Little Holes by Roddy McGhie and Noel Qualter

Created by: Roddy McGhie, Noel Qualter

Little Holes is a visually stunning close-up magic trick where the magician draws four dots on a card box, which then appear to slide across the surface and gather in one corner. The climax reveals these aren't just drawn dots - they're actual holes in the box, visible when a black card inside is shown. This Matrix-style illusion combines card magic with visual deception, creating a powerful 'aha' moment when spectators realize they've been seeing through the box the whole time. The trick uses a specially prepared card box and gimmick, but ends completely examinable, making it perfect for walk-around or table hopping performances.

Key features

Uses a standard Bicycle deck (not included)
Handcrafted gimmick made with red Bicycle stock
Includes special dry-erase marker (can be swapped into a Sharpie)
45-50 minute tutorial with multiple handlings
Quick reset (though not in-view)
Works for close-up, walk-around, and social media

Pros

Extremely visual and baffling
Strong kicker ending with the hole reveal
Highly examinable props at the conclusion
Durable construction with no fragile parts
Versatile for different performance settings
Comparable to creators' previous hit 'Little Door'

Cons

Requires angle management (not fully surrounded)
Needs proper lighting conditions
Quick reset can't be done in view
Marker may need replacement over time

Effect

Little Holes is a visually striking magic trick where the magician draws four dots on a card box, one in each corner. One by one, the dots appear to slide across the surface of the box until they all gather in a single corner. The magician then reveals that these aren’t just drawn dots—they are actual holes in the box, visible when a black card inside is shown. The effect is clean, baffling, and leaves spectators with an examinable prop.

Full Details

Created by Roddy McGhie and Noel Qualter, Little Holes is a self-contained gimmick that requires minimal sleight of hand. The trick uses a specially prepared card box and a black card inside the deck to create the illusion. The gimmick is durable, with no fragile components like elastic or flaps that could wear out.

The routine starts with the magician drawing four dots on the box, then visually moving them one by one. The final reveal—that the dots are actually holes—adds a strong kicker. Everything is examinable at the end, including the box and the black card. The deck itself can also be handed out after a quick, motivated cleanup.

Who Should Consider the Trick

Little Holes is ideal for:

Close-up and strolling magicians – It’s compact and plays well in walk-around settings.
Card workers looking for a strong opener or transition piece – It’s a great way to introduce a deck before moving into card routines.
Magicians who enjoy visual, interactive effects – The trick is highly engaging and leaves a lasting impression.
Performers who prefer minimal sleight of hand – The gimmick does most of the work.

Difficulty

Little Holes is relatively easy to perform, with most of the difficulty lying in smooth handling rather than complex moves. The tutorial (around 50 minutes) covers setup, performance tips, and alternate handlings. While there’s a slight learning curve to ensure the gimmick operates smoothly, most magicians can get comfortable with it in under an hour of practice.

What Magicians Say

Craig Petty (Magic TV) calls it "commercial gold" and praises its visual impact, easy reset, and examinability. He compares it favorably to Roddy McGhie’s previous hit, Little Door.
Steve Faulkner (Real Magic Review) notes that the trick is highly fooling for both magicians and lay audiences, though pacing and rhythm are key for maximum impact.
Alex Kirk (Monster Magic Shop) describes it as "one of the best Matrix effects on the market," highlighting its durability and practicality.
BAM Magic gives it a 97% rating, calling it "super visual" and "well-made," with a strong kicker ending.

Overall, Little Holes is a well-received trick that combines strong visuals, practicality, and a clever method, making it a worthwhile addition to many magicians’ repertoires.

What people are saying about Little Holes

BAM_magic says...

My absolute favorite Matrix effect on the market. The gimmick has no threads or breakable parts, and the box is completely examinable - just genius construction.

magicorthodoxy says...

It's not really a coin trick and it's not a card trick - it's something else that borrows from both. The vanish and appearance of the dots fools spectators completely.

magic-tv (Craig Petty) says...

The visual is crazy - it looks like straight-up CGI. I think this could be trick of the year. It's commercial gold - packs small, plays big, and resets instantly.

monstermagicshop says...

Little Holes offers a trippy matrix-like effect with a clever construction. The gimmick resets quickly and the tutorial includes live performances - a hallmark of Trick Trick Boom's quality.

penguinmagicshop says...

Little Holes is wild - you draw four dots that impossibly slide across the box until they land in one corner, then reveal they're actually holes. It's such a brilliant moment, and everything's examinable at the end.

PigCake says...

There's layers to this illusion like a court case - what starts as moving ink dots becomes a revelation of actual holes. Maybe the real magic was the friends we made along the way.

RealMagicReview says...

This trick is highly fooling for both magicians and lay audiences. The pacing and rhythm are key - when I really slowed it down, that's when I got the strongest reactions.