I read the "Ring on Chain" trick in the Sep 2015 Magicana column, and initially thought it was good with clever handling. But after reading it a few more times and thinking about it, I decided it wasn't so good after all.
At the end of the sequence the chain CANNOT be examined.
Now, think about this from the spectator's viewpoint. They know their ring isn't tricky, and so the only explanation is that the chain is "somehow" gimmicked. And they would be right! If I were to see this in person, I'd conclude that one of the chain links comes apart, or maybe the chain is held together with a magnet, or...something. And I'd be right! It is "something". The fact that I cannot inspect the chain would confirm that suspicion.
Bottom line: Clever use of a folding key, but too obviously a gimmicked prop.
"Ring on Chain" in September 2015
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- Richard Kaufman
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Re: "Ring on Chain" in September 2015
Bottom line: you need to think about how you present magic and manage the psychology of your audience.
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- Posts: 2
- Joined: November 13th, 2015, 10:09 pm
- Favorite Magician: Van Cleve (deceased)
Re: "Ring on Chain" in September 2015
Agreed, of course. If the chain was part of a longer finger ring routine, and could logically be introduced and then incorporated, it would be a nice diversion.
But the trick doesn't stand on its own.
But the trick doesn't stand on its own.
- Richard Kaufman
- Posts: 27053
- Joined: July 18th, 2001, 12:00 pm
- Favorite Magician: Theodore DeLand
- Location: Washington DC
- Contact:
Re: "Ring on Chain" in September 2015
Then don't do it on its own! Most folks try to routine material using like objects.
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