Jin Switch by lloydb

Created by: lloydb

The Jin Switch is a visually striking card trick that creates the illusion of a nine of spades vanishing from a phone screen through a combination of video editing and a custom-made gimmick. This close-up magic trick relies on precise timing, a specially prepared card with cut-out pips, and a subtle Jin switch to replace the gimmicked card with a regular one, allowing for examination. The trick is enhanced by wearing black attire to conceal the gimmick and using a video file that creates the optical illusion of the card vanishing.

Key features

  • Requires a custom-made gimmick: a nine of spades with cut-out pips.

  • Utilizes a video editing technique to create the optical illusion.

  • Precise timing and phone placement are crucial for the effect.

  • A Jin switch is used to secretly replace the gimmicked card with a regular one.

  • Black attire or accessories help conceal the gimmick.

  • Video file is available for Patreon and YouTube members.

Pros

  • Visually impressive and unique effect.

  • Detailed tutorial provided by the creator.

  • Includes performance tips and alternative presentation options.

  • Allows for the card to be examined after the trick.

Cons

  • Requires a custom-made gimmick and video editing skills.

  • Precise timing and practice are needed for the illusion to work effectively.

  • Limited to iPhone 16 Pro Max for the provided video file.

Effect

The Jin Switch creates a visual illusion where a playing card appears to vanish from a phone screen. The magician shows a nine of spades, places it against the phone, and the pips (symbols on the card) seem to disappear. The card can then be handed out for examination, reinforcing the illusion that nothing was altered.

Full Details

The trick relies on a custom gimmick—a nine of spades with the pips carefully cut out. A short video clip, edited to display black squares at precise moments, creates the illusion when the card is placed against the phone. The magician uses a Jin switch to secretly replace the gimmicked card with a normal one, allowing the spectator to inspect it.

Key elements include:

  • A prepared video file with timed black squares.
  • A gimmicked nine of spades with removed pips.
  • Proper phone placement and timing to align the card with the video effect.
  • Concealment techniques, such as wearing black clothing or using a card clip.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick suits magicians comfortable with:

  • Basic sleight of hand (Jin switch).
  • Using gimmicked cards.
  • Performing with phones and video elements.
    It works well for close-up or digital performances where visual illusions enhance the effect.

Difficulty

The Jin Switch requires practice in:

  • Timing the video effect with card placement.
  • Executing the Jin switch smoothly.
  • Concealing the gimmick before and after the vanish.
    Beginners may need time to perfect the timing and switch, but experienced magicians will find it manageable.

What Magicians Say

Lloyd describes the trick as "just an optical illusion" but emphasizes its visual impact. He notes that precise timing and phone placement are crucial for the vanish to work convincingly. The Jin switch must look natural to maintain the illusion.

Performance tips include:

  • Using the phone's signal bars as a timing guide.
  • Holding the card deep in the hand (gambler’s cop) to avoid flashing the gimmick.
  • Letting the card fall off the screen naturally after the vanish.

The trick blends classic card magic with modern digital elements, making it a unique addition to a magician’s repertoire.

What people are saying about Jin Switch

lloydb says...

The trick's foundation lies in a short, edited video clip. [...] The key is to time the appearance of the black square with the placement of a prepared card against the phone screen.

Tutorial videos