Mind Probe

Our intrepid magician goes forth onto the unforgiving streets.

A passing female is asked to take part in a simple experiment...

"I'll riffle the cards before your eyes - watch - think of one card."

The cards are duly riffled - faces towards the helper.

"Have you a card in mind ?"

"Yes"

Our Magician concentrates intensely.

"You could have choosen any one of 52 cards ......"

"You are thinking of a red card............ it's a low number.......... a three. The card you are thinking of....... is.......... the 3 of Diamonds!"

"Whow, yes yes yes !!"


* * *

To perform this miracle of mind reading you will require a 'short card'. You must shorten any card by about 1 mm.

Place the short card in front of the card which you want to force on your helper.

The 3 of Diamonds is a good card to use as a force card as it easily visible and not difficult for the helper to get a 'fix' on it.

The cards are riffled at eye level and quite close the helpers face. The force card and the short card should be positioned about 2/3 into the deck.

The cards should be riffled very fast ( so their faces appear blurred). When the short card is
reached the riffle is paused for an almost indiscernible moment - just long enough for the helper to
fix on the force card (3D).

The riffle continues at speed.

With a little performance the helpers mind is read and 'their' card is revealed by the magician.

This feat of magic requires much practice and it is useful if the helper is a little scatter brained or slightly drunk ! You don't want some bright eyed smart alec to pre-select a card thereby ignoring your riffle !!

Good luck with it.

The Pop-Up Card (Fruit Loops)

Incorporated into David Blaine's 'Ambitious Card' routine.

A signed card is placed into the centre of the deck - with a snap of the fingers the cards returns to the top.

The card is again placed into the centre of the deck, another snap of the fingers and once more the card returns to the top.

The magician now takes the end of the face-up signed card and proceeds to bend it almost double, he turns the bent card face down, cuts off the bottom half of the deck and holds the deck at eye level where the bent card can be clearly seen on top. Still holding the cards at eye level the magician places the cut portion on top of the bent card, sandwiching it at the centre.

The magician holds his right hand above the cards, a snap of the fingers and the bent card passes up through the deck and pops-up on the top, it is displayed and seen to be the signed card !


Method

Fan the deck face-up and have your volunteer select a card by touching it.

As you close the fan, cut the deck one card below the chosen card and take that portion to the top (bottom).

Turn the deck over and Double Lift the top two cards displaying the chosen card. Have the chosen card signed on the face. Turn the 'double' over.

Openly lift off the top card and have the volunteer cut off half of the deck - place the chosen (?)
card onto the bottom portion and ask the volunteer to place his half of the cut deck on top.

Ask the volunteer to snap his fingers - turnover the top card to show that the signed card has returned to the top !

Place the signed card to one side. You now have two problems..
One: You must lose the card in the centre again.
Two: at the same time you must control the chosen card to a position second from the top (in order to perform the Pop-Up card effect).

Both problems can be solved with one move.....
Hold the deck in the dealing position with a little finger break under the top card. The deck is then held (left hand) with the deck almost at right angles to the floor, in this position use the left thumb to split the deck halfway saying "That looks like about halfway doesn't it ?" The break held by the little finger should be hidden by the base of the thumb.

Pick up the signed card and bring it in from the rear, giving the appearance of returning the card at the halfway split - it is actually returned into the break held by the little finger - beneath the top card. [This move requires much practice in front of a mirror.]

Once the card has been returned, the hands/cards are brought back to a level position.

Have the volunteer snap their fingers and with some flair and a riffle, 'double lift' the signed card

and place it out-jogged (face-up) on top of the deck.

Take the outer-end of the face up ('double') signed card with your right hand and bend it almost in half, then turn the 'double' bent card face down (leaving it bent).

The right hand now cuts the deck (Biddle grip) and the left thumb openly slips off the top bent card onto the bottom portion of the deck as the right hand (with the top portion) is withdrawn to the right.

The right index finger must keep pressure on the bent signed card which is on top of the half held in the right hand.

Hold the left hand portion at eye level where the bent card can be clearly seen. Still holding the cards at eye level, place the right hand portion on top of the bottom half, sandwiching the bent card in the centre.

The left hand thumb and index finger must now take control the deck and hold down the bent signed card, ensuring that it doesn't pop-up prematurely.

The magician holds his right index finger above the cards and asks the volunteer to snap his fingers, at that moment the magician releases the pressure on the top card and up it Pops !!

Turn the card over, to reveal, once again, the signed card.

Disc tax thro' Car windscreens

A passer-by is invited to consider a tax disc in a car windshield.
A hand is placed on the position of the disc, under the hand of a tax disc is slowly released!
The magician withdrew his hand to show that the tax disc in the windscreen is missing!
At the same time, it gives tax disc to go through to consider.

Methodius.
I heard a couple of theories about how the tax disc is "disappeared", but the most plausible is this.The disc inside of the windshield is fired from his position by an accomplice. The accomplice is placed at the rear of the car and pulls the disc clear through a fine wire.

Coin in a Bottle

An ordinary glass bottle is displayed before the slight some spectators.

A person is requested to keep the tip of the bottle firmly and horizontally. They hold the bottle in front, under the eyes.

The magician shows a coin at his finger tips and said he will spend the coin in the bottle!.

Since the aid of the bottle firmly holds the magician raps hard piece based on the bottle - the room immediately is understood to enter the bottle and can now be seen in the bottle!

The piece went through the glass !!!!!

Requirements.
A suitable glass bottle. and a "piece of folding."

Methodius.
As the magician pass through bottle he says they should "Hold it firmly, like this" for the moment it secretly places folded piece in the neck of the bottle.

When the magician touches the base, the impact of discharges shock bent coin in the body of the bottle.

At the moment (attention will be on the bottle) magician palms the "real" coin.

The piece folding May be removed by shaking the bottle strongly - the piece is immediately exchanged for Real (palmed) room. The coin and bottles are then submitted for consideration.

The Phone Card

This effect was shown to me by Andy long before I saw the Blaine 'Regurgitation'.

The performance follows the method described above the major differences being that only the right hand comes forward to produce the selected card. After the third failure the right hand brings forth the deck and places it on the table (if you have one). The folded card is palmed by the left hand which reaches either into a bag or pocket to produce a mobile phone.

The folded card is held beneath the phone as the distraught magician rings for help....

"Hello - is that Debbie ?", "Could I speak to Paul please", pause, "Hi, Paul." "That trick you sold me hasn't worked !"

The magician now pauses briefly as if receiving instructions from Paul ...... "Hmm ...yes...yes.."

"Yes, I'm on my mobile"

At this point the magician carefully removes the rear battery cover from the phone and there 'inside' the phone is a folded card - he offers it to the volunteer who finds that it is the chosen card !!!

Regurgitated Card

The cards are held out in order that a spectator may make a free selection. The card is duly memorised (also shown to any other bystanders). The card is then returned to the deck.

The magician now holds the deck behind his back (both hands), after a moment or two of thought the magician brings out the deck and flourishes the top card declaring it to be the card selected by his new assistant !

But it is not the selected card !!

He returns the deck behind his back. Once again he brings out the deck - this time he blows on the cards - then he removes the top card and declares this card be the one selected.

But it is not the selected card !!

The magician again brings the deck up to his mouth and almost swallowing the deck gives a bigger blow !

Once more he removes the top card and offers it as the selected card. But once again it is not the selected card !!
Looking slightly despondent he lowers the deck to his side - almost immediately his stomach starts to convulse as if he is about to vomit !

He reaches towards his mouth and removes something, it's a folded card - he opens it up - shows it to his helper - who now declares it to be the selected card - success !!

Method:
Once a card is selected it is controlled to the bottom of the deck by means of a false cut or shuffle.

The cards are taken around the back of the magician where he removes the selected card and folds it first into quarters then when he takes the deck around his back again he completes the folding and hides the folded card beneath the deck.

When the deck is taken up to his mouth for the second time he then inserts the folded card into his mouth ready for the final production !

Twisting arms illusion

Everyone has seen that this is certainly not understood almost immediately - all that is required is a little lateral thinking. Here's my explanation anyway!

The approach of a passer-by David said: "Excuse me, can I show you something?" It's strange "," Search "I can not understand" at this stage, it s 'accroupit and places both hands flat on the ground with fingers pointing directly to each other.

"Look" "Hmmm?" "No, Come by here." Ask the "help" coming to the left of his body.

Does it still uncertain, he said: "OK, do it with me" lifting his left hand soil, leaving only his right hand in contact with the ground. "Put your hand on the ground like mine . " indicating the position of his right hand pointing directly to the left.

"Now do this" - David begins his hand turning anti-clockwise. After a few moments, the "help" finds he can not move his hand other, but David continues to turn around his hand - about - and around until it has passed by a 360 degrees impossible!

David gets up, massages and rubbed his shoulder - the aid is speechless.

The "secret".
As David asks his assistant, Major on the other hand, he raises his right hand up slightly and turn it clockwise to 360 degrees and replaces it on the ground in this position. All that is required now is for David to "relax" the arm. Adding appropriate sound effects.
This effect is preferable to wearing a baggy-sleeved clothing.
As I make this thing I keep my left hand around my back and at an appropriate time, click my fingers hard and make a shaking movement with my right shoulder and deliver a low "Aaarrrgh!"
It is a "killer"!
Try to keep a right face!

Thought Card - Found !

David approaches a passer-by and asks that they hold a pack of cards and to merely think of any card that is in the pack.

"Are you thinking of one ?" - "Not the Ace of Spades ! " - "Think of another ."

"OK - got one ? - Yes ? - OK, I want you to visualise your card turning around, can you do that ?"

"What's the name of your card ?"

The spectators announces his 'Thought card' - "The 5 of Diamonds".

David takes the pack from the spectator and removes the deck - fanning the cards face up he comes to one face down card.

"What was your thought card ?" asks David again.

"The 5 of Diamonds" replies the spectator.

The spectator takes the face down card and turns it over - it is the 5 of Diamonds !!

Requirements.
A special deck of cards known as an Invisible Deck.

In this deck the cards all have 'roughing fluid' applied to their backs. There are various set ups but the cards are generally arrange in 'pairs' eg; back to back, face-up face-down, red to black and odd to even, the value of the pairs making a total of 13.

There is more to it than this but this gives you the gist of this gaffed deck.

What the magician must do is to memorise the combinations and pairs so that he is able to locate the 'pair' of the 'Thought card'. He must also remove the deck from the box so that the 'thought card' is face down (half the deck will also be face down with their paired cards).

Sounds complicated but it is relatively easy once learned.

As the cards are being fanned a squeezing pressure must be applied and maintained to the deck so that the back to back 'pairs' do not separate.

Once the 'pair' to the thought card is located the pressure is released and the face down 'Thought card' is pushed forward.

The Changing Card

The basis of this card trick is Alex Elmsley's classic 'Between the Palms' .

Aldo Columbini also has a fine variation (more complex, but beautiful) please seek it out and try it.

Effect:
A selected card placed between the spectators palms magically changes into a different card !

Working:
Have the assistant select a card and replace it in the deck. Control the card to the top, now Double Lift the top two cards.

Show the face card announcing that this isn't their card "This isn't your card - is it ?", the answer should be "No".

Slight distraction:
Ask your assistant to hold out a hand. Which ever hand they hold out say "Not that one, this one."
and lift up their other hand ! (smile as you do it).

While that little byplay was taking place you should have replaced the Double on the top of the deck.

Now push the top card over with your thumb and place it on the outstretched palm in front of you, ask your assistant to cover the card with their other hand.

After a couple of attempts to find their card in the deck - and failing !, ask what their card was.... make a 'magical' pass over their hands and ask them to look at the card they hold.

They should be suitably surprised to find that they are now holding the selected card.

Don't forget to use suitable patter (a' la Blaine) "Can I show you something that transcends the mind ?"

The Changing Cards (ver.2)

(Another 'Between the Palms' variation and to my mind this one is more impressive.)

The deck is fanned and a card is freely selected by a spectator (say, 2 C). The magician asks that the card be shown to the other onlookers. The deck is cut and the selected card is returned to the deck. The cards are shuffled and the top card is revealed, it is seen to be the chosen card, the 2 of Clubs!

But the trick is not finished !

The spectator is asked to hold out a hand (palm up), the card is placed on their palm. The spectator is now asked to sandwich the card with their other hand.

The deck of cards are once again shuffled.

The top card is now shown and it is made clear that it is not the chosen card (say, 10 H).

The magician now slowly passes the 10 Hearts back and forth over the spectators hands, while doing this the magician asks the spectator to name the card in his hands (2 C) "Say the name of your card", at the same time he reminds the spectator of the card he is holding " I say the name of
my card out aloud - 10 of Hearts".

After a few passes the magician turns the card he is holding to reveal the 2 of Clubs - it has changed from the 10 of Hearts to the 2 of Clubs !

The spectator is asked to reveal the sandwiched card "Say the name of your card again ", it has also changed, from the 2 of Clubs to the 10 of Hearts!!

The magician has magically exchanged the two cards !!!

Set-up.
You will need two identical cards on top of the deck (10 H).

Method.
With the two identical cards on the top of the deck, have a card freely selected.

The card is returned to the deck - the deck is apparently cut for the return of the card.

What David Blaine does is to remove just the top card and offer the whole deck for the spectator to replace his card on ! (attention will be focused on the chosen card -"Please show the card to everyone.")

The right hand (held at an angle) returns the 'top half' (single card).

The appearance is of a deck being cut and the card being lost in the middle - this is what the spectators subconsciously expect to happen. They won't consider the possibility of a single card being lifted !!

Use a false shuffle or cut to retain the 'top stock'.

Position Check:
You should have on top of the deck - 10 H / 2 C /10 H . Double lift the top two cards to show the chosen card (2 C).
Ask the spectator to hold out a hand (replace the double on the deck and adjust the height of the
hand ), place the actual top card (10H) face down onto their palm.

False shuffle again (retaining 'top stock'), double lift the top two cards to show a 10 of Hearts , announcing "This is not your card is it ?" as you wait for a reply drop the hands slightly and
replace the double, take the actual top card (2 C) and pass it back and forth (face down) over the

outstretched hands of the spectator.

The rest is pure showmanship !

Voodoo Spirit Writing

A loan of volunteers selects and eliminates a map of inflaming a bridge, it is stored before being returned, the bridge is then revised by the volunteer.

The magician remarks he can feel the presence of a voodoo spirit in the room and will try to use that spirit to locate the card chosen!

"I'll try something, I've never done this before, it is bizarre"

The bridge is then placed on a table, a piece of green paper is folded and placed temporarily above the deck.

The magician continues to implement the voodoo atmosphere by asking for volunteers to take the paper to his forehead and view the card chosen. The magician then takes the paper and fire with the cigarette lighter. The Flaming paper stands on magicians, and allowed to burn as Mumbles some barely audible magic words, the flame is then carefully blown.

The magician now places the ashes of burned paper on his forearm. The ash is slowly rubbed on the skin .....

the name of the selected map now appears on the forearm magicians! WHOOOOOO! , Spooky or what? Preparation ;-).
With a view to achieving this trick you must write the name of a map on your left forearm with mild soap moist (say, the diamonds 3) It is better to simply call a symbol of the combination rather than the word, you will also experiment with different soaps and over time, you can allow before the soap dry and not stick to ashes!

A piece of "spooky" Green Paper, approximately 3 x 3 inches. Paper color is better because it produces a black ash.

You'll also need a lighter in your pocket right.

Methodius.
Force experienced a map (3 diamonds) on a spectator, it returned to the bridge then follow the effects written above.

The Un-Dead !

Our intrepid street performer approaches a passer-by....

"Let me show you something strange", "It's bizarre !"

He reaches towards a car windscreen and removes a dead fly... holding it carefully on the palm of his hand he shows that the fly is indeed dead. The performer asks the passer-bye to cup his hands around the fly, after a moment or two the fly comes to life and flies off............. SHREEEEEK !!!

Preparation.
Now, you are going to need a supply of Bluebottles for this, I suggest you make this a summer trick
as there will be a ready supply of Bluebottle maggots at your local fishing tackle shop. The maggots can be encouraged to pupate at different intervals by keeping them at different temperatures.

Alternatively you could try swatting one, but in my experience they don't take too kindly to this sort of treatment !!

Take a pupating maggot in small glass jar (easier to keep an eye on it), when a fly emerges, place it in the freezer compartment of your fridge for about 15 minutes, this should send it into a comatose state, ready for your performance.

You will need to check the revival time so that it coincides with your performance, the general consensus of opinion is 10 minutes.

Performance hints...
You might also try cupping your hands around the helpers hands and breath into their hands, the extra warmth will encourage a speedier fly revival!!


Note: If the helper doesn't want to hold the fly - have them cup their hands around yours. This great party trick so long as no one spots your bottled fly in the fridge!

Two Card Monte' Magic Trick

EFFECT:
Two Red Aces placed between spectators fingers are "switched on" and then "turn". The wizard turns the cards to reveal two Black Queens!

The introduction:
At the top of the bridge that the two Red As above two Black Queens.

Labor:
Have an assistant to make a fist up, take the first Red Ace (showing the first to) put between the first and second fingers (where it remains). Now take the second Red Ace (also show) quickly stab in and out of two fingers (above the first ACE), saying "I just tension," [you do not] be promptly As Now and again say "Now I have changed their return" [you do not] say 'I'll show you what I did, slowly demonstrate, this time you slowly and deliberately to exchange the two cards ( one for the other) twice. Adding your own piece of patter, for example, "What is your opinion, is at the top? Ace of Hearts and Ace of Diamonds?".

Once done, ask your assistant to examine the faces of two cards (Red As).

Repeat fasting switch move once - without the slow exchange, then the assistant ask which card they think they hold, pause, then ask them to look at the map (Red Ace).

Even if they are to respond to search and keep your hands low (always looking for the assistant) and slip
Red Ace you are holding the bottom of the bridge and take the first Black Queen of the page. You are now ready for the next step.
Repeat the switch to move once - with the slow pace of change, this time really exchange for the Black Queen As held by the assistant.
Then, ask the assistant "without looking - which card you are holding" - as they are today holding a Black Queen. Even if they slip to respond As you are holding the bottom of the bridge and take the second Black Queen of the page. Repeat "I'll show you again what I did"

Repeat the double switch move "completely as described in the first paragraph.

Demonstrate how you turned on the two maps, they are now left holding two Black Queens in their hands.

Ask again "What cards do you think is over now?".

With a little under-play to reinforce the idea that they are Aces-Hearts/Diamonds exploitation. Now for the crunch ...
Ask your assistant to examine the two maps, revealing - Two Black Queens!

Map in the window Trick

The latter, as with many Blaine directory, is a variant of an old routine - on the map in a frame. David gave his own "twist".

Effect:
To this end David Blaine is a map chosen by throwing the deck of cards in a cafe window. As the cards fall soil map chosen is perceived to join coffee "window - a more thorough examination and the map is to be pasted inside of the window!

Preparation:
You need two cards correspondence (the spine and face), one of these cards must be secretly placed first in the place where you intend to produce the magic 'chosen' card, that is to say, a coffee "window.

Labor:
With the first map corresponding placed you're ready to "force" the second card on your loan victim!

Have the memory card and returned on deck - to beat maps and control "forced" map of the page. You can, at this stage, ask your audience if they believe in "mind over matter or the likelihood of their card materializes in another place", etc, etc.

Palm-off both cards and start the whole bridge the window.

As your audience turns to see the results of your disbelieving bridge launch behaviour, palmed the pocket card.

Magnificent! Now they also that the card is inside of the window!

Ace Shaker

This trick was done on the second David Blaine Special where he asked a spectator sign a card, the card has been modified in the pack and was made to re-emerge between two cards held by David.

I saw some versions, but neither apparently "Blaine" feel to them. Here is my improved version, all credit to David Blaine. From work.
Fan on the bridge and remove the two red Aces pass two cards to a spectator keeping face down, place cards between their palms, fixes the viewer with a look of steel, saying "We'll need these special cards later. "

The audience seemed hypnotized! Fan the deck face down and ask for a second spectator to touch a card (you're feeling generous).

Cut the card chosen at the top and place the bridge. Turn the card chosen and display
a beauty-a "Blaine. Main your new assistant a felt and enable them to sign the face
the card, turn the card face down, then mix in the peloton (it now controls to return to top). Now for some distraction ....
You ask, "Do you recognize your card if you see again?" "Yes?" Fanning cards face down and ask them their card! (try not to laugh) Close the fan and ask "Who owns the two special cards?" (pause) "please show every two cards" At this point (when everyone is looking at two Red As) drop off your hands and palm chosen card in your right hand, then the bridge part in the second assistant (the bridge and palmed card are both held in her right hand).

Try not to sweat - you're on your own now - to ask the two As, as you take them (left) highlights the right hand and palmed add the card. Flex the package a few times to remove the curve of the palmed card.

Transfer cards for a Grip Biddle (right hand), a low response to the spread of map and display the face of the Red Aces, one in each hand, right hand holding a double (the card chosen is hidden behind
Red Ace).

Bring the two (?) As face back down (now sandwiching chosen map), a low response to the spread card on a half-inch, take cards (face down) between the fingers and thumb the right hand (the card is chosen now hidden beneath the top Ace)

Ask the second assistant to keep the platoon leader (they tremble in anticipation). Now you begin to tighten the two (?) Cards on deck using a quick side to side.

"I will now choose the command card go to the upper deck," you say in a tone suitable to raise the dead and frighten the weak heart.

Ask your assistant to shake the bridge a couple of times and after a little say bye-play (in commanding the same voice) "I feel STRONG magic", still shaking cards relax your grip and allow the chosen card "materialize "As between.

The breath of wonder! They love you! Take the money, make your exit ...

Trick #15: Eleven Fingers

The art of magic oftens involves the seeming ability to defy the laws of logic. With this stunt you can convince your friends that you have eleven fingers!

Requirements: Ten Fingers

Tell your friends that you have eleven fingers, and you can prove it! Using your right forefinger to point with, touch each finger of your left hand, counting "One, two, three, four, five". Then with your left forefinger count the fingers on your right hand, "Six, seven, eight, nine, ten".

Say "Funny, I know I had eleven. Let's try again". This time count backwards, pointing to the fingers of the left hand say "Ten, nine, eight, seven, six...". Then stop, hold up the right hand and say "Plus five equals eleven!". Do this quickly, without pausing!

Trick #14: The Magnetic Knife

A common table knife magnetically clings to your hands!

REQUIREMENTS: One table knife.

A magician should be able to perform magic anywhere he goes! This one is good for the dinner table.
Interweave your fingers as in Figure 1, but don't pick up the knife yet. When you interweave your fingers, secretly leave the middle finger of one hand loose (Figure 2).
If you arrange your fingers right, no one will be able to tell one finger is loose when looking at your hands from the other side!
Now, pick up a knife from the table by secretly placing it behind the finger as shown, but hold your thumbs as though they were keeping the knife in place. Slowly, with a look of great concentration, release your grip on the knife with your thumbs. It will seem as if the knife is magnetically attached to your palms! After a few moments, drop the knife, and allow the knife and your hands to be examined. It's magic!

Trick #13: The ABRACADABRA Card Trick

Here is a great card trick that has the advantage of being self- working!

REQUIREMENTS: 21 random cards from any deck.

To perform the trick: Take 21 cards and deal them out into three columns by dealing seven rows of three. Deal three cards across for the first row, then another card on top of each for the next row, and so on until you have seven rows of cards in three columns for a total of 21 cards. Make sure you deal out each of the rows so you can still see the cards behind it.
Now have someone think of any card in one of the columns, and then tell you which column the card is in. Pick up one of the other columns, then the column he chose, and then the last column, so that the column with the chosen card is between the other two.
Deal them out again the same as before, and have your volunteer tell you which column the card is now in. Again, pick up the cards so that the column he pointed to is between the other two.
Repeat the process of dealing out the cards, having him tell you which column his card is now in, and picking up the cards so that the column with his card is between the other two columns. You have now done this three times, and it's time to find his card!
Hold the cards face down in your hand, as if you were going to deal them out again, but instead ask your volunteer if he has ever heard the magic word ABRACADABRA. Say that not many people know it, but ABRACADABRA is a magic word for finding things, and that you'll show him what you mean.
Spell the word ABRACADABRA, and for each letter deal one of the cards face down on the table. When you reach the last "A", pause, and then turn over that card. It will be the chosen card! As long as you spell ABRACADABRA right, this trick will work everytime!

Trick #12: Burning Sugar

You can make sugar burn, but no one else can!

REQUIREMENTS: Several lumps of sugar, some cigarette ashes, matches or a lighter.

In this age of granulated sugar substitutes, and with the fortunate decline in the popularity of smoking, both lump sugar and cigarette ashes are becoming less common items. Not that this won't work with granulated real sugar, but it is more impressive with lump.
If you have access to both items, you can perform a scientific magic trick that has become nothing short of a classic! Normally, if you try to light sugar with a flame, it may bubble and melt, but it won't actually catch fire. Unless you know how.
Challenge the members of your audience to light a cube of sugar, and pass out several cubes of sugar to them. While they are attempting to get one of the sugar cubes to light, secretly get some cigarette ash on your finger tips. Try to get as much as you can.
Have an audience member select a sugar cube, and as you pick it up transfer the ash to the sugar cube. Now, hold a flame to the portion of the cube with the ash on it, and it will light easily!

Trick #11: Magic Question-Answering Pendulum

The pendulum answers questions "Yes" or "No" by how it swings, even when held by a volunteer!

REQUIREMENTS: A pendulum, which is practically any kind of weight suspended from any kind of string. If you have a crystal hanging on a silver chain, this will do perfectly. You can also use any kind of bead, or a fishing weight, or even a hardware washer, and tie whatever kind of weight you come up with to the end of a string. It's a pendulum!

Hold the pendulum yourself, or have someone else hold it. Have whomever is holding the pedulum ask a question, and without their doing anything, the pendulum will begin to swing! It will swing in a straight line for "Yes" (Figure 1), and in a circle for "No" (Figure 2).
Even if you challenge the person to hold the pendulum still, no matter how hard they try to keep it steady it will continue to answer every question!

This is practically real magic! The pendulum historically has in fact been used as a divining tool, and nobody is really able to explain exactly how it works. Most likely, it is the subconscious effect of the thoughts of the person holding the pendulum's string that influences the way it swings. Or not...

Trick #10: Afghan Bands

Also known as "The Perplexing Mystery Of The Moebius Bands", this is a self-working trick that seems to defy logic! A loop is cut in half lengthwise, but instead of two loops, you have one long loop! You try again, but now instead of two separate loops you have two loops linked together! Even you will be amazed when it happens!

REQUIREMENTS: A strip of newspaper or cloth cut about 4" wide by 3' long. Cut it so the the grain runs with the length of the strip. Paste or glue.

Moebius strips are a mathematical oddity that can be used in magic to produce unbelievable results. Basically, a moebius strip is a loop which has been cut at one point, given a half twist, and reconnected. It now has only one side and one edge. I know that sounds weird, but try making a simple moebius strip out of a 2" wide strip of newspaper, and run your finger around the edge. It will first go around the outside of the loop, then when it reaches the twist it will go all the way around the inside of the loop, and when it reaches the twist again, it will go all the way around the outside again. It literally has only one side, or edge.

To prepare the trick: Take your strip of cloth or paper (if you use cloth make sure it is easily tearable). At one end cut a slit about 3" long down the middle of the band. At the other end cut another slit along the middle about 1 inch long (Figure 1).
Bring the ends of the cloth or paper together to make a loop. But, before you connect the ends with glue, give one of the 3 inch slits a half twist (Figure 2), and the other 3 inch slit a full twist (Figure 3). Then, glue the ends together as in Figure 3.

To perform the trick: Take the prepared loop and tear it down the middle into two loops (Figure 4). You will now have one loop with a half twist in it, and one loop with a full twist.

Now, for the really weird part. When you take the loop with the full twist in it and tear it down the middle, everyone expects you to get another two complete loops, AND YOU DO... ONLY THEY'RE LINKED TOGETHER as in Figure 5! And, when you take the loop with the half twist and tear that loop down the middle, instead of two separate loops or two connected loops, YOU JUST GET ONE BIG LOOP! (Figure 6)

Try it and see

NOTE: It is important when you cut or tear the bands thay you stay in the center all throughout the cut. Start the tear at one end, or place the scissors in, and then carefully cut in a straight line, staying in the center of the band and working your way around the center of the entire band until you reach the point where you began.