Clearly Impossible by Jay Sankey

Created by: Jay Sankey

Clearly Impossible is a highly visual and versatile close-up magic trick that involves making objects, such as torn card corners or coins, appear inside a sealed coin holder. This trick stands out for its clever method, practicality, and the examinability of the gimmick, making it a reputation-making trick with layered utility. It's suitable for magicians looking to add a visually stunning and psychologically deceptive element to their performances.

Key features

  • Highly visual and versatile for close-up magic

  • Clever method with practical application

  • Examinable gimmick enhances the trick's credibility

  • Suitable for both stage and close-up settings

  • Comes with multiple applications, making it a utility device for magicians

Pros

  • Standout trick with a clever method

  • Highly recommended for its visual appeal and versatility

  • Examinable gimmick adds to the trick's effectiveness

  • Multiple applications make it a valuable addition to a magician's repertoire

Cons

  • May require practice to master the psychological framing for maximum effectiveness

  • Compared unfavorably to a similar trick by Kostya Kimlat in one review

Effect

The trick Clearly Impossible makes a selected card corner visibly vanish and reappear inside a sealed coin holder. The audience sees the corner of a signed card disappear from the magician's hand and instantly materialize inside a small, transparent container that was in plain view the entire time. The effect is direct, visual, and leaves no room for hidden moves or suspicious handling.

Full details

Clearly Impossible is a utility gimmick designed for close-up magic. It allows magicians to make small objects, such as torn card corners or coins, appear inside a sealed and examinable holder. The method is clever and practical, requiring minimal setup. The gimmick itself is versatile, working with multiple routines beyond just card corners. Jay Sankey promotes it as a reputation-making trick due to its strong visual impact and clean handling.

Who should consider the trick

This trick suits magicians who perform close-up or walk-around magic. It works well for those who want a visual, self-contained effect that requires no complex sleight of hand. Since the gimmick is reusable, it is a good investment for performers who want a reliable tool for multiple routines.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The difficulty level is low to moderate. The method relies more on the gimmick than on advanced sleight of hand, making it accessible to beginners. However, proper timing and presentation are key to maximizing the effect. Magicians with experience in misdirection and audience management will find it easier to enhance the illusion.

What magicians say

Craig Petty from Magic-TV calls Clearly Impossible a standout trick, praising its clever method and practicality. He notes that it is one of the strongest effects in Jay Sankey's lineup.

Jay Sankey himself promotes the trick as a versatile utility device, emphasizing its examinability and multiple applications. He suggests that it can be used for more than just card magic, making it a valuable addition to a magician's toolkit.

Both reviewers highlight the visual impact and deceptive power of the trick, making it a strong choice for performers looking for a memorable and easy-to-execute effect.

What people are saying about Clearly Impossible

magic-tv says...

Clearly Impossible is a standout trick with a clever method.

SankeyMagic says...

Jay pitches it as a reputation-making trick with layered utility, though the core lesson here revolves around the art of framing deception.

Review videos

Tutorial videos