"Ring on Chain" in September 2015

Discuss the tricks and sleights which appear in Genii.
FocusResearch
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Joined: November 13th, 2015, 10:09 pm
Favorite Magician: Van Cleve (deceased)

"Ring on Chain" in September 2015

Postby FocusResearch » November 13th, 2015, 10:19 pm

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.

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Richard Kaufman
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Re: "Ring on Chain" in September 2015

Postby Richard Kaufman » November 14th, 2015, 12:49 pm

Bottom line: you need to think about how you present magic and manage the psychology of your audience.
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FocusResearch
Posts: 2
Joined: November 13th, 2015, 10:09 pm
Favorite Magician: Van Cleve (deceased)

Re: "Ring on Chain" in September 2015

Postby FocusResearch » November 23rd, 2015, 12:02 pm

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.

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Richard Kaufman
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Favorite Magician: Theodore DeLand
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Re: "Ring on Chain" in September 2015

Postby Richard Kaufman » November 23rd, 2015, 12:31 pm

Then don't do it on its own! Most folks try to routine material using like objects.
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