Floating Match

Type: Close-up, Walk-around

Skill Level:

Retail Price: $7

Effect: A card is chosen and a match placed on the card. The match rises from the card and floats above the card.

Performance Time: About a minute

Reset Time: None

Angles:

Quality: This illusion uses a card that is gaffed with invisible tread, which is fragile. Therefore, it will eventually break. However, two gaffed cards are provided.

Mike Maione: This is a pretty good trick. I really enjoy showing it at the shop that I work at on occasion. It is very quick, very visual and gets great reactions. Still, for some reason, I never show this trick away from the magic counter. The version we sell at the shop is made with Bee bridge size cards, which make the invisible tread impossible to see. A poker size version is manufactured by Hampton Ridge Magic. Someday, I may just pickup a Bee deck and place one of the gimmicked cards in the pack. Then, after doing a card trick put the cards away. As an afterthought then I would pull out the gimmicked card and float a match. That would be a nice walk-around presentation.

If you've ever worked with thread you know how difficult it can be. None of those problems exist with this illusion. It's as easy as pie...even for us far-sighted old farts with fat fingers.

Dr. Mitch: This is a simple little effect. That is easy to perform and plays really well. When I tended bar, I was performing this effect at least 6 or 7 times a night. The good part about it is that the match can be ripped from anyone's matchbook. The bad part is you need to watch the angles somewhat...and lighting is a concern (a minor concern, but still a concern). More often than not, this response to this effect is "WHAT THE @^#%$!!!.. DO THAT AGAIN!!!". Resist the temptation, but this is assuredly a must.

M&M Magic Review © 1997