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FOB by David Penn

Created by: David Penn

FOB by David Penn is a clever keychain magic trick that allows you to perform a mystery box style routine with either a bill or a folded card using your keychain. The trick involves showing a key fob with a playing card inside, which later transforms into the spectator's signed selected card. It's a strong card to impossible location effect that blends naturally with everyday items, making it perfect for impromptu performances.

Key features

  • Perfect for impromptu performances

  • Blends naturally with everyday items

  • Strong card to impossible location effect

  • Can be performed with a bill or a folded card

  • Almost instant reset

Pros

  • Organic and blends with everyday carry items

  • Strong visual transformation

  • Versatile (can use a bill or a card)

  • Quick reset

  • Can be given out for examination at the beginning

Cons

  • Requires a specific type of key fob

  • May need audience management for certain presentations

Effect

FOB by David Penn is a keychain-based magic trick that creates the illusion of an impossible object transposition. The magician shows a transparent key fob containing a folded playing card or a bill. A spectator freely selects and signs a card (or a bill), which then vanishes and impossibly appears inside the sealed key fob. The effect is clean, visual, and leaves no room for suspicion since the key fob can be handed to the spectator from the start.

Full Details

FOB is a self-contained keychain accessory that resembles a standard photo-holding key fob. The magician can perform multiple routines with it:

  • Card to Key Fob: A freely selected and signed card vanishes and appears inside the fob.
  • Bill to Key Fob: A borrowed bill disappears and reappears inside the fob.
  • No Load Required: The key fob can be handed to the spectator immediately, eliminating any suspicion of secret loading.

The method is cleverly designed to allow instant reset, making it ideal for repeated performances. The key fob itself is examinable before and after the trick, reinforcing the impossibility of the effect.

Who Should Consider the Trick

FOB is ideal for:

  • Impromptu Performers: Since it lives on your keychain, it’s always ready for performance.
  • Close-Up Magicians: Works well in walk-around, table-hopping, or street magic settings.
  • Mentalists: Can be adapted for prediction effects (e.g., revealing a thought-of card or bill).
  • Beginners & Professionals: The method is easy to learn but delivers a strong, professional effect.

Difficulty

FOB is easy to perform, requiring minimal sleight of hand. The method relies on a clever gimmick rather than complex moves, making it accessible to magicians of all skill levels. The reset is nearly instant, allowing for multiple performances in quick succession.

What Magicians Say

  • Craig Petty (Magic TV): "FOB by David Penn is a hidden gem. It’s an object-to-impossible-location trick that hangs on your keychain. The illusion when you take the card out looks fantastic—it’s a really strong card-to-impossible location in its own right."
  • Magic Community Feedback: Many magicians praise FOB for its organic nature—since keys are everyday objects, the trick blends seamlessly into casual performances.

FOB remains a highly regarded trick among magicians who value practicality, strong visual impact, and minimal setup. If you're looking for a keychain-based effect that consistently fools audiences, FOB is a solid choice.

What people are saying about FOB

Craig Petty says...

FOB by David Penn is the perfect example of an object to impossible location that hangs on your keychain. It's a really great way, a really intelligent way of achieving this effect.

magic-tv says...

Craig praised FOB by David Penn and TCC’s Spirit Slates over Juan Tamariz’s version. He also mentioned a lesser-known Paul Harris keychain effect involving Free Will-style choices.

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