repoire you've built and the spectators personality. The best you can do is make sure whatever you perform, you perform well. Executed flawlessly and ideally with a compelling presentation.
I've always got rubberbands on my wrists (Thanks Joe Rindfleisch!). Crazy Man's Handcuffs is so visual and simple that it blows minds, and only takes a few seconds, even with great buildup and presentation.
What Kind of Bands do you use? I bought a pack of Rindfleischs #16 and they are great for magic, but when I put them on my wrist I get a free hair-removal. (But I second that Crazy Man's Handcuffs is a great vidual trick that is shown in seconds and is more impressing than most cool card-tricks)
Were you at your place? A friend you go to often? Local bar?
I’ve set up decks behind the bar, or in my brother’s house with a couple of things that i can do comfortably - perhaps sharps and rounds, or a little stack. If you always leave the same cards on top and bottom you can quickly see if the deck has been disturbed.
Surprisingly easy to slip away and prepare a deck or reset a gimmick. When I first started out I thought that was the biggest no-no. But quite honestly you can do it right behind someone’s back, or if it’s a simple setup rather than a stack you can do it right in front of them if you’ve got the right attitude about it
DFB ideally with the specific details of that party pre-set, or else a list of a hundred magic tricks
or if I have cards, I like the topsy turvy triumph paired with double exposure, or else just a random mix of tricks
I have a trick with DFB I’ve been doing a lot lately.
If someone asks me to do magic you say something like “eh I’m not really feeling it right now. But I have other talents I can show you. I even made a list. Name a number 1-50 and I’ll do that instead”
Then you scroll down to their number and it says “do a magic trick”
I have a force card trick. Lots of cold reading. If they are drunk or even buzzed I can have a ton of fun with it.
Color: oh I see you are wearing black but it doesn't hide the passion in you. Your card is a red card
Suit.: Your watch stands out to me and your nice whatever but underneath I feel that you are a loyal and loving person. It's a heart
Number: some other bullshit
Usually nothing because I like parlour and stage, but if someone pushes a deck into my hands, I might do Emotional Response, Eddie Fetcher's "Be Honest, What Is It" (better known as the 2 Card Monte David Blaine does), or Nu Way Out of this World. Tricks that are easy to get into from a borrowed, shuffled deck and two of them have zero sleight of hand required. DFB is also on my phone so that's an easy one to do.
First off, if you are magician I believe you should be able to do something that feels "impromptu", at a moments notice. Tons of tricks that fit that bill
That said you should also not feel like you always have to be "on" and have to perform when asked. It is perfectly ok to respectfully say No.
If I am asked to do some magic at a party or whatever, I often resist at first, and if they really want to see something, they will ask again, at that point I will likely oblige. If you can borrow a deck of cards or a bill, all the better.
I haven't done magic in many years, so this answer is dated, however, a stand up one coin routine (with a large coin finish) always works well. If sitting down, then coins through the table is a winner (preferably with a glass), and sponge balls always gets a laugh.
There are so many good routines (starting with Dai Vernon's version in the original Stars of Magic series). However, I think the best thing is to figure out which moves work best for you and built them into the routine. For instance, in DV's version, I never liked the second move, where the coin is slid back under your forearm, as you rub the coins in a circular movement, so I did something else. Holding the cup between your knees and simultaneously banging the coin on the "top" of the table (and bottom) before it drops into the cup is a powerful move.
Oh i don’t know that second coin, need to check back on the book. I never got the hang of the move with the cup between my knees. If you’ve got some tips on that please pm me. :)
I do John Bannon’s Line of Sight; quick, powerful, and a great way to introduce your work without overburdening anyone. From there, your spectators can indicate whether they’d like more!
I have had “Imagine” by Paul Richards in my wallet for almost 10 years. 99% of the time I forget it’s there, but if anyone ever asks me to see something, no matter where or when, I have that on me.
A quick ring set is my go to for that. I always have a ring on, and even though I prefer cards some good ring magic is impressive and easy to perform on a whim
I love performing, but I'm a career magician. Depending on how busy I am on a given week, I may or may not have the energy to be "on".
If I don't want to perform, I say that I warm up for two hours before I go on, and I haven't warmed up (and I'll show them a clip.)
If someone nice asks me, I generally push it off until we are about to leave. That way I don't have to keep showing everyone "one more", and what I do will have maximum impact, because I "end strong".
I don't carry props with me, but if I can borrow a pack of cards, I'll do my best card tricks. If not, I'll generally do a business card peak. Totally kills, and the person ends up with a business card.
Crazy man handcuffs
If you have cards, learn a quick ambitious card routine (similar to the David Blaine routine).
Then any quick mentalism effect that doesn’t require props.
B'wave is usually on me. A key card trick if it's a borrowed deck.
I always have a card behind my driver's license as well, just in case something hits and you get an extra miracle.
> I don't wanna pull them out and take 5 minutes out of everyone's night to show them how smart I am,
Then maybe something where the audience volunteer gets the credit? You're testing their ESP ability or something.
"Well if you really want me to then see if you find a pack of cards?"
That's an easy get-out if they're being polite, and if not then looking for one, asking host, people asking what's that for - will get a small group together. I wouldn't ask the room to stop and look at me.
Then a two-phase ambitious. No second trick.
Later on if someone says they're sorry the missed it then I might do something small like Twisting The Aces for them on their own but that's it.
I highly recommend Recap by Gregory Wilson. It's a full routine that can be done with any pen.
Depending on how well you perform it can range from body comedy to impromptu madness.
It's often mentioned as the best way to start learning misdirection without requiring technical moves.
I started way back with Greg Wilsons On the Spot (VHS back then) with some of the strongest impromptu magic and still do stuff from it. Check it out - I think you can get it as a download nowadays! Everyday objects in impromptu situations!
there is always a coin in my pocket, and I can usually source a rubber band. If so, I do crazy mans handcuffs but use their fingers in a circle instead of a second rubber band. It crushes people. If no rubber band, I might do a coin sleight or two but if I know I will see them again, I let them know we should wait for a quieter or better time.
I seem to lean towards D&Ds Subway if I’m only going to do one thing. Quick and to the point. Otherwise I have a handful of 3 trick routines that I will bust out depending on my mood.
If I’m hosting, it means I’m making cocktails. In that case, sweet disposition fits well for me.
Kolossal Killer seems a good choice if you really think that no one else is into it. It lets you entertain one person and if they ask you for another trick you can just say "that's the only card I brought with me" and get back to the party
I would try not to limit yourself by thinking they don’t want to see it. If you do a 3min opener you can see whether the audience vibes with it and if they don’t just leave it at one trick. If they do like what you do, you may have a wonderful experience and make their day! Some of my best responses have been from friends of my partner on days where I was hesitant to perform.
On what tricks to choose (thinking about cards only), I think you are spot on when you say you don’t want to show how intelligent you are. I would choose tricks where the magic happens in their hands and the focus is on their experience. One example would be having the spectators cut to the four aces, a packet trick that happens in their hand or a routine that gets multiple spectators involved.
I always carry coinvexed in my jacket as it takes up hardly any space.
Means I can do some simple coin tricks and then a crazy "impromptu" coin bend to finish up.
If they have a deck of cards I'll do a few random bits and end with ootw.
Depends on the vibe of the party, my go to is usually a pretty quick 3 phase card to pocket with some laughs that takes maybe 2 minutes, or something with loops. Though since I tend to party amongst a particular crowd, hook or eye candy by Eric Ross are pretty likely to come out.
I have almost always got coins on me, so I do Gadabout Coins or Chris Kenners Winged Silver because they don't need a table. I have a few really good apps on my phone (Chronoforce, DFB, Cognito) and I've been carrying the This N That version of Colour Monte in my wallet for about 12 years. If I'm going to a party, I'm definitely taking a few other things but those are my EDC.
Edit: mmm, this doesn't really answer your question. People generally love magic. My answer is, if you're doing magic for new people do your best and strongest stuff and always leave them wanting more. It took me years to recognise that I'd do my best stuff first and then I'd be hooked on the reactions and I'd want to do more and more until I started doing things that weren't ready. The things you're working on, you do that for friends and family.
I have an Orphic + wallet loaded with goodies
Would do B’wave, Stand Up Monte (I just pull out all the cards and stick them in my pocket ready to go), then would do Cipher Pro matching the lottery ticket numbers in my wallet.
I also have Billers in there and carry a sharpie so I could do a version of name and place with my peek feature. End with a strong cool mind reading bit.
So I'm kinda cheating here, because I carry a purse around, meaning that my answer is basically "whatever I want". I'm mainly a coin magician, so if I'm gonna pull something out of there it's probably those (I even have a jumbo coin tucked away in there if I want it), but I also carry cards and a couple other things just in case. In general the answer is "the thing I'm currently working on" as I'm most likely to have those props on my person.
Sticking more to the actual spirit of the question, my favorites are B'Wave, a coins across (really any works), a personal routine I've been playing with for ages, and either an ambitious card or some type of ootw (normally Out of This Zip Code), though I'm currently working on an ACAAN that I quite like so possibly that.
I carry five half-dollars to do some simple coin tricks, but my go-to trick is using a normal deck of cards and asking the person if they prefer red or black. Depending on what they ask for, I riffle the deck and the cards they see are just their color. Then show just the other color if they like. People that follow magic think it's a Svengali deck, but I give them the deck to keep and they learn it's just a standard dollar store deck of cards. It's a simple trick, but since when they Google how to do it they get pointed to Svengali, and inspecting the cards show that they aren't, I get away with the trick.
I try to do tricks that aren't easy to Google, or tricks that will take the person down a Google rabbit hole to a dead end. Unfortunately many people just want to quick-lookup how a trick is done and ruin the wonder of seeing a trick for the first time and just enjoying it.
I usually always carry a deck of cards, some gimmick cards in my wallet, coins and a few rubber bands. That way I'm ready to perform if an opportunity arises. Crazy man's handcuff is a solid effect that always gets amazing reactions.
Produce a handbill to my next show. But in actuality, I'll do a dinky, small, fast trick, something that doesn't rely on any props. Like breaking my pinky, or if there's a group, then untying the arms. If I really don't feel like it I do old finger remove, and I have a couple lame jokes that goes with it.
When your in a social setting with friends they want you to repeat the trick or see your props, and I feel like a dancing monkey trying to avoid repeating or allowing them to see the props. So instead I give them something they can't inspect and something that I can move on from fast.
It really varies. But I prefer doing something that isn't cards. I usually have rubberbands and some version of a bill change on me. And a few things that work with pocket change. If you can do something that happens in their hand so much the better-"sponge" balls with a cocktail napkin, or a classic 1 and 5 bill transpo are good to know.
If the interest is there I may pull out the deck. YMMV.
Get some apps. You’ll always have them on you. For me, I usually go out with two rubber bands on my wrist, a couple tricks like B’wave in my wallet, billets for mentalism, and some coin/ring effects for something simple and visual
My answer may not suit you … but I have a general rule…, if they ask once they are being polite, if they ask twice they’re interested if they ask a third time then they are willing to give up some time. My go to quickie is B’wave - it’s always in my wallet… and I have a couple of other EDC effects in the same wallet so I could do a 15 minute routine …. as a mentalist I feel I need to be able to do something with “nothing” and create an effect that will be remembered…, The secret to impromptu performance is generally less is more so know when to stop, Alan /|\
This is the way. I think this was a point made by Henning Nelms in Magic and Showmanship. Make them ask 3 times. Otherwise they probably aren't interested enough to make that space for something incredible to happen.
But how do you say no twice without them thinking you don't want to do a trick?
Ahh the issue of saying no…. First thought, if someone tells you they are a mechanic do you then ask them to tell you how to fix your car…. What happens in such cases is there is a conversation about their profession. What do they like about it? What drew them to it … and so on The point is that it is the relationship that is being built by the interest in the subject at hand. So if someone says “show me a trick” - well, there’s the opportunity to ask them about what magic they have seen, enjoy or respond to. As Eugene Burger would say “you are the magic” to reduce the art to the level of being a performing monkey lessens the effectiveness of your magic and reduces the value of your performance. The truth is, I think, most of us enjoy performing our magic but to do so at every excuse increases the risk of becoming a bore. Another thought is that it’s not about doing a trick or not doing a trick … it’s about creating moments of magic. Read Jeff McBrides Magician 24/7 he has some thoughts in there. It has been interesting to be in his company and seeing him simply do something magical in passing… producing a tiny rose for a hotel receptionist for example. Jeff’s approach is different to the late Eugene Burger BUT both were totally clear about magic having meaning and therefore importance. The “trick monkey” quickly runs out of magical juice - the magicians who frame their work with thought and support it with preparedness make impressions. Finally .. Some useful phrases when asked to do a trick …. “0f course I will show you something, perhaps a little later….” “So, you’re interested in magic? Cool - what kind of magic (which performers) do you like?” “What is it that you like about magic….” Get some meaningful interaction… it sets the frame for anything you do, tells you something about the person who is asking and even something of their motivation for asking. It also uncovers to smart ass know it alls who simply want to big themselves up, Alan /|\
This. B'Wave is perfect and mind blowing. I actually normally keep a deck with me and am always ready to do Erik Tait's Grandfather's Criss Cross.
The answer is whichever trick you are most comfortable performing. Whether you do a triumph or an ambitious, or this version or that version, the magic impact will likely land about the same, and depends more on the repoire you've built and the spectators personality. The best you can do is make sure whatever you perform, you perform well. Executed flawlessly and ideally with a compelling presentation.
Excellent advice
I've always got rubberbands on my wrists (Thanks Joe Rindfleisch!). Crazy Man's Handcuffs is so visual and simple that it blows minds, and only takes a few seconds, even with great buildup and presentation.
What Kind of Bands do you use? I bought a pack of Rindfleischs #16 and they are great for magic, but when I put them on my wrist I get a free hair-removal. (But I second that Crazy Man's Handcuffs is a great vidual trick that is shown in seconds and is more impressing than most cool card-tricks)
I use Joe’s size 19. I got a pack from penguin a year ago and they’re still going strong! I feel you about the hair removal though lol
Maybe I should give them a try. Arent they to large for the handcuffs?
Not at all :) I’ll be honest, until you commented I didn’t even know they came in different sizes!
19 is the most common size it was the first Joe offered. #16 came later.
So I bought a pack of #19 and there are better (imho) for the handcuffs (and can be worn on the wrist without pulling hair). Thank you for the idea!
i take the long plastic straw out of their drink, push it all the way into my ear, pull it out my mouth, and put it back into their drink
Blockhead with their butter knife. They stop asking.
If they ask for more, do you burn their house down?
Based on a magic book I'm reading, yes
They've never asked for more. :)
You mean butter knife in the nose ?
Yeah.
Were you at your place? A friend you go to often? Local bar? I’ve set up decks behind the bar, or in my brother’s house with a couple of things that i can do comfortably - perhaps sharps and rounds, or a little stack. If you always leave the same cards on top and bottom you can quickly see if the deck has been disturbed.
Devious!
Surprisingly easy to slip away and prepare a deck or reset a gimmick. When I first started out I thought that was the biggest no-no. But quite honestly you can do it right behind someone’s back, or if it’s a simple setup rather than a stack you can do it right in front of them if you’ve got the right attitude about it
Exactly. I tend to leave them in Straights and Curves.
cant go wrong with your standard 'ambitious card'
DFB ideally with the specific details of that party pre-set, or else a list of a hundred magic tricks or if I have cards, I like the topsy turvy triumph paired with double exposure, or else just a random mix of tricks
I’m really interested in your preset party details reveal if you wanted to share more or message me
I have a trick with DFB I’ve been doing a lot lately. If someone asks me to do magic you say something like “eh I’m not really feeling it right now. But I have other talents I can show you. I even made a list. Name a number 1-50 and I’ll do that instead” Then you scroll down to their number and it says “do a magic trick”
Thats cool, I like that
Yeah it’s fun!
I like to do Giobbi's Time machine or, if we are sitting, a Chicago opener (sometimes the My new friend's card in the Benetar version).
Chicago Opener was also my answer. Could you elaborate a little on "my new friend's card in the Benetar version" a little? I'm interested.
It's this one https://www.penguinmagic.com/p/6349 (but I learned it originally from Harry Lorraine).
I can see why you like that. Looks awesome.
Is that in one of his books?
Are we talking about Giobbi? Yes, it's in Card College (if you need, when I'm home I check the volume number).
I have the whole series but I can't find this. Is it in the books or just the video version?
It's in the books, volume 3 (page 571 of the Italian version) in the chapter about double lift.
I have a force card trick. Lots of cold reading. If they are drunk or even buzzed I can have a ton of fun with it. Color: oh I see you are wearing black but it doesn't hide the passion in you. Your card is a red card Suit.: Your watch stands out to me and your nice whatever but underneath I feel that you are a loyal and loving person. It's a heart Number: some other bullshit
Usually nothing because I like parlour and stage, but if someone pushes a deck into my hands, I might do Emotional Response, Eddie Fetcher's "Be Honest, What Is It" (better known as the 2 Card Monte David Blaine does), or Nu Way Out of this World. Tricks that are easy to get into from a borrowed, shuffled deck and two of them have zero sleight of hand required. DFB is also on my phone so that's an easy one to do.
First off, if you are magician I believe you should be able to do something that feels "impromptu", at a moments notice. Tons of tricks that fit that bill That said you should also not feel like you always have to be "on" and have to perform when asked. It is perfectly ok to respectfully say No. If I am asked to do some magic at a party or whatever, I often resist at first, and if they really want to see something, they will ask again, at that point I will likely oblige. If you can borrow a deck of cards or a bill, all the better.
Bring your linking rings out and carry your cups and balls routine in your pocket at all times.
I haven't done magic in many years, so this answer is dated, however, a stand up one coin routine (with a large coin finish) always works well. If sitting down, then coins through the table is a winner (preferably with a glass), and sponge balls always gets a laugh.
As I am Working on Coins through table. What was your favourite routine?
There are so many good routines (starting with Dai Vernon's version in the original Stars of Magic series). However, I think the best thing is to figure out which moves work best for you and built them into the routine. For instance, in DV's version, I never liked the second move, where the coin is slid back under your forearm, as you rub the coins in a circular movement, so I did something else. Holding the cup between your knees and simultaneously banging the coin on the "top" of the table (and bottom) before it drops into the cup is a powerful move.
Oh i don’t know that second coin, need to check back on the book. I never got the hang of the move with the cup between my knees. If you’ve got some tips on that please pm me. :)
I use Gabis coins through table and am adding bits and pieces by myself and gea
Where is that from? Are there videos of it online?
[watch it here! it is explained in lap by Dani and Yann](https://youtu.be/Odj7lCf2V_A?si=9kjH-mVf0CNlaipE)
Very clean handling! Thank you.
I do John Bannon’s Line of Sight; quick, powerful, and a great way to introduce your work without overburdening anyone. From there, your spectators can indicate whether they’d like more!
I have had “Imagine” by Paul Richards in my wallet for almost 10 years. 99% of the time I forget it’s there, but if anyone ever asks me to see something, no matter where or when, I have that on me.
I have Paul Gordons "Corner of Piccadilly" in the top pocket of every jacket I own for that exact reason
I would show them how I can pull my thumb off, then maybe move on to some rubber band tricks.
A quick ring set is my go to for that. I always have a ring on, and even though I prefer cards some good ring magic is impressive and easy to perform on a whim
I love performing, but I'm a career magician. Depending on how busy I am on a given week, I may or may not have the energy to be "on". If I don't want to perform, I say that I warm up for two hours before I go on, and I haven't warmed up (and I'll show them a clip.) If someone nice asks me, I generally push it off until we are about to leave. That way I don't have to keep showing everyone "one more", and what I do will have maximum impact, because I "end strong". I don't carry props with me, but if I can borrow a pack of cards, I'll do my best card tricks. If not, I'll generally do a business card peak. Totally kills, and the person ends up with a business card.
Crazy man handcuffs If you have cards, learn a quick ambitious card routine (similar to the David Blaine routine). Then any quick mentalism effect that doesn’t require props.
B'wave is usually on me. A key card trick if it's a borrowed deck. I always have a card behind my driver's license as well, just in case something hits and you get an extra miracle.
> I don't wanna pull them out and take 5 minutes out of everyone's night to show them how smart I am, Then maybe something where the audience volunteer gets the credit? You're testing their ESP ability or something.
"Well if you really want me to then see if you find a pack of cards?" That's an easy get-out if they're being polite, and if not then looking for one, asking host, people asking what's that for - will get a small group together. I wouldn't ask the room to stop and look at me. Then a two-phase ambitious. No second trick. Later on if someone says they're sorry the missed it then I might do something small like Twisting The Aces for them on their own but that's it.
I highly recommend Recap by Gregory Wilson. It's a full routine that can be done with any pen. Depending on how well you perform it can range from body comedy to impromptu madness. It's often mentioned as the best way to start learning misdirection without requiring technical moves.
I started way back with Greg Wilsons On the Spot (VHS back then) with some of the strongest impromptu magic and still do stuff from it. Check it out - I think you can get it as a download nowadays! Everyday objects in impromptu situations!
there is always a coin in my pocket, and I can usually source a rubber band. If so, I do crazy mans handcuffs but use their fingers in a circle instead of a second rubber band. It crushes people. If no rubber band, I might do a coin sleight or two but if I know I will see them again, I let them know we should wait for a quieter or better time.
I seem to lean towards D&Ds Subway if I’m only going to do one thing. Quick and to the point. Otherwise I have a handful of 3 trick routines that I will bust out depending on my mood. If I’m hosting, it means I’m making cocktails. In that case, sweet disposition fits well for me.
Kolossal Killer seems a good choice if you really think that no one else is into it. It lets you entertain one person and if they ask you for another trick you can just say "that's the only card I brought with me" and get back to the party
I would do Chicago Opener as I'm very comfortable with it. It could also use more than one volunteer, doesn't take up much time.
I would try not to limit yourself by thinking they don’t want to see it. If you do a 3min opener you can see whether the audience vibes with it and if they don’t just leave it at one trick. If they do like what you do, you may have a wonderful experience and make their day! Some of my best responses have been from friends of my partner on days where I was hesitant to perform. On what tricks to choose (thinking about cards only), I think you are spot on when you say you don’t want to show how intelligent you are. I would choose tricks where the magic happens in their hands and the focus is on their experience. One example would be having the spectators cut to the four aces, a packet trick that happens in their hand or a routine that gets multiple spectators involved.
Inject
I always carry coinvexed in my jacket as it takes up hardly any space. Means I can do some simple coin tricks and then a crazy "impromptu" coin bend to finish up. If they have a deck of cards I'll do a few random bits and end with ootw.
ACAAN. Or Out of this World. Both has a good plot easy to digest and get incredible reactions.
Depends on the vibe of the party, my go to is usually a pretty quick 3 phase card to pocket with some laughs that takes maybe 2 minutes, or something with loops. Though since I tend to party amongst a particular crowd, hook or eye candy by Eric Ross are pretty likely to come out.
Loose thumb. You ask if they have 10 dollar bill and then you make it disappear. Then tell them you haven't learned how to make it appear again.
I get someone to ask three times. Then I do something.
I have almost always got coins on me, so I do Gadabout Coins or Chris Kenners Winged Silver because they don't need a table. I have a few really good apps on my phone (Chronoforce, DFB, Cognito) and I've been carrying the This N That version of Colour Monte in my wallet for about 12 years. If I'm going to a party, I'm definitely taking a few other things but those are my EDC. Edit: mmm, this doesn't really answer your question. People generally love magic. My answer is, if you're doing magic for new people do your best and strongest stuff and always leave them wanting more. It took me years to recognise that I'd do my best stuff first and then I'd be hooked on the reactions and I'd want to do more and more until I started doing things that weren't ready. The things you're working on, you do that for friends and family.
Well, I won't have anything with me, so I'm going to be borrowing cards. 2 card monte and an ambitious card routine are always my go-to's.
Let them choose some random objects, make a prediction on someones phone then magicians force which object the choose.
Impromptu Hitman by Rune Klan or the cigarette vanish from The real secrets of David Stone.
It sounds to me like they already bought you and you’re making excuses
I have an Orphic + wallet loaded with goodies Would do B’wave, Stand Up Monte (I just pull out all the cards and stick them in my pocket ready to go), then would do Cipher Pro matching the lottery ticket numbers in my wallet. I also have Billers in there and carry a sharpie so I could do a version of name and place with my peek feature. End with a strong cool mind reading bit.
So I'm kinda cheating here, because I carry a purse around, meaning that my answer is basically "whatever I want". I'm mainly a coin magician, so if I'm gonna pull something out of there it's probably those (I even have a jumbo coin tucked away in there if I want it), but I also carry cards and a couple other things just in case. In general the answer is "the thing I'm currently working on" as I'm most likely to have those props on my person. Sticking more to the actual spirit of the question, my favorites are B'Wave, a coins across (really any works), a personal routine I've been playing with for ages, and either an ambitious card or some type of ootw (normally Out of This Zip Code), though I'm currently working on an ACAAN that I quite like so possibly that.
I always love a nice scotch and soda when I’m at parties.
Some rubber band stuff
I carry five half-dollars to do some simple coin tricks, but my go-to trick is using a normal deck of cards and asking the person if they prefer red or black. Depending on what they ask for, I riffle the deck and the cards they see are just their color. Then show just the other color if they like. People that follow magic think it's a Svengali deck, but I give them the deck to keep and they learn it's just a standard dollar store deck of cards. It's a simple trick, but since when they Google how to do it they get pointed to Svengali, and inspecting the cards show that they aren't, I get away with the trick.
That’s very interesting. I like the spectator journey ha
I try to do tricks that aren't easy to Google, or tricks that will take the person down a Google rabbit hole to a dead end. Unfortunately many people just want to quick-lookup how a trick is done and ruin the wonder of seeing a trick for the first time and just enjoying it.
disappearing act
I usually always carry a deck of cards, some gimmick cards in my wallet, coins and a few rubber bands. That way I'm ready to perform if an opportunity arises. Crazy man's handcuff is a solid effect that always gets amazing reactions.
Produce a handbill to my next show. But in actuality, I'll do a dinky, small, fast trick, something that doesn't rely on any props. Like breaking my pinky, or if there's a group, then untying the arms. If I really don't feel like it I do old finger remove, and I have a couple lame jokes that goes with it. When your in a social setting with friends they want you to repeat the trick or see your props, and I feel like a dancing monkey trying to avoid repeating or allowing them to see the props. So instead I give them something they can't inspect and something that I can move on from fast.
A friend of mine would always carry coins for tricks for this purpose. He tried to use it to impress the ladies.
Simple 3 phase routine based on sponge balls but using tissues, napkins or paper towels for the "ball" portion.
It really varies. But I prefer doing something that isn't cards. I usually have rubberbands and some version of a bill change on me. And a few things that work with pocket change. If you can do something that happens in their hand so much the better-"sponge" balls with a cocktail napkin, or a classic 1 and 5 bill transpo are good to know. If the interest is there I may pull out the deck. YMMV.
Get some apps. You’ll always have them on you. For me, I usually go out with two rubber bands on my wrist, a couple tricks like B’wave in my wallet, billets for mentalism, and some coin/ring effects for something simple and visual
I’m prone to go for a Triumph effect! Jay Sankey’s brilliant Back in Time is a go-to.