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A.P.E. by Craig Petty and Phill Smith

Created by: Craig Petty, Phill Smith

A.P.E. is a close-up packet trick that recreates the famous 'invisible gorilla' selective attention experiment as a live magic effect. The magician presents three cards from a vegan leather holder, each showing a different number of basketballs. After fairly displaying each card front and back, the audience is asked to count the total number of basketballs. Once they answer, the magician asks, 'But did you miss the gorilla?' and turns the cards over to reveal a large gorilla now printed across all three. This creates a moment of surprise, laughter, and disbelief, as spectators realize they were so focused on counting that they missed the obvious. The trick is designed for quick reset (about two seconds), minimal pocket space, and can be used as an opener to grab attention or a closer for a strong finish. Buyers should note it's a packet trick with clever card design elements that aid the method, making it easy to perform while maintaining high impact.

Key features

  • Recreates the 'invisible gorilla' experiment as a live magic trick

  • Uses three specially designed cards with basketballs and a hidden gorilla

  • Features a two-second reset and minimal pocket space for practicality

  • Suitable as an opener or closer in close-up performances

  • Designed by Phill Smith with clever elements to aid deception

  • Generates strong audience reactions including laughter and disbelief

Pros

  • Easy to perform with minimal practice required

  • Engaging and interactive premise that involves the audience

  • Quick reset allows for repeated performances

  • Portable and takes up little pocket space

  • Produces memorable and surprising reactions from spectators

Cons

  • Relies on spectator familiarity with the original gorilla experiment for full impact

  • Limited to close-up settings due to card size

  • May lose effect if spectators are already aware of the trick's premise

Effect

The A.P.E. trick recreates the invisible gorilla experiment as a live magic effect. You show three cards, each displaying a different number of basketballs. You ask the audience to count the total number of basketballs. After they answer, you ask if they missed the gorilla. When you turn the cards over, a large gorilla is now visible on all three cards. This creates a moment of surprise and disbelief for the audience.

Full details

A.P.E. is a packet trick designed by Craig Petty. The routine uses three cards stored in a vegan leather holder. You display each card fairly, showing the front and back. The cards initially show only basketballs. After the audience counts the basketballs, the cards are turned to reveal a gorilla image. The method uses a clever design element by Phill Smith that aids the deception. The trick has a two-second reset and requires minimal pocket space. You can show the cards freely after the reveal and even hand some out.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is suitable for magicians who perform close-up magic. It works well as an opening trick to capture attention or as a final trick to end a performance. It is ideal for performers who want an interactive and engaging routine. The trick is also good for magicians who need a practical trick that is easy to carry and reset quickly.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

A.P.E. is described as incredibly easy to do. The method is straightforward and does not require advanced sleight of hand. The two-second reset makes it simple to prepare for repeated performances. The design of the cards helps make the trick deceptive without complex moves.

What magicians say

Magicians have given positive reviews for A.P.E.. Lloyd Barnes, Peter Nardi, and Mark Elsdon loved the trick for its engaging premise and fun nature. They noted the surprise ending that audiences adore. One reviewer said the trick leads spectators down an innocent path before delivering a memorable sucker punch. The trick is endorsed for generating strong audience reactions including chaos and laughter.

What people are saying about A.P.E.

magic-tv says...

The effect is a direct recreation of the famous 'invisible gorilla' selective attention experiment, translated into a powerful and entertaining piece of close-up magic. [...] The reaction is one of absolute chaos, laughter, and disbelief.

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