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French Drop

The French Drop is a classic close-up magic trick, primarily used with coins, dice, or other small objects, where the performer appears to drop an object from one hand into the other, but secretly retains it in the original hand, making it vanish. Spectators see the object being transferred and then disappearing, creating a clean and direct visual illusion. This trick is foundational in magic, often taught to beginners due to its simplicity, but it requires precise timing, misdirection, and smooth hand movements to be effective. Buyers should know that it relies on sleight of hand, not gimmicks, and can be adapted for various objects and presentations, making it versatile for impromptu performances.

Key features

  • Foundational sleight-of-hand technique suitable for beginners

  • Versatile and can be adapted for coins, dice, pens, or other small objects

  • Relies on misdirection and timing rather than complex props

  • Emphasizes presentation and storytelling for maximum impact

  • Forgiving angles make it suitable for close-up and casual settings

Pros

  • Easy to learn with minimal practice required

  • Can be performed anywhere with common objects

  • Builds confidence in basic magic principles

  • Highly deceptive when executed smoothly

Cons

  • Requires precise hand movements to avoid exposure

  • May not impress advanced magicians familiar with the method

  • Limited to small objects and close-up scenarios

Effect

The French Drop is a classic coin vanish. A magician shows a coin in one hand. They appear to take the coin with their other hand. When they open the second hand, the coin is gone. The coin has vanished completely. This creates a moment of surprise for the audience.

Full details

The French Drop is a foundational sleight in magic. It is a vanish technique used with small objects like coins or dice. The method relies on a secret move made during the transfer of the object from one hand to the other. The magician creates the illusion that the object is placed into one hand while it is actually retained in the other. Proper timing and hand positioning are critical. The move is often combined with a snap or a magical gesture to enhance the effect. It is a core technique that can be adapted into longer routines.

Who should consider the trick

The French Drop is ideal for beginners starting in magic. It requires no special props, only a common coin. It is also valuable for experienced magicians. John Carey uses it in his advanced coin routines. Alex McAleer includes it in his essential desert island tricks. Performers who focus on close-up or street magic will find it especially useful. It works well in casual settings like a game night, as shown by AlakazamMagicUK's story about his father.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The French Drop is considered easy to learn but difficult to master. The basic move can be understood quickly. AlakazamMagicUK states it is designed for those taking their first steps into magic. However, performing it smoothly requires significant practice. The hand movements must look natural. Timing and misdirection are important. Oscar notes that a clean vanish depends on angles and a convincing display of empty hands. With dedicated practice, it becomes a reliable and powerful tool.

What magicians say

Magicians praise the French Drop for its simplicity and impact. AlakazamMagicUK recalls his father's performance, saying the theatrical presentation made the trick profoundly impactful. He emphasizes that a well-presented routine can be more memorable than a complex one. John Carey demonstrates the French Drop in his professional routines, using it in a deceptive manner. Josep Vidal confirms it is a real and achievable technique for making objects appear. Penguin Magic Shop includes it in their curated list for beginners, highlighting its strong magical effect. Steve Faulkner teaches it in his coin magic course as a fundamental vanish.

What people are saying about French Drop

AlakazamMagicUK says...

The trick itself is a clever variation of a classic French Drop, a staple in magic for decades. The creator's father presented it in a particularly engaging way, framing it as a 'portal' that makes the dice seemingly melt through the mug.

JosepVidalMagic says...

Causing an object to suddenly appear in the hand is a cornerstone of real magic, achievable through various palming and sleight-of-hand techniques like the French Drop or topit.

magicorthodoxy says...

He also mentions the possibility of using a French drop or other vanish methods.

MurphysMagicSupplies says...

A classic vanish technique is demonstrated, though Carey uses it in a deceptive manner.

oscar says...

The vanish could be a variation of classic techniques like the French Drop or a retention vanish, adapted for a pen's unique handling.

penguinmagicshop says...

You can expect to find classics that often rely on simple yet effective principles like the French Drop, basic palming, and vanishes.

RealMagicReview says...

The video briefly demonstrates the French Drop vanish, a smooth vanish that makes a coin disappear effortlessly.

sebastiantoca9208 says...

Practical tricks that can be performed anywhere with minimal setup.

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