Himber Ring Routine

Effect

The Himber Ring Routine is a classic magic effect where a solid ring appears to link and unlink with other rings or objects in an impossible manner. The magician can visibly show the ring as solid and unbroken, yet it mysteriously penetrates other rings or chains, creating a visually striking and baffling illusion. The routine often involves multiple phases, building in impossibility as the performance progresses.

Full Details

The Himber Ring Routine is included in Paul Gordon’s book Card Foolers, which contains 240 tricks across 416 pages. While the book primarily focuses on card magic, it also features a selection of non-card effects, including this ring routine. The book is structured with clear text, illustrations, and black-and-white photographs, making it accessible for magicians who already have a basic understanding of magic terminology and sleights.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This routine is ideal for magicians who want to expand their repertoire beyond card magic. It suits performers who enjoy visual, self-working, or semi-automatic effects that require minimal sleight of hand. Since the book is not strictly for beginners, those with some experience in magic will get the most out of it. However, the Himber Ring Routine itself is manageable for intermediate performers who are comfortable with basic ring magic principles.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The difficulty level of the Himber Ring Routine is moderate. While it does not require advanced sleight of hand, familiarity with ring magic fundamentals is helpful. The book provides concise instructions, typically spanning one or two pages per trick, so performers should be comfortable learning from written descriptions and illustrations.

What Magicians Say

David from Magic Orthodoxy praises Card Foolers as a "legacy book" that offers excellent value, with 240 tricks for $100. He highlights the inclusion of non-card effects like the Himber Ring Routine, noting that many routines are "slight-free or very easy." He strongly recommends watching Paul Gordon’s 17-minute trailer to see the tricks in action, calling it more informative than his own review.

David also emphasizes that while the book is not for complete beginners, it does not demand advanced skills. He describes the writing style as straightforward, with enough visual aids to support learning. His enthusiasm for the book suggests that the Himber Ring Routine, along with the other effects, is well worth exploring for magicians looking to add strong, practical material to their performances.