Divorce by Justin Miller

Effect

The trick Divorce by Justin Miller is a close-up magic routine that revolves around a borrowed ring and a coin. To the audience, it appears as though the magician makes the ring impossibly penetrate the coin multiple times, with each phase building on the last. The ring visually jumps on and off the coin, defying logic and creating a series of baffling moments. The routine culminates in a strong, unexpected finish that leaves spectators questioning how such an impossible sequence of events could occur.

Full Details

Divorce is a structured routine that combines sleight of hand, misdirection, and clever mechanics to create a seamless series of magical moments. The effect uses a borrowed ring (or a coin if no ring is available), making it highly practical for real-world performances. The routine includes multiple phases, each escalating in impossibility, ensuring a strong buildup to the climax.

Joel Dickinson, a respected magic creator and performer, praises Divorce as "the ultimate close-up routine with a ring." He notes that while the original routine by Justin Miller is already well-structured, magicians can personalize it by adding their own phases or handling variations. The trick is versatile—it can be performed with either a borrowed ring or a coin, making it adaptable to different performance scenarios.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for:

• Close-up magicians who want a strong, repeatable routine that plays well in walk-around or table-hopping settings.
• Performers who enjoy interactive magic, as it involves borrowed objects, increasing audience engagement.
• Magicians looking for a structured routine that can be expanded or modified with personal touches.

Difficulty

Divorce is designed to be accessible to intermediate-level magicians. The sleights required are not overly complex, but they do require practice to execute smoothly. Joel Dickinson mentions that while the routine is well-structured, performers should focus on presentation and timing to maximize its impact.

For those new to ring-and-coin magic, the routine provides a solid foundation to build upon. More experienced magicians can experiment with additional phases or handling variations to make the routine their own.

What Magicians Say

Joel Dickinson highly recommends Divorce, calling it "a real good place to stick to because it's so well figured out and structured." He adds that the routine is "perfect" for close-up performances and appreciates its adaptability—whether using a borrowed ring or a coin.

The trick’s strength lies in its ability to create multiple magical moments in quick succession, making it highly engaging for audiences. Dickinson notes that while he has added his own touches over time, the original routine remains a reliable and powerful piece of magic.

For magicians seeking a visually deceptive and interactive close-up routine, Divorce by Justin Miller is a strong contender. Its combination of practicality, strong structure, and audience impact makes it a valuable addition to any performer’s repertoire.