Talk:Floating match on card

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Untitled[edit]

Is this a real trick? Where does one get invisible elastics? How far does one have to be from the apparatus for the trick to work? (Is this suitable for close up magic?)

If someone can verify this effect works then please add a description of what appears to happen to the first paragraph and leave the explanation in the second paragraph. RJFJR 17:19, 11 January 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Yes this is a real trick, and a classic close-up magic effect. As such, it can be performed safely "right under a spectator's nose." The gimmick for this trick can be purchased at most magic vendors. Verdad 04:21, 12 February 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Method removed[edit]

I have removed the method from the article as it is unsourced, this is following the guidelines laid out in Wikipedia:WikiProject_Magic#Magic_Methods_and_Exposure. If the method can be properly sourced, then it can be re-added. The material removed may be viewed here. Editors are encouraged to restore the material when they find appropriate sources, or to restore the content if the original removal of the material was in error, and to correct any errors in the method described. StephenBuxton (talk) 16:02, 14 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

For reference, the removed content follows. TenOfAllTrades(talk) 16:21, 14 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Method[edit]

A gimmicked card is used to accomplish this effect. This gimmick can be constructed by hand, but more often is purchased pre-made from a magic vendor. Pre-made gimmicks vary in construction, but they all use the same principal method. About a half a dozen fine (and fragile) threads run across the length of the back of the card. These thin threads blend in with the back-design on the gimmicked card, and are difficult to see under most lighting conditions.

The magician can safely show the gimmicked card to the spectator(s), but it is not examinable. The magician places the match on the back of the gimmicked card, perpendicular to the threads. By simply bending the card by squeezing on its short ends, the threads separate from the card, and bring the match up with them. Thus the match appears to float. A card can easily be passed over the match, and there is enough space between the threads and the card to pass a second playing card between them, underneath the match. The magician can then release pressure on the ends of the card to bring the match back down, and then simply tip it off the card.

You can look at this simple diagram to get a better idea of how the gimmick works.