Evasion Position by Barry Richardson

Created by: Barry Richardson

Evasion Position is a stage illusion that plays with the audience's perception, involving a coin and a sticker. The magician places a sticker on a coin, which is then placed on the spectator's hand. Through a series of seemingly simple gestures and commands, the magician alters the spectator's perception, making the coin appear to flip or change position without any visible manipulation. This trick is a brilliant example of mentalism and stage magic, combining psychological subtlety with physical performance to create a mind-bending experience for the audience.

Key features

Involves audience participation, making it highly engaging
Combines elements of mentalism and stage magic
Requires no complex props, just a coin and a sticker
Can be performed in various settings, from close-up to stage
Teaches the importance of perception and psychological subtlety in magic

Pros

Highly visual and interactive
Versatile for different performance settings
Minimal props required
Strong psychological impact on the audience

Cons

Requires practice to master the psychological subtleties
May not be suitable for very large audiences due to its intimate nature

Effect

The Evasion Position is a stage illusion that plays with the audience's perception. A magician places a coin with a marked sticker on a spectator's hand. The magician covers the spectator's hand briefly, and when they remove their hand, the coin has seemingly flipped over or changed position. The sticker remains intact, adding to the mystery. The effect is visual and leaves the audience questioning how the coin moved without any visible manipulation.

Full Details

The trick involves a coin (often an Old English Penny) and a sticker that the spectator initials. The magician places the coin face down on the spectator's palm, covers it with their hand, and instructs the spectator to imagine the coin flipping. When the magician removes their hand, the coin has turned face up while the sticker remains in place. The method relies on subtle handling and psychological misdirection rather than complex sleight of hand.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for performers who want a strong, visual opener or closer for stage or parlor settings. It works well for mentalists and magicians who enjoy effects that play with perception. Since it doesn't require advanced sleight of hand, it's accessible to intermediate performers, but experienced magicians can enhance it with their presentation.

Difficulty

The Evasion Position is not technically difficult, but it requires smooth handling and confidence in performance. The method is straightforward, but timing and audience management are key. A well-rehearsed performer can make the effect seem impossible, while rushed execution may weaken the illusion.

What Magicians Say

Harry from Alakazam Magic UK performed the trick, describing it as "one of the coolest routines" he's seen, praising its visual impact and the way it plays with perception. The trick is also featured in Barry Richardson's book Theater of the Mind, where it's recommended as a strong opener for mentalism acts. The combination of simplicity and strong audience reaction makes it a favorite among performers who want a quick, baffling effect.

The Evasion Position is a versatile trick that can fit into various acts, making it a worthwhile addition for magicians looking for a reliable, visually deceptive piece.

What people are saying about Evasion Position

AlakazamMagicUK says...

Evasion Position is one of the coolest routines I've ever seen, it's so good the props are amazing and it's a brilliant visual reveal of a destination.