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Moving Hole Effect by Curtis Kam

Created by: Curtis Kam

The Moving Hole Effect is a captivating close-up magic trick where a visible hole in a playing card moves impossibly across the card's surface before disappearing and reappearing, leaving the spectator with a signed, hole-punched card as a souvenir. This trick, adaptable for one-on-one, group settings, and even webcam performances, involves minimal setup and can be performed with any deck of cards. The effect combines visual magic with a tangible keepsake, making it memorable for the audience.

Key features

  • Can be performed with any playing cards

  • Works in various settings including one-on-one, groups, and over webcam

  • Leaves the spectator with a signed, hole-punched card as a souvenir

  • No need for tape, thread, or specialized materials

  • Includes performance and explanation videos for easy learning

Pros

  • Creates a tangible souvenir for the spectator

  • Simple and easy to perform with minimal setup

  • Versatile performance options

  • No complex sleights required

  • Affordable and easy to learn

Cons

  • Requires a hole punch, which might not be always at hand

  • The effect's impact may vary based on the spectator's perception of the hole's movement

Effect

The Moving Hole Effect, also known as "Hana Hou," creates the illusion of a hole visibly moving across a playing card. A spectator signs a card, and the magician punches a hole through it. The hole then appears to shift to different positions on the card before finally vanishing or returning to its original spot. The spectator keeps the signed card as a souvenir, reinforcing the impossibility of the effect.

Full Details

The trick uses a simple gimmick made from a hole punch and spare playing cards. No tape, thread, or specialized materials are required. The gimmick remains hidden, allowing the magician to perform the effect with any deck. The spectator sees a real hole punched into their signed card, making the illusion more convincing.

The name "Hana Hou" means "do it again" in Hawaiian, referencing the visual repetition of the hole moving. Some versions include an eerie moment where the card's face appears to peek through the hole, adding a memorable twist.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick suits magicians who want:

  • A visual, easy-to-perform effect.
  • A souvenir-based trick that leaves a lasting impression.
  • A method that works in close-up, group, or even webcam performances.
  • A gimmick that requires minimal setup and no advanced sleight of hand.

Difficulty

The Moving Hole Effect is beginner-friendly. No complex sleights are needed, and the gimmick is simple to construct. David from Magic Orthodoxy states, "Super easy... there's not even a card sleight taught within that 12 minutes." The main challenge is smooth handling to maintain the illusion.

What Magicians Say

  • BigBlindMedia highlights the versatility: "Works one on one, in a group and EVEN over a webcam!" They also note the creepy visual where the card's face appears to peek through the hole.
  • Magic Orthodoxy praises the simplicity: "You just need a hole punch... it's a great little filler trick." David adds, "It feels impromptu... and it's a real hole."

Both reviewers emphasize the souvenir aspect, making it a strong choice for memorable performances.

What people are saying about Moving Hole Effect

BigBlindMedia says...

The routine's appeal as a close-up magic piece, particularly as an encore to a signed card routine or as a standalone effect. [...] The name 'Hana Ho' itself, meaning 'Do it Again!' in Hawaiian, emphasizes the effect's engaging nature.

magicorthodoxy says...

Hanah ho is a moving hole effect [...] you're going to take a card out have The Spectator sign it take it back and tell them that you know you have difficulty seeing or you know whatever the the pattern may be and that you've now uh learned a way to Mark a card so that you can always find it.

Performance videos

Review videos