Into the Void by Craig Petty

Effect

The trick Into the Void makes coins vanish and reappear in an impossible way. A magician shows three coins and drops them one by one into a small piece of felt called a "portable hole." Each coin visibly disappears, with the magician’s hands shown empty after every vanish. The coins then reappear from an "invisible purse," a frame with no visible bag. The routine ends with a surprise production of a jumbo coin, creating a strong climax.

Full Details

Into the Void is a stand-up adaptation of David Roth’s classic Portable Hole routine. Unlike the original, this version eliminates the need for lapping or imp passes, making it more practical for walkaround and parlor settings. The routine maintains Roth’s structure—coins vanish into the hole and reappear from the purse—but simplifies the method for real-world performance.

Key features:

• No lapping or table required – Can be performed standing up.
• Complete vanishes – Hands are shown empty after each vanish.
• Jumbo coin finale – A visually strong ending that audiences love.
• Versatile – Works in close-up, walkaround, and parlor settings.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This routine is ideal for:

• Coin magic enthusiasts who want a practical, stand-up version of the Portable Hole plot.
• Working performers who need material for walkaround or parlor conditions.
• Magicians looking for strong visual magic with minimal setup and reset.

Difficulty

The trick is moderate in difficulty. While the sleights are not overly complex, smooth execution requires practice, especially for the vanishes and reappearances. The routine relies on timing and audience management rather than advanced sleight of hand.

What Magicians Say

Craig Petty, the creator, describes Into the Void as one of his favorite routines:

"I love how every vanish is complete—hands shown empty—and the jumbo coin finale, despite Roth’s advice against it, becomes a crowd-pleasing climax."

He also highlights its practicality:

"This version solves long-standing issues in the classic plot. It’s a routine I perform all the time because it works in any situation."

The routine has been praised for its strong structure and visual impact, making it a reliable choice for performers who want a modern take on a classic coin trick.