Having a few magic tricks in your repertoire is no bad thing, but cutting a companion in half or levitating is just plain showing off. So why not perfect the understated yet wow-inducing classic of producing a coin from behind the ear of an unsuspecting friend? Canadian magician Jay Sankey talks you through it…
Step 1:
“Address your audience and show them a coin between the thumb and forefinger of your right hand, while also showing that your left hand is empty.”
Step 2:
“Act as if you are transferring the coin into your left hand, but instead move it down with your thumb and keep it in your right hand at the base of the fingers. Practise this so you can do it as quickly as possible. Do it too slowly and it will look clunky and obvious.”
Step 3:
“Your right hand should look relaxed, and not like it’s gripping something. Blow on your left hand — or, even better, get a third party to do it, as it causes further distraction from your right hand — and show that the coin has ‘disappeared’.”
Step 4:
“Now, quickly distract your audience’s focus from your hands to eye level. Move your gaze from the eyes of the other person to the side of their head. Pretend to ‘notice something odd’, but don’t mention anything about a coin just yet. Instead, say something like, ‘Wait a second…’ or, ‘That’s strange…’ Then, without hesitating, move your right hand up to the person’s ear and, using your thumb, push the coin to the tips of your fingers. Move your hand away from the side of the person’s head and show the coin in your right hand, held between the thumb and fingertips.”
