Herb Zarrow Houdini Color Change by Herb Zarrow

Created by: Herb Zarrow

The Herb Zarrow Houdini Color Change is a visually stunning close-up card trick that allows you to make cards vanish, appear, and change color seamlessly. With a simple wave of your hand over the deck, a card transforms right before the spectator's eyes. This versatile trick can be used in various routines, such as making a selected card appear face-up on top of the deck, causing a card to vanish, or even changing the color of the entire deck. The effect is highly visual, angle-friendly, and leaves spectators in awe. Perfect for card magicians looking to add a powerful and versatile color change to their repertoire.

Key features

  • Highly visual and angle-friendly color change

  • Versatile for use in multiple routines (vanishes, appearances, color changes)

  • Smooth handling with practice, but may be challenging for beginners

  • Can be combined with other tricks like 'Ship in a Bottle' and 'Scrunch'

  • Works well in close-up and table settings

Pros

  • Visually stunning and magical effect

  • Versatile for use in various routines

  • Angle-friendly performance

  • Compact and easy to carry

  • Can be combined with other tricks for added impact

Cons

  • May be challenging for beginners to master

  • Requires practice to achieve smooth handling

  • Limited to card magic enthusiasts

Effect

The Herb Zarrow Houdini Color Change is a visually striking card trick where a magician waves their hand over a deck of cards, causing a card to instantly change color, vanish, or appear. The effect is clean and magical, with the card transformation happening right in front of the spectator's eyes. The trick can be used to make a card appear face up on top of the deck, vanish from the pack, or even change the color of every card in the deck.

Full details

The Herb Zarrow Houdini Color Change involves a specific hand motion that creates the illusion of a card changing or vanishing. The magician starts by showing their hand empty, then waves it over the deck. As the hand moves, the card underneath appears to transform or disappear. The trick relies on precise finger movements and subtle hand positioning to create the effect. It is highly versatile and can be adapted for various routines, such as making a selected card appear, vanishing a card, or even changing the color of the entire deck.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is ideal for magicians who are comfortable with card handling and are looking to add a visually impressive color change to their repertoire. It is particularly suited for performers who enjoy close-up magic and want to create a strong, magical moment for their audience. While beginners can learn the trick, it may require more practice to master the smooth handling and angles.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The Herb Zarrow Houdini Color Change is considered intermediate in difficulty. It requires precise finger movements and a good understanding of angles to ensure the effect looks clean and magical. Beginners may find it challenging at first, but with practice, the handling becomes more natural. The trick also benefits from incorporating a circular hand motion to make the change appear more fluid and less mechanical.

What magicians say

Jay Sankey, a well-known magician, describes the Herb Zarrow Houdini Color Change as one of his favorite color changes. He praises its versatility and visual impact, stating, "I love how magical this looks, how practical it looks." Sankey also highlights the trick's strong angles and its ability to create a variety of effects, from making a card appear to changing the color of the entire deck. He demonstrates several applications of the trick, including the "Ship in a Bottle" and "Scrunch" routines, which showcase the color change in creative and engaging ways. Sankey notes that while the trick may be challenging for beginners, it is well worth the effort to master due to its powerful impact on audiences.

What people are saying about Herb Zarrow Houdini Color Change

SankeyMagic says...

I love how magical this looks, how practical it looks. You start by showing your hand absolutely empty, just wave your hand over the deck, and it changes right before their eyes. It's great on angles, and there are so many things I love about this.

Tutorial videos