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No Bull by Chris Congreave

Created by: Chris Congreave

No Bull is a close-up magic trick that combines sleight of hand with bold theatricality, designed to baffle even seasoned magicians. It involves a card trick with a comedic twist, where the magician uses a crib with four humorous items (smell, underwear, fart, and person) to engage the audience. The trick is highly practical and commercial, perfect for real-world performances. It's a card magic routine with a strong kicker ending, making it memorable and entertaining for spectators.

Key features

  • Highly practical and commercial, designed for real-world performances

  • Combines sleight of hand with bold theatricality

  • Includes a comedic twist to engage the audience

  • Strong kicker ending for a memorable performance

  • Suitable for close-up magic settings

Pros

  • Fools even seasoned magicians

  • Highly entertaining with a comedic twist

  • Strong, performable material

  • Clear instructions with no filler content

  • Includes valuable essays on misdirection and pocket management

Cons

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Effect

"No Bull" is a card trick that combines humor, audience interaction, and a strong magical moment. A spectator freely selects a card, which is then lost in the deck. The magician introduces a playful element—a crib sheet with humorous options—before revealing the selected card in an impossible way. The trick ends with a surprise kicker, leaving the audience both amazed and entertained.

Full Details

The routine involves a standard deck of cards and a small crib sheet with comedic prompts. The spectator selects a card, which is shuffled back into the deck. The magician then uses the crib sheet to engage the audience, creating a lighthearted atmosphere. The climax involves the selected card being revealed in an unexpected manner, often with a twist that reinforces the playful nature of the trick.

Chris Congreave, the creator, emphasizes that "No Bull" is designed for real-world performances. It is structured to be engaging, easy to reset, and adaptable to different audiences. The trick includes built-in comedy, making it ideal for performers who want to combine magic with humor.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for:

  • Performers who enjoy interactive, comedic magic.
  • Close-up and strolling magicians looking for a quick, impactful routine.
  • Those who appreciate self-working or low-sleight tricks with strong audience reactions.

Difficulty

"No Bull" is not technically demanding. The method relies more on presentation and timing than complex sleight of hand. Even beginners can perform it effectively with minimal practice. The trick’s strength lies in its structure and humor, making it accessible to a wide range of performers.

What Magicians Say

Craig Petty, in his review of Chris Congreave’s book More Commercial Killers, highlights "No Bull" as a standout routine. He describes it as "a typical Chris Congreave trick—funny and commercial," noting that it fits seamlessly into a working magician’s set.

Jonathan Goodwin, known for blending magic with performance art, mentions "No Bull" as an example of how magic can combine deception with theatricality. He appreciates its bold, engaging presentation, which aligns with his philosophy of prioritizing emotional impact over technical complexity.

Overall, "No Bull" is praised for its practicality, humor, and strong audience reactions, making it a valuable addition to any performer’s repertoire.

What people are saying about No Bull

AlakazamMagicUK says...

No Bull: A recent creation that baffles even seasoned magicians, blending sleight of hand with bold theatricality.

magic-tv says...

No Bull is a typical Chris congreve trick, Chris loves magic that's funny and that comes from the fact that he's a commercial worker he performs in gigs where he's got to get people laughing he's a very funny performer.

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