Читать книгу Modern Coin Magic - J. B. Bobo - Страница 62

A favorite vanish among coin conjurers is this old standby. It is still a first-rate audience fooler, and best of all, it is not difficult to perform.

Any size coin may be used to good effect.

For better understanding of all moves it is suggested that the feat be rehearsed with the articles in hand.

Stand facing the spectators as you call attention to a half dollar. Hold it vertically, about chest high, between the first two fingers and thumb of the left hand. A man’s handkerchief is held in the right hand by one edge between the first two fingers, while the third and fourth bend inward pressing a fold against the palm, Fig. 1. It will be found that when the handkerchief is held in this manner, the thumb and forefinger remain free, thus being in the necessary position to pick up the coin, which is what actually takes place later. This grip also spreads the handkerchief considerably, affording more cover for the secret steal.

The right hand, still holding the handkerchief as described above, moves in front of the coin, then travels inward until the center of the cloth is over the coin. At this stage the grip on the handkerchief is released, allowing it to drape naturally over the coin held in the left hand. Next, the right hand grasps the coin through the handkerchief from above and turns it over so the fingers of that hand point upward. The coin will now be in view, as shown in Fig. 2. Call attention to the fact that the coin is still there.

Apparently the foregoing moves are repeated, but this time the coin vanishes.

The left hand takes the coin once more as described. The right hand again goes through the motions of covering the coin. This time, however, the right thumb and forefinger snatch the coin from the left hand in the action of draping the handkerchief over hand. The right hand moves back toward the upper breast coat pocket and quickly drops the coin therein. The operation is fully shielded from the spectators’ view by the handkerchief, Fig. 3.

During the action of covering the coin the second time, raise the left hand slightly and center your full attention on it. This serves as a bit of misdirection and helps to conceal the movement of the right hand as it deposits the coin in the pocket. There should be no noticeable difference in the second covering of the coin over the first, as actually both are almost identical.

As soon as the coin falls into the breast pocket the right hand releases its grip on the handkerchief and pretends to take the non-existing coin through the center of the cloth. Both hands quickly bunch up the handkerchief and toss it into the air. As it falls the hands catch it and spread it out and show it empty. The coin has faded away completely.