Merger by James Keatley and Chris James

Created by: James Keatley, Chris James

Merger is a visually stunning close-up magic trick that involves the manipulation of credit card chips to create impossible transformations. Using two credit cards—one green and one black—the magician appears to transfer the chip from one card to another, or even make it grow in size, right before the spectator's eyes. This trick is part of the Merger pack by James Keatley and Chris James, offering a blend of 'Transfer' and 'Surge' effects. It's designed for magicians looking for something different from standard card or coin tricks, with high-quality gimmicks and props included. Perfect for close-up, street, or social media performances, Merger is both simple to learn and highly impactful.

Key features

Uses two credit cards to create a surprising visual effect
Part of the Merger pack, including 'Transfer' and 'Surge' effects
Simple to perform with a huge visual punch
Includes high-quality gimmicks and examinable cards
Comes with detailed tutorial videos by Pigcake
Versatile for performances at gigs, on the streets, or with friends and family
Offers bonus items for additional magic effects

Pros

Highly visual and impossible to catch
Easy to learn and perform
High-quality materials and props
Versatile for various performance settings
Includes detailed tutorials and bonus items

Cons

Effectiveness might depend on the audience's familiarity with card tricks
Some moves may require practice

Effect

The Merger trick uses two credit cards—one green and one black—to create a surprising visual effect. The spectator picks the green card, and the magician appears to remove its chip and transfer it to the black card. The illusion is clean, impossible to catch, and works well in close-up settings. Some versions also include a chip that visually grows or stretches, adding another layer of impossibility. The trick plays on the familiarity of everyday objects, making it relatable and engaging for modern audiences.

Full Details

Merger is a package that combines two tricks: Transfer by James Keatley and Surge by Chris James. Transfer involves moving a chip from one card to another, while Surge makes a chip appear to grow in size. The set includes gimmicked and examinable cards, mini credit cards, and chip stickers for additional effects. Tutorials by PigCake cover different performance methods, from no-sleight versions to advanced techniques. The tricks are designed for organic, real-world use, such as performing at checkout lines or casual conversations.

Who Should Consider the Trick

Merger is ideal for magicians who want:

A modern, visual trick that stands out from traditional card or coin routines.
Easy-to-learn effects with strong audience reactions.
Versatile performance options, including close-up, street magic, or social media content.
Tricks that use everyday objects for relatable magic.

Difficulty

The tricks are beginner-friendly, with some moves requiring minimal practice. Transfer and Surge rely on simple card slides and subtle techniques, though a few advanced moves may need extra work. The tutorials provide clear instructions, making it accessible for most skill levels.

What Magicians Say

AlakazamMagicUK calls it "simple to perform and highly visual," rating it 10/10 for impact.
Magic Orthodoxy praises the creativity, saying it "stands out from typical card or coin routines."
Fiddlin’ Johnny highlights its real-world utility, calling it "organic, unforced, and ready when the moment arises."
RoosReviews notes the humor and relatability, making it great for modern audiences.

Merger delivers strong visual magic with practical, everyday applications, making it a solid choice for performers looking for fresh, engaging effects.

What people are saying about Merger

AlakazamMagicUK says...

The effect is clean, impossible to catch, and perfect for close-up magic. Part of the Merger pack, this trick is simple to learn but packs a huge visual punch.

ChampionMagic says...

The set comes with specially designed cards, and the tutorial dives into creative routines like 'Twisting the Chips'. The video applauds these tricks for their high-quality materials, ease of use, and adaptability.

fiddlinjonny says...

These are the sort of effects I’m more likely to show friends—organic, unforced, and ready when the moment arises. A no-frills, high-impact bundle for credit card magic enthusiasts.

magicorthodoxy says...

David loves the tricks for their fun, magical feel, standing out from typical card or coin routines. The package includes Pigcake's tutorial videos, offering everything from no-sleight to advanced methods.

magic-tv says...

Craig provides insights into the creators and where to find these tricks, making this a goldmine for magicians looking to upgrade their acts.

RoosReviews says...

This is a fresh take on everyday object magic, blending humor with a strong visual payoff. The routine could easily fit into a close-up or social media set, appealing to modern audiences.