Chop Cup by Paul Daniels

Created by: Paul Daniels

The Chop Cup is a classic close-up magic trick where a magician uses a single cup and a small ball (or multiple balls) to perform a series of impossible vanishes, reappearances, and transformations right before the spectator's eyes. The routine typically begins with the ball visibly placed under the cup, only to vanish and reappear elsewhere—sometimes in the magician's hand, under a spectator's hand, or even inside a previously empty container. Many versions, like those by Paul Daniels or Tom Wright, incorporate strong comedy, misdirection, and audience interaction, making it adaptable for both intimate close-up settings and larger parlour or stage performances. The trick often concludes with a surprising final load, such as a large ball, a lemon, or even a signed card, creating a powerful climax. Buyers should note that while the basic principle is straightforward, mastering the timing, comedy, and handling requires practice, and various versions (e.g., TCC Chop Cup, Axel Hecklau's version) offer different features like ideal magnet strength or soft leather design.

Where to buy

	Alakazam Magic	Chop Cup (AL) by Premium Magic - Trick	£12.98	🇬🇧 Shop
	Magicbox	Chop Cup (AL) by Premium Magic - Trick	£13.22	🇬🇧 Shop

Key features

Versatile for close-up, parlour, and stage magic
Blends comedy, misdirection, and audience interaction
Adaptable with various final loads (e.g., signed card, large ball)
Ideal for both beginners and experienced magicians with practice
Can be personalized with unique routines and timing

Pros

Strong audience reactions and engagement
Timeless appeal with a rich history in magic
Encourages creativity in routining and presentation
Works well for diverse audiences, including non-English speakers

Cons

Requires practice to master timing and misdirection
Some versions may have abrupt transitions if not routined carefully
Can be challenging to adapt smoothly into a larger act without practice

Effect

The Chop Cup is a classic magic routine where a magician uses a single cup and a small ball. The ball repeatedly vanishes and reappears under the cup in an impossible manner. The routine often ends with a surprise climax, such as the production of a larger object or a previously signed playing card from under the cup.

Full details

The Chop Cup is a specialized prop used in close-up and stage magic. It typically consists of a cup and a ball. The routine involves a series of vanishes and reappearances of the ball. Performers can adapt the routine to include comedy, audience participation, and various final loads. Tom Wright states the Chop Cup blends comedy, misdirection, and adaptability for both close-up and stage performance. Craig Petty mentions that the TCC Chop Cup has ideal magnet strength and a soft leather design. The routine is often praised for its directness and strong audience appeal.

Who should consider the trick

The Chop Cup is suitable for magicians at various skill levels. It is ideal for performers who want a reliable routine that works in close-up settings, parlour shows, and on stage. Tom Wright notes it is his favorite trick because of its versatility. Paul Thomey values the Chop Cup as a powerful opener or closer. Magicians looking to add a classic routine with proven audience impact should consider learning the Chop Cup.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The basic mechanics of the Chop Cup are not overly complex, but mastering the routine requires practice. Performers must develop timing, misdirection, and presentation skills. Craig Petty discusses learning and refining Chop Cup routines in his Q&A sessions. The trick involves handling the prop naturally and engaging the audience throughout the routine. With dedicated practice, magicians can perform the Chop Cup effectively.

What magicians say

Tom Wright passionately declares the Chop Cup his favorite trick, praising its blend of comedy and misdirection. He says, "I'm constantly refining my chop cup routine, adding new jokes and gags." Craig Petty recommends the TCC Chop Cup for its perfect magnet strength. Nick Mohammed highlights the Chop Cup's simplicity and the surprising reactions it can elicit. Paul Thomey mentions Axel Hecklau’s chop cup for its powerful impact. Mark James includes the Chop Cup in his desert island tricks, noting he has performed it countless times due to its versatility.

What people are saying about Chop Cup

Craig Petty says...

I recommend the TCC Chop Cup for its perfect magnet strength and soft leather design, and mention my product 'Chop' as a versatile alternative.

David of Magic Orthodoxy says...

I draw a parallel between 'Impodssible' and the classic chop cup, noting that the underlying principle is similar, though the presentation is modernized.

Joel says...

The Chop Cup routine ends with a clever reveal of a signed card, making it a crowd-pleaser full of energy and audience interaction.

Mark James says...

The Chop Cup is a versatile classic I’ve performed countless times, emphasizing audience interaction and rhythm in performance.

Nick Mohammed says...

I highlight the Chop Cup for its simplicity and the surprising reactions it can elicit, even when performed with a touch of comedic clumsiness.

Patrick Page says...

The 'Chop Cup' routine is highlighted for its natural handling and adaptability, especially Page's unique use of a tray.

Paul Thomey says...

Axel Hecklau’s chop cup is valued for its powerful impact as an opener or closer, noting its visual appeal and ability to create a sense of mystery.

Scott Alexander says...

Scott's 'Chop Cup' routine highlights his unique, slow-paced comedic style, emphasizing natural handling and adaptability.

Steve Faulkner says...

The show includes the classic Chop Cup routine, where objects mysteriously vanish and reappear, highlighting strong character work and humor.

Tom Wright says...

The Chop Cup is my favorite, praising its blend of comedy, misdirection, and adaptability for both close-up and stage performance. I'm constantly refining my routine, adding new jokes and gags, and believe it surpasses even cups and balls in its directness and audience appeal.