Match Vanish by Jay Sankey

Effect

The Match Vanish is a visually striking trick where a match appears to vanish from the magician's hand and reappear in their pocket. The magician starts by showing a match, places it into their closed fist, and with a snap of the fingers, the match disappears. The magician then reaches into their pocket and produces the match, as if it had traveled there magically. The effect is clean, direct, and leaves the audience wondering how the match could have vanished and reappeared so seamlessly.

Full details

The Match Vanish relies on a clever sleight of hand technique where the match is palmed rather than actually placed into the closed fist. The magician makes a loose fist and presses the match against the flesh of the thumb, creating the illusion that the match is being inserted into the hand. In reality, the fingers slide over the match, and it is palmed against the tip of the finger. This technique is repeated multiple times to make it appear as though multiple matches are being placed into the hand, only to vanish and reappear in the pocket. The trick can be performed with wooden or paper matches and is adaptable to other small objects like coins or even beetle limbs.

Who should consider the trick

The Match Vanish is ideal for magicians of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned performers. It’s particularly well-suited for those who enjoy close-up magic or impromptu performances, as it requires minimal setup and uses everyday objects. The trick is also great for performers who want to add a quick, visually impactful effect to their routines without needing complex props or gimmicks.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The Match Vanish is relatively easy to learn but requires practice to master the sleight of hand involved. The key is to make the motion of placing the match into the fist look natural and convincing. While the technique itself is straightforward, achieving a smooth and deceptive performance may take some time. Jay Sankey emphasizes that the trick is simple but benefits from repetition to ensure it flows seamlessly during a performance.

What magicians say

Jay Sankey, a well-known magician and creator of the Match Vanish, describes it as "pure magic" and highlights its simplicity and effectiveness. He notes that the trick is "perfect for matches both wooden and paper" and can be adapted for other small objects. Sankey also praises the trick for its natural and clean appearance, stating, "You would be hard-pressed to come up with a more convincing, visually simple, well-paced vanish of three ordinary objects." Other magicians appreciate the trick for its versatility and the strong reactions it elicits from audiences, making it a valuable addition to any performer’s repertoire.