Impossible Location by Ben Williams and Jay Sankey

Created by: Ben Williams, Jay Sankey

Impossible Location is a captivating magic trick that falls under the category of close-up and mentalism. The trick involves a signed card or billet being found in an unexpected and seemingly impossible location, baffling the audience with its counterintuitive nature. This trick is versatile, allowing for various presentations and routines, making it a strong crowd-pleaser. It's designed for magicians who appreciate clever mechanics, organic presentations, and the ability to perform gimmick-free magic.

Key features

Versatile for card magic, mentalism, and billet work
Includes multiple routines like Mystery Card Plot and The Billet Look
Emphasizes natural deception and effortless-looking magic
Offers over 190 minutes of comprehensive tuition
Practical, ungimmicked solutions for billet switching

Pros

Highly deceptive and engaging for audiences
Comprehensive learning experience with detailed tutorials
Versatile applications in various magic genres
Gimmick-free methods enhance practicality
Endorsed by high-profile magicians for real-world performance potential

Cons

Some techniques require extra preparation, making them less practical for impromptu work
The extensive content may be overwhelming for beginners

Effect

The Impossible Location is a magic trick where a signed or selected card appears in an unexpected and seemingly impossible place. For example, the card might vanish from the magician's hands and reappear behind a window, inside a sealed envelope, or in another location the spectator could not have predicted. The effect is visually striking and leaves the audience baffled, as the card's movement defies logic.

Full Details

The Impossible Location is often performed using card switches or billet techniques, allowing the magician to secretly control the card's position. Some versions use gimmicks like a torn card or a special box, while others rely on sleight of hand. Ben Williams' 5witch project includes a method for this effect, teaching a table-based billet switch (Switch T) that makes the card appear in an impossible location with minimal setup.

Jay Sankey also offers variations of the Impossible Location in his Escape Proof bundle, where objects vanish and reappear in places that seem impossible to reach. These routines are known for their deceptive mechanics and organic presentations.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for:

Card magicians who want to add a strong visual moment to their sets.
Mentalists who use billet work and want a convincing way to reveal information.
Performers looking for a trick that plays well in both close-up and parlor settings.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The difficulty varies depending on the method:

Switch-based versions (like those in 5witch) require practice but are manageable for intermediate magicians.
Gimmicked versions (such as the torn card in Daniel Madison's deck) are easier to perform but require proper setup.
Sankey's methods are known for clever mechanics but may need more rehearsal to perfect timing.

What Magicians Say

Ben Williams (5witch) teaches a table-based billet switch (Switch T) for the Impossible Location, which Roo from RoosReviews calls "stunning" but notes it requires extra preparation.
Jay Sankey's versions are praised for their deceptive nature, with SankeyMagic stating they are "visually baffling" and used by professionals like David Copperfield.
Daniel Madison's deck includes a torn card gimmick for an Impossible Location effect, which magicorthodoxy describes as a "fantastic" addition to a marked deck.

The Impossible Location is a versatile trick that can be adapted to different styles, making it a valuable addition to a magician's repertoire.

What people are saying about Impossible Location

AlakazamMagicUK says...

Evans’s list reflects a blend of classic and contemporary magic, demonstrating his appreciation for both the history and innovation within the art.

magicorthodoxy says...

David strongly recommends purchasing the Purple Bangers marked cards while they are available at the discounted price of $29. He also praises Daniel Madison's team for their diligent work in resolving customer issues.

RoosReviews says...

Roo highly recommends '5WITCH', especially for card magicians and mentalists looking to expand their switching techniques. He praises Ben’s clear, efficient teaching and the project’s real-world applicability.

SankeyMagic says...

Sankey’s tricks are known for their clever mechanics and organic presentations. The 'impossible location' premise is a strong crowd-pleaser.

SaturnMagicShop says...

Williams emphasizes that '5witch' is far more than just a collection of card switches; it's a comprehensive system for enhancing card magic, mentalism, and billet work through clever technique and deceptive naturalness.