Empty Pocket by Jay Sankey

Effect

The 'Empty Pocket' trick creates the illusion that a marked coin vanishes from the magician's hand and reappears in a pocket that was previously shown to be empty. The magician starts by proving the pocket is empty, then borrows a coin from a spectator, marks it, and makes it disappear. Moments later, the marked coin is found in the magician's pocket, leaving the audience amazed by the impossible feat.

Full details

The 'Empty Pocket' trick relies on a combination of sleight of hand, misdirection, and audience interaction. The magician uses two coins and a marker to execute the routine. One coin is secretly palmed or concealed, while the other is borrowed and marked by a spectator. Through false transfers and clever handling, the magician makes the marked coin appear to vanish and reappear in their pocket. The trick is inspired by Francis Carl's 'Card to Pocket' routine and involves techniques like palming, false transfers, and the advanced move known as 'The Flying Shuttle.'

Who should consider the trick

This trick is ideal for magicians who enjoy coin magic and are comfortable with sleight of hand. It’s particularly suited for live performances where audience interaction and misdirection can enhance the effect. Magicians looking to add a strong, visual routine to their repertoire will find 'Empty Pocket' a valuable addition. However, it may not be the best choice for those who primarily perform on camera, as the trick relies heavily on live misdirection.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The 'Empty Pocket' trick requires a moderate to high level of skill, particularly in coin handling and palming. The false transfers and advanced moves like 'The Flying Shuttle' demand practice to execute smoothly. Jay Sankey emphasizes that the trick is not easy and requires a good flow between the sleights. Beginners may find it challenging, but with dedicated practice, intermediate and advanced magicians can master the routine and make it look effortless.

What magicians say

Jay Sankey describes the 'Empty Pocket' trick as "very straightforward for lay people" when performed convincingly, but notes that it can be confusing for magicians who overthink the mechanics. He highlights the importance of practice, stating that "with enough live performance, once you get this sucker really humming and flowing, it looks absolutely insane." Sankey also mentions that the trick is inspired by Francis Carl's 'Card to Pocket' routine and uses techniques like palming and false transfers to create a strong magical effect. However, he cautions that the trick is less effective on locked-off camera setups due to its reliance on live misdirection.