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Bag for Life

Bag for Life is a close-up magic trick where a coin visibly passes through a small plastic bag, defying the laws of physics. The spectator is then invited to check the bag for holes, finding none, adding to the mystery. The trick can be combined with other routines, such as Chris Congreave's coin to impossible location, for a stronger effect. It's perfect for magicians looking for a visually stunning and interactive trick that leaves audiences baffled.

Key features

  • Visually stunning effect where a coin passes through a plastic bag

  • Interactive, allowing the spectator to check the bag for holes

  • Can be combined with other routines for a stronger effect

  • Easy to perform with loads of opportunities for fun and bits of business

Pros

  • Highly visual and baffling to audiences

  • Interactive, increasing audience engagement

  • Versatile, can be combined with other tricks for a more complex routine

  • Easy to perform, suitable for magicians of all levels

Cons

  • Requires a specific type of plastic bag for the effect to work

  • May need additional props if combining with other tricks

Effect

The Bag for Life trick creates a stunning visual illusion where a coin visibly penetrates through a small plastic bag. The magician shows the bag to be completely intact with no holes, and the coin is often signed by a spectator to eliminate any doubts. The effect is clean, direct, and leaves the audience baffled as they witness an impossible physical penetration.

Full Details

Bag for Life is a self-contained routine that requires minimal setup and can be performed in various settings, from close-up to parlor magic. The trick involves a standard plastic bag and a borrowed or signed coin, making it highly practical. The magician demonstrates the impossibility by allowing the spectator to inspect the bag before and after the penetration, reinforcing the impossibility of the effect.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for magicians who want a strong, visual coin effect that is easy to carry and perform. It works well for:

  • Close-up performers looking for a quick, impactful routine.
  • Street magicians who need durable, everyday objects in their sets.
  • Family entertainers who want a clear, engaging effect for all ages.

Difficulty

Bag for Life is considered easy to perform, with minimal sleight of hand required. The method is straightforward, making it accessible to beginners while still being deceptive enough to fool experienced magicians. The presentation relies more on audience interaction and timing than complex moves.

What Magicians Say

  • Phil Evans (featured in the AlakazamMagicUK interview) praises Bag for Life for its strong reactions and versatility. He combines it with Chris Congreave’s Coin to Impossible Location routine, creating a powerful sequence that enhances the effect.
  • The trick is described as "really easy to do" while offering "loads of opportunities for fun and bits of business," making it a reliable choice for performers.
  • Many magicians appreciate the commercial appeal of the trick, as it uses everyday objects (a plastic bag and a coin) that audiences instantly recognize, making the impossibility even more striking.

Overall, Bag for Life is a highly recommended trick for magicians who want a quick, foolproof, and visually stunning coin penetration effect.

What people are saying about Bag for Life

AlakazamMagicUK says...

Bag for Life is a brilliant effect where a coin literally passes through a small plastic bag. [...] I then use Chris Congreave's coin to impossible location as a follow-up, it's a really strong little routine that's really easy to do and gives loads of opportunities for fun and bits of business.

Review videos