Chop Bag Routines by Craig Petty and Alakazam

Effect

The Chop Bag Routines involve a mesh coin bag that allows the magician to vanish and produce coins at will. Spectators see coins visibly drop into the bag, only to disappear or reappear with a simple tilt. The bag appears ordinary, with a mesh design that lets the audience see inside, reinforcing the illusion that nothing is hidden. The routine can include multiple effects, such as coins across, penetrations, and transformations, making it a versatile tool for coin magic.

Full Details

The Chop Bag Routines are part of Craig Petty's "Bag Reborn" release. The package includes two mesh coin bags (one as a backup), five uncirculated silver dollars, and a Chinese coin. A jumbo coin is recommended but not included. The tutorial spans six hours, covering over 20 effects, including vanishes, productions, and classic coin routines like coins across and chop cup-style performances. The bag itself is designed for real-world use, with a gimmicked mechanism that assists in sleight-of-hand while remaining inspectable when handled briefly.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This routine is ideal for magicians interested in expanding their coin magic repertoire. Beginners will appreciate the detailed teaching, while experienced performers can integrate the bag into existing routines for added deception. Since the bag reduces the workload of certain sleights, it’s also suitable for those who struggle with advanced coin techniques but still want convincing vanishes and productions.

Difficulty

The bag simplifies many aspects of coin magic, but performers still need to learn basic sleights for a complete routine. Craig Petty’s tutorial covers essential coin techniques, making it accessible for newcomers. However, his fast-paced teaching style may require pausing and rewinding for thorough understanding. The bag itself is easy to handle, but smooth performance relies on proper timing and misdirection.

What Magicians Say

Magicorthodoxy describes "Bag Reborn" as a "master class in coin magic," praising the quality of the props and the comprehensive teaching. He notes that the bag "does half the work for you," making coin magic more accessible even for those who typically avoid it. However, he mentions that Craig Petty’s rapid teaching pace may require extra effort to follow. The inclusion of two bags and multiple coins adds value, ensuring performers have backup materials for long-term use.

The routine is highly recommended for those looking to enhance their coin magic with a practical, deceptive prop. The versatility of the bag allows for numerous effects, making it a worthwhile addition to any magician’s toolkit.