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JL Magic's Wonder Fob by JL Magic

Created by: JL Magic

JL Magic's Wonder Fob is a clever close-up magic trick that creates the illusion of a playing card appearing inside a small pouch attached to a keyring. The magician opens the pouch to reveal a folded playing card, which is then unfolded to show it is the spectator's chosen card. The trick is examinable at the end, with no gimmicks left behind. It’s perfect for walk-around magic, parlour performances, or even social media content due to its visual and interactive nature.

Key features

  • Examinable at the end, leaving no gimmicks behind

  • Works with any borrowed keyring or small pouch

  • Can be combined with a fishing hook routine for added versatility

  • Suitable for close-up, parlour, or social media performances

  • Requires minimal setup and reset

Pros

  • Highly visual and interactive

  • Examinable, enhancing the mystery

  • Versatile—can be adapted for different routines

  • Portable and easy to carry

  • Clean presentation with no suspicious moves

Cons

  • Requires a Mercury card fold (or alternative method) for setup

  • Not fully self-working—some handling required

  • May not suit absolute beginners due to the need for subtlety

Effect

JL Magic's Wonder Fob is a clever keychain-based magic trick that creates the illusion of a signed playing card appearing inside a small pouch attached to your keys. The magician shows an empty pouch, opens it, and reveals a folded card inside. When unfolded, the card is shown to be the spectator's signed selection—a clean and impossible moment that leaves audiences baffled.

Full Details

The Wonder Fob consists of a small, unassuming pouch that attaches to a keyring. The magician can borrow a keychain or use their own, making the effect feel organic. The routine involves a signed card vanishing from the deck (or another location) and reappearing inside the pouch. The card can be fully examined at the end, as there are no gimmicks left behind.

The method is practical, relying on a well-concealed principle rather than complex sleight of hand. The Wonder Fob allows for multiple presentations, including a fishing hook routine variation where a borrowed ring or object can be used instead of a card.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for:

  • Close-up magicians who want a portable, self-contained effect.
  • Workers who need a quick, visual miracle that resets instantly.
  • Social media performers looking for a clean, camera-friendly trick.
  • Beginners to intermediate magicians, as the handling is straightforward but impactful.

Difficulty

The Wonder Fob is rated as a skill level 3 out of 10. The most challenging aspect is the initial setup (such as a Mercury Card Fold or another method to vanish the card), but the trick itself is nearly self-working. If using a gimmicked fold or a vanish device (like the Perfect Score or Black Hole Handkerchief), the difficulty drops further, making it accessible even to newer performers.

What Magicians Say

  • SaturnMagicShop notes that the Wonder Fob is "a nice quality item" with a "clean presentation" and highlights its examinability: "You take the thing out of the holder... and then proceed to do what you need to do to open up the card—show it's their card—and you can hand that card out for examination."
  • The trick is praised for its versatility, with the option to adapt it into a fishing hook routine, similar to Eric Ross's Hook.
  • The method is described as "simple" and "low-tech," making it reliable for real-world performances.

For magicians seeking a practical, visual, and examinable keychain trick, JL Magic's Wonder Fob is a strong contender. Its blend of simplicity and impact makes it a valuable addition to any close-up set.

What people are saying about JL Magic's Wonder Fob

SaturnMagicShop says...

The Wonder Fob offers a clean presentation and the option to incorporate a fishing hook routine, making it a versatile addition to any magician's repertoire.

Review videos