Sponge Poker
Type: close up, parlor, stage
Skill Level: 
Retail Price: $10
Effect: This effect was created by Michael P. Lair. A red sponge ball is placed in a silver dollar-sized, plastic coin case. When it is heated with a butane lighter and shaken out, it magically transforms into a red poker chip, which can then be given away as a souvenir!
Quality: Not much to this. A sponge ball, a poker chip and a coin holder. The instructions are a bit ambiguous.
Dr. Mitch: Based solely upon the description, I was excited to get this trick. It reaffirmed my belief that you cannot buy anything based solely upon the description. This is a disappointment on many levels. Lets see...well, the moves are a bit awkward, not very smooth in the handling. The sponge ball is a different color than the poker chip, so if you are not a decent distance or in a dimly lit room the audience will notice. The pieces can be assembled for under $1, so basically you are buying instructions on this. Now, don't get me wrong, I know in most cases you are simply buying the secret, however, I would expect that to be written out so as to at least avoid confusion in the actions. I'd steer clear of this one.
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