Sleightful logoSleightful

Card to Impossible Location by TCC Magic and Harry Yang

Created by: TCC Magic, Harry Yang

Card to Impossible Location is a classic and versatile magic trick where a spectator's signed or selected card magically appears in an impossible or unreachable place, such as inside a sealed envelope, a balloon animal, or another unexpected location. This effect is primarily performed in close-up or parlor settings, making it ideal for intimate audiences. It combines elements of card magic and mentalism, often creating a strong emotional impact and a memorable moment for spectators. Buyers should note that some versions may require additional props like balloons, pumps, or gimmicks, and preparation time can vary from 1-3 minutes. The trick is praised for its adaptability, allowing performers to tailor it to different contexts, from children's shows with themed cards to sophisticated adult performances.

Key features

  • Involves a card to impossible location, often with a balloon animal or similar prop for added visual appeal

  • Suitable for close-up and parlor magic, with some versions adaptable for stage or children's shows

  • Low difficulty level, requiring basic card forces and minimal sleight of hand, but may involve balloon tying skills

  • Reset time is quick, typically 1-3 minutes, with options for pre-made gimmicks

  • Includes tutorial videos (e.g., 30 minutes with subtitles) covering gimmick creation, handling, and routine variations

  • Examining is possible, as both the card and props can be handed out for inspection

  • Emphasizes presentation and timing to maximize the wow factor, rather than complex methods

Pros

  • Creates multiple magical moments and a strong emotional connection with the audience

  • Versatile for various performance settings and audiences, including adults and children

  • Includes the bonus of gifting a balloon animal or other prop, enhancing the spectator experience

  • Low technical difficulty makes it accessible for magicians of all skill levels

  • Good value for money, with comprehensive tutorials and reusable components

Cons

  • Requires pre-performance preparation, such as creating gimmicks, which can be time-consuming

  • May need additional purchases for higher-quality props (e.g., Qualitex balloons instead of included ones)

  • Not ideal for walk-around magic due to setup and reset requirements

  • Angle-sensitive in some phases, limiting performance perspectives

Effect

The Card to Impossible Location trick creates a powerful moment of magic. A spectator selects a card and signs it. The magician then makes the signed card vanish. The card appears in a place that seems completely unreachable. This could be inside a sealed envelope, a locked box, or, as in one popular routine, inside a balloon animal. The effect is a clear and direct miracle that leaves a strong impression on the audience.

Full details

The trick requires some preparation. A special device, or gimmick, must be made before each performance. This process takes a few minutes. The package for one version includes balloons, a pump, and a tool to help make the gimmick. A deck of cards and a bag are not included. The tutorial video is about 30 minutes long and has subtitles. It teaches how to make the gimmick, handle the balloon, and perform the routine. It also includes a bonus method for using two signed cards. The gimmick is small and can be carried in a pocket. The reset time between performances is short, about one to three minutes.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is good for magicians who perform close-up or parlor shows. It is also excellent for children's entertainers and balloon twisters. The routine allows a magician to combine magic with the act of giving a gift, like a balloon animal. It is not the best choice for walk-around magic or social media videos due to its setup needs and performance angle requirements. John Carey includes the Card to Impossible Location among his most important tricks, noting it creates unforgettable moments for audiences.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The technical difficulty of this trick is low. It requires only a basic card force. The main challenge is learning to tie a balloon animal correctly. This skill can be practiced in advance. The performance requires the magician to work within a 180-degree angle, with some actions hidden inside a bag. The focus is on presentation and timing rather than complex moves. As reviewer BAM_magic states, the difficulty level is considered low, making it accessible to many performers.

What magicians say

BAM_magic awarded the routine a 90% score. He said, "I will be incorporating it into my parlor shows." He praised the multiple magical moments and the fact that both the card and balloon can be examined by the audience. He did note that the included balloons are not the best quality and recommended using Qualitex 260 balloons for better durability.

John Carey lists Card to Impossible Location as one of his eight desert island tricks. He values it for creating powerful, emotional reactions from audiences. He emphasizes that the strongest magic is often simple and performed with conviction.

Steven Taputoro's approach highlights the importance of visual deception and the wow factor. His focus on presentation aligns with the principles behind a successful Card to Impossible Location routine, where the effect's impact comes from its clear impossibility.

What people are saying about Card to Impossible Location

BAM_magic says...

The routine is best suited for close-up or parlor shows, with a low difficulty level and a reset time of 1-3 minutes. I award it a 90% for its fun factor and clever handlings.

John Carey says...

Card to Impossible Location creates unforgettable moments when a signed card appears somewhere truly unreachable, emphasizing that the strongest magic is often the simplest when performed with conviction.

steventaputoro says...

Focuses on visual deception and the wow factor, prioritizing reactions over complex methods—a useful lesson for magicians crafting their own routines.

Review videos

Tutorial videos

Other videos