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Little Thief by JB Magic

Created by: JB Magic

Little Thief by JB Magic is a close-up card trick featuring a gimmicked card with an arm that appears and disappears. The magician has a spectator pick a card, and then the arm on the gimmicked card reaches out to 'steal' the selected card, which then appears on the arm. The trick is visual, fun, and suitable for strolling magic, making it a commercial effect that can entertain audiences in various settings.

Key features

  • Uses a gimmicked card for a visual and interactive effect

  • Suitable for close-up and strolling magic

  • No complex sleight of hand required, making it accessible for magicians of all skill levels

  • The gimmick is made of card, so care must be taken to ensure longevity

Pros

  • Highly visual and entertaining for audiences

  • Easy to perform with minimal practice

  • Compact and portable, ideal for walk-around performances

Cons

  • The gimmicked card may wear out over time and could be difficult to replace

  • Angle sensitive; requires the audience to be in front for the best effect

Effect

Little Thief by JB Magic is a visually engaging card trick where a playing card appears to come to life. The magician introduces a special card featuring an illustration of a king. A spectator selects a card, and when the magician whispers the chosen card's name to the king, the king's arm reaches out from the card, seemingly searching for it. The arm then retracts, and when the magician turns the card over, it reveals the spectator's selected card. The effect is playful, surprising, and highly interactive, making it ideal for casual performances.

Full Details

The trick relies on a gimmicked card that allows the illusion of an arm appearing and disappearing. The magician does not need advanced sleight-of-hand skills, as the gimmick does most of the work. The routine involves:

  • A spectator freely selecting a card.
  • The magician whispering the card's name to the king on the gimmicked card.
  • The king's arm "reaching out" to retrieve the card.
  • The arm retracting, and the gimmicked card transforming to reveal the spectator's selection.

The gimmick is durable but requires careful handling to maintain longevity.

Who Should Consider the Trick

Little Thief is best suited for:

  • Strolling magicians who perform in casual settings like restaurants, parties, or family gatherings.
  • Social media performers looking for visually striking tricks that translate well to video.
  • Beginners who want an easy-to-learn but highly effective trick.
  • Kids' entertainers, as the playful nature of the effect appeals to younger audiences.

Difficulty

The trick is easy to perform, requiring minimal practice. The gimmick handles most of the work, so the magician only needs to focus on presentation and timing. However, proper handling is necessary to ensure the gimmick remains functional over time.

What Magicians Say

Mark T. from Saturn Magic Live described Little Thief as:

"A fun, commercial effect suitable for strolling magic. It's a great visual trick that gets strong reactions, especially in walk-around settings."

He also noted that while the gimmick is well-made, performers should be mindful of its durability, as excessive wear could require replacement.

Overall, Little Thief by JB Magic is a lighthearted, visually appealing trick that delivers strong reactions with minimal effort. It’s a solid choice for performers who want an easy yet impactful addition to their close-up sets.

What people are saying about Little Thief by JB Magic

Mark T says...

Little Thief by JB Magic is a fun, commercial effect suitable for strolling magic. The gimmick card does the work for you, making it easy to perform.

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