17. Quicksilver Matches

class: opener | impressiveness: 4/5 | factors: optional pre-set gimmick | requires: 2 matchbooks | watch full episode

Audio Commentary:

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The Effect: Taking two matches from different matchbooks (one black, one brown), you cause them to visibly switch places, right under their eyes. This one plays best as a small, impromptu effect, and in the right situation I’ve had people audibly gasp when they see the transposition.

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Watch Demonstration (External link)

The Method: For this you’ll need to find a few books of black paper matches. Most black books of matches have a dark, colored side and a light, uncolored side. You can do the trick with just two matches from the same matchbook, but to really sell the illusion you’ll want it to look as though each match came from a different matchbook.

If you remove entire the block of matches from a black-colored matchbook, reverse them, and staple them into the cover of another brand, you’ll have a convincing display of what appears to be one book of all-black matches, and another book of all-uncolored matches.

Before you perform the effect, you’re going to need to learn a tricky move: Start by holding the match by the match-head between your thumb and forefinger. Roll the match back and forth, and you should be able to feel a “pop” sensation as it quickly flips from one side to the other. The tighter you squeeze and turn, the faster and more precise that “pop-move” will feel.

Now practice executing that pop-move at the exact same time you turn over your hand, as if you’re showing the other side of the match. When properly executed, it will look like you’re displaying both sides of the match to be either black or cardboard-colored. Once you have this down, practice pinching two matches at the same time, side-by-side. The effect is exactly the same, but it seems like it would be even more impossible for you to be performing any sleight-of-hand.

Essentially, you’re always showing the same side of both matches twice, but it looks like both sides are being shown.

In performance, pull out both matches, show “both” sides, then quickly execute the pop-move as you shake your hand. To your friend, the matches will have instantly changed places.

Magicians call this technique the “paddle move,” and it’s easily one of the most visual, simple effects in magic. Make sure to watch the videos on this effect to see how good it can look. Once you have it down, you’ll find that the extra step of pre-setting up the matchbooks is well worth your time and effort.

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Watch Demonstration (External link)