Hollow by Bond Lee, Ms Magic, Stefanus Alexander, and David Regal

Hollow: A Detailed Analysis for Magicians

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the “Hollow” magic trick, designed to help you assess whether it’s a worthwhile addition to your repertoire.

Effect: What the Trick Looks Like to the Audience

“Hollow” presents a striking visual illusion: a seemingly ordinary playing card is dramatically revealed to be “hollowed out,” exposing the selected card beneath. The effect is a memorable moment of transformation, creating a strong sense of wonder and surprise. The card then seamlessly returns to its original form, completing the illusion. It’s a visually impactful trick, particularly effective when performed in a setting where a strong visual element is desired.

Full Details

“Hollow” is a card reveal trick created by Bond Lee, Ms Magic, and Stefanus Alexander. It’s a self-contained gimmick, meaning it’s a separate piece of card magic that integrates seamlessly into a larger routine. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements:

• The Gimmick: The core of the trick is a specially designed card. The card has a section that can be subtly manipulated to create the illusion of being “hollowed out.” This manipulation is concealed during the performance.
• The Reveal: The trick relies on a clever presentation where the card appears to be cut or altered, revealing the selected card underneath.
• Angle Considerations: A crucial aspect of “Hollow” is its sensitivity to angles. The illusion works best when the audience is positioned at a slight angle to the performer. Direct, head-on viewing can expose the mechanism.
• Presentation is Key: The success of “Hollow” hinges on a strong presentation. The performer needs to create a sense of mystery and anticipation, building up to the dramatic reveal.

Who Should Consider the Trick

“Hollow” is a good fit for magicians who:

• Value Visual Impact: This trick excels at creating a memorable visual moment, making it ideal for performers who prioritize strong visual effects.
• Enjoy Close-Up Magic: The trick’s angle sensitivity makes it best suited for close-up performances where the audience is relatively close to the performer.
• Appreciate Cleverness: The trick’s method is relatively simple, but the presentation requires a degree of finesse and misdirection.
• Are Comfortable with Angle Management: Magicians who are mindful of their angles and can subtly adjust their position during the performance will find “Hollow” particularly rewarding.

Information on How Difficult it is to Perform

• Ease of Learning: The basic mechanics of “Hollow” are relatively straightforward to learn. The manipulation of the card is simple and can be mastered with practice.
• Difficulty of Mastering: However, the trick’s success depends heavily on the performer’s ability to manage angles and create a convincing presentation. It takes practice to consistently execute the trick without revealing the secret.
• Time Investment: Expect to spend approximately 10-20 hours of practice to become comfortable and confident with the trick.
• Equipment: The trick comes with the gimmick card and a small tool for adjusting the card’s manipulation.

What Magicians Say

• AlakazamMagicUK: “The visual design is clever, but angle considerations are important.” (Highlights the importance of angle management.)
• itsallthingsmagic: “It’s a great opener and easy to use.” (Emphasizes the trick’s suitability for the beginning of a performance.)
• itsallthingsmagic: “The gimmick is well-made and durable.” (Notes the quality of the trick’s construction.)
• itsallthingsmagic: “It’s a very visual moment, perfect for larger audiences.” (Points out the trick’s effectiveness in creating a strong visual impact.)