Extractor (E2) by Rob Bromley and Peter Nardi

Effect

The Extractor (E2) is a pickpocket-style magic trick. A spectator freely selects a card from a shuffled deck and signs it. The magician explains that the deck will act as the spectator's wallet, with their signed card inside. The magician then attempts to steal that one specific card from the wallet without the spectator noticing. After a moment of misdirection, the magician reveals they have successfully extracted the signed card, leaving the spectator completely baffled. The effect simulates the real-world skill of pickpocketing, creating a strong sense of impossibility.

Full details

Extractor (E2) is a utility device created by Rob Bromley and Peter Nardi. It is designed to secretly load and peek at cards. The device assists in performing a vanish and reproduction effect, where a selected card seems to be stolen from within the deck itself. The method combines gimmick-assisted mechanics with traditional sleight of hand principles. The routine frames the trick around the challenge of stealing just one item from a wallet, which helps sell the illusion to the audience. The trick requires the spectator to sign their card, which personalizes the effect and increases its impact.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is suitable for magicians who perform strolling or close-up magic. It is ideal for performers who want strong visual moments and direct audience interaction. The trick fits well for those interested in pickpocket-style magic or utility devices that enable clean card steals. Professionals seeking high-impact material for walkaround settings may find it valuable. As noted in the reviews, it is part of a premium set curated for performers with a focus on sleight of hand. Magician Kay Dyson included it in her list of essential desert island tricks, indicating its value for working performers who tailor effects to their persona.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The trick requires practice to perform smoothly. It involves a combination of sleight of hand and the use of a gimmick. The performance relies on proper timing and misdirection. One reviewer stated that the method involves a palm or switch executed swiftly. The psychological framing of the trick as a real pickpocketing challenge is also a key component that must be learned. While the gimmick assists the method, the performer must still handle the deck naturally and manage audience attention. It is not a self-working trick and demands rehearsal to achieve a deceptive and casual performance.

What magicians say

Reviewers highlight the trick's strong visual impact and engaging premise. AlakazamMagicUK notes that the performance "plays on the psychology of pickpocketing, blending deception with sleight of hand to create a baffling effect." They emphasize the importance of the spectator signing the card to create a personal connection.

The trick was nominated for Trick of the Year in the 2025 Alakazam Awards, indicating its popularity and commercial success within the magic community.

Magician Kay Dyson selected Extractor (E2) as one of her desert island tricks, showcasing its practical value in a professional repertoire.

Young magician Henry Ferris also included it in his essential list, appreciating it as a utility device for secretly loading and peeking at cards. He values its functionality within a performance.

Performance tips from reviewers include using casual conversation and a "bump" for misdirection, and maintaining a playful, mischievous tone to keep the interaction lighthearted while selling the impossibility of the theft.