Bag 4 Life by Mark Bendel, Gary Jones, and Lee Smith

Effect

The Bag 4 Life trick begins with the magician introducing themselves by showing a business card inside a small plastic bag. The audience sees the card, but the magician reveals the bag also contains coins—typically a £2 coin and a penny. A spectator chooses one of the coins, and the magician removes it from the bag, which still appears intact. The chosen coin then performs impossible feats, such as penetrating the magician’s hand or vanishing entirely, only to reappear as a jumbo-sized version of itself. The spectator keeps the business card (still in the bag) as a souvenir, leaving them with an impossible object to examine.

Full Details

Developed by Mark Bendel, Gary Jones, and Lee Smith, Bag 4 Life is a coin-based opener that cleverly incorporates a business card for a memorable giveaway. The routine uses a small plastic bag (the width of a business card) to hold the coins, making the setup appear ordinary. The trick relies on subtle sleight-of-hand and misdirection, with the business card serving as both a prop and a promotional tool. The climax—producing a jumbo coin—adds a surprising visual element that amplifies the impossibility.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for:

• Working magicians who want a strong, interactive opener.
• Close-up performers seeking a routine that combines coins and a practical giveaway (the business card).
• Those who value audience engagement, as the trick involves direct participation and leaves a lasting impression.

Difficulty

Bag 4 Life is rated as easy to intermediate in difficulty. The sleights required are foundational, but timing and presentation are key to maximizing the effect. Kev G notes, "It’s really easy to do, but for me, it’s one of the perfect openers." The routine is accessible to performers with basic coin-handling skills but offers enough depth to entertain seasoned magicians.

What Magicians Say

• Kev G (The Refraktor Project): "It’s a great little giveaway—I’m handing them my business card without overtly saying, ‘Here’s my business card.’ They’re left with something impossible to inspect." He also highlights its versatility, adapting the presentation for humor (e.g., referencing COVID-era hygiene during performances).
• Performance Tip: The trick’s structure allows for seamless transitions into other coin routines, making it a flexible addition to a set.

Bag 4 Life is praised for its practicality, visual impact, and dual function as both magic and marketing. Its simplicity and strong audience reactions make it a favorite among working professionals.