Sleightful logoSleightful

Gatekeeper by Craig Petty

Created by: Craig Petty

Gatekeeper is a visually stunning close-up magic trick involving a key and a coin. The magician challenges the spectator to push a coin through the key's hole, which seems impossible. When they fail, the magician seemingly stretches the hole in the key to allow the coin to pass through, then snaps it back to normal. The trick is examinable before, during, and after, making it highly deceptive. It can be performed as a standalone trick or paired with 'Key Master' for expanded routines. Perfect for walk-around or impromptu performances, it's an everyday carry item that blends naturally with your keys.

Where to buy

Gatekeeper by Craig Petty from Monster Magic
Monster MagicGatekeeper by Craig Petty£19.99
🇬🇧
Shop
Gatekeeper by Craig Petty from Alakazam Magic
Alakazam MagicGatekeeper by Craig Petty£19.99
🇬🇧
Shop

Key features

  • Examinable before, during, and after the trick

  • Can be used as a standalone or with 'Key Master'

  • Custom-made, durable props ready to use immediately

  • Multiple handling methods taught in the tutorial

  • Perfect for walk-around or impromptu performances

Pros

  • Highly visual and examinable

  • Versatile for different performance styles

  • Easy to learn with a well-made tutorial

  • Portable and perfect for everyday carry

  • Strong audience reactions

Cons

  • Requires practice for smooth execution

  • Some may find the bar bet presentation less appealing

  • Basic sleight-of-hand skills needed

Effect

Gatekeeper is a visual bar bet-style trick where a magician challenges a spectator to push a coin through the hole of a key. When the spectator fails, the magician appears to stretch the key's hole, allowing the coin to pass through effortlessly. The hole then snaps back to its original size, leaving the key fully examinable. The effect is clean, interactive, and baffling, making it ideal for close-up or walk-around performances.

Full Details

Gatekeeper uses a standard-looking brass key and a coin. The trick is examinable before, during, and after the performance, enhancing its deceptive nature. It can be performed as a standalone effect or combined with Craig Petty’s earlier trick, Key Master, for a more extended routine. The method involves sleight of hand but remains accessible to beginners with practice. The tutorial, taught by Petty, runs for 39 minutes and includes multiple handling methods, live performances, and tips for smooth execution.

Who Should Consider the Trick

Gatekeeper suits magicians who:

  • Enjoy interactive, bar bet-style magic.
  • Want an examinable, everyday-carry trick.
  • Prefer visual effects with minimal setup.
  • Are looking for a follow-up to Key Master or standalone key-based magic.
  • Perform walk-around or close-up magic.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The trick is beginner-friendly but requires practice for smooth execution. The sleight of hand involved is manageable for those with basic skills, though timing and misdirection play key roles. Reviewers note that while the method is simple, refining the performance takes repetition.

What Magicians Say

  • Fiddlinjonny calls it "a solid choice for magicians looking for an examinable, portable trick" and praises its organic feel.
  • AlakazamMagicUK highlights its visual impact, stating, "The hole in the key expands to let a coin pass, then snaps back."
  • Tyler Lunsford notes its versatility, saying it works well in "close-up or parlor settings" and appreciates the examinable nature of the props.
  • Craig Petty rates it 10/10, calling it one of his strongest releases due to its deceptive method and audience reactions.

Gatekeeper is a well-received trick that balances simplicity with strong visual impact, making it a worthwhile addition to a magician’s repertoire.

What people are saying about Gatekeeper

AlakazamMagicUK says...

Craig Petty's 'Gatekeeper' is a clever key and coin trick where the hole in the key appears to stretch open, letting a coin slide through before closing again. It's a follow-up to his 'Keymaster' trick and works just as well on its own.

fiddlinjonny says...

Gatekeeper is a clever bar bet trick by Craig Petty where a magician seemingly stretches a key's hole to let a coin pass through, then returns it to normal. The trick is highlighted for its organic feel, excellent tutorial by Petty, and seamless pairing with 'Key Master.'

magic-tv says...

Gatekeeper is a versatile trick that works as a standalone or with Keymaster. The trick is highly visual and examinable, making it great for walk-around magic. Craig Petty rates it 10/10, calling it one of his strongest releases.

TylerLunsfordMagic says...

GATEKEEPER works independently or with the Key Master set. Props are examinable with no gimmicks left behind. Requires basic sleight-of-hand skills. The included 40-minute tutorial is praised for its clarity.

Performance videos

Review videos

Promotional videos

Tutorial videos

Other videos