A free magic effect.

Hello Steemians,

Here's an effect that always catches people out. I am sure there are a few people out there, somewhere, who would get this, but I have yet to encounter them, but you will be amazed, if you try it, at how strong this is.

It's very simple and can be set up very quickly. It falls into the impromptu section of magic, where magic is creted from materials around you on the spot.

I'll use five packs of sugar for the explanation. Using a marker or pen (or even eyeliner if you must), number the packets one to five, so that ech packet has it's own number. On the back of the 'prediction', duplicate the number of the packet you wish to use.

For example: You have five packets of sugar in a row, with numbers 1 to 5 on them. All have blank backs, except the 3 packet, which has a 3 on either side. All will become crystal clear now.

Write your prediction on a piece of paper (you will select number 3), fold it and hand it to the spectator to keep safe or put into their pocket.

Place all of the packets into their hands, ask them to shake them up and drop them onto the floor. This is all you say. You do not claim to make a prediction or give extra focus to anything, but in a very off-handed way, just put all of the packets into their hands for them to shake.

You say that whenever a sugar packet lands blank side up, it is discarded. You continue discarding the blanks and picking up the remaining packets, putting them into their hands and asking them to shake and throw the packets of sugar.

You will eventually, or rather quickly, end up with just one packet showing a number. In the case above, this number will be 3 and you can then say, as you gather all of the sugar packets and put them away, "You have ended up with the number three. Was that fair and random?"

They will confirm that it was, of course and you ask them to unfold and read what is on the paper you gave them.

This can be done with wooden tea and coffee stirrers, random bits of paper, plectrums, poker chips and all sorts of things, but I have found it a good impromptu effect when buying a cup of tea, as all of the tools are provided, besides the pen.

Yes, I know that this is not walking on water, but in the real world, it's better. If you are armed with lots of little effects and tricks like these, not only will you be able to pass waiting and queueing times easier, but will also possibly add a little something to somebody's day. It's very difficult to quantify the effect that first hand impromptu magic has on the spectator.

At a magic gig, there is much magic, much amazement and much entertainment. A good magician will genuinely be extremely entertaining. But, it is all put into a box on the way home and stored in the magic box cupboard of the mind. Alternatively, when you do something for someone, without introduction, off the cuff and impromptu, they are left with no box to put it into. Especially if they do not know you from Adam and you just perform and leave so to speak, rather than hang around for photo opportunities and autograph signings. They have no box to put it into, so to speak.

Anyway, I hope that this is esily understandable and I hope that it comes in useful, when you are presented with the opportunity. The thing is this. You do not need to remember or carry anything around with you to do this, because the opportunity will present itself, trust me.

Have fun with this and apologies for no photos.

All the best,

Gaz