Sleightful logoSleightful

Neck Snapper by Roscoe Riff (Ed Parish)

Created by: Roscoe Riff (Ed Parish)

Neck Snapper is a shocking close-up or parlour magic penetration effect where a solid chain visibly and impossibly passes straight through the performer's neck. The audience sees the chain enter one side of the neck and exit the other, creating a moment of pure impossibility and guaranteed strong reactions. Created by Roscoe Riff (Ed Parish), this trick is ideal as a powerful opener or closer for any magic set, drawing on classic principles to deliver a modern, visceral impact that audiences love.

Key features

  • Reformulation of classic penetration principles with credit to Mark Wilson

  • Designed as a guaranteed reaction-getter, perfect as an opener or closer

  • Creator Roscoe Riff is known for an 'ALL IN' performance style and expertise in classics like the three shell game

  • Emphasizes the philosophy of looking back to classic ideas to innovate and bring magic forward

Pros

  • Guarantees strong audience reactions

  • Visually shocking and impossible effect

  • Ideal for opening or closing a set

  • Based on reliable classic principles

Cons

  • May require specific performance style to maximize impact

  • Not suitable for all audience types due to the shocking nature

Effect

The magician shows a solid metal chain. They place the chain around their neck. The chain visibly penetrates through the neck. The magician then pulls the chain free. The effect is a clear and impossible penetration.

Full details

Neck Snapper is a penetration effect. A chain passes through the performer's neck. The trick uses a reformulation of classic principles. Credit for the foundational idea is given to Mark Wilson. The trick was created by Roscoe Riff, who is Ed Parish. Roscoe Riff is a magician from Wichita. He is known for an 'ALL IN' performance style. He is also an expert in the three shell game and cups and balls. The method is designed for a strong visual impact.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is for magicians who want a strong audience reaction. It works well as an opening trick. It also works well as a closing trick for a magic set. It is suitable for performers who like physical and visual magic. Magicians interested in classic magic principles may find it appealing.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The trick requires some practice to perform smoothly. The method is based on known principles, which may help with learning. The performance involves handling a chain and specific movements. A magician with basic sleight of hand skills can learn it. The difficulty level is not high for a dedicated performer.

What magicians say

StevensMagicEmporium states that Neck Snapper is a "guaranteed reaction-getter". They note it is "perfect for magicians looking to inject a dose of shock and impossibility". The trick is described as ideal for leaving "a lasting impression". The philosophy behind the trick is to look back at classic ideas to bring magic forward. Roscoe Riff's commitment to his craft is highlighted, including an anecdote about him pouring concrete into his boots during a demonstration. This shows his dedication to a powerful performance.

What people are saying about Neck Snapper

StevensMagicEmporium says...

Neck Snapper is a penetration effect where a chain visibly passes through the neck, ideal as an opener or closer for magic sets to guarantee strong audience reactions. [...] It emphasizes the philosophy of looking back to classic ideas to innovate and bring magic forward.

Promotional videos