Omnid by Drew Perry

Effect

The Omnid is a popular close-up magic trick that transforms a deck of playing cards into a solid plastic block. The effect is visual and surprising, making it a strong finale for card routines. The audience sees a normal deck of cards, but with a snap of the fingers or a magical gesture, the entire deck instantly changes into a single plastic block. The transformation is clean and leaves spectators puzzled, as there is no obvious method for how the cards merge into one solid object.

Full Details

The Omnid is designed to look like a standard deck of cards until the moment of transformation. The plastic block it turns into is smooth and uniform, making the change even more baffling. Unlike some other transformation tricks, the Omnid does not rely on complex mechanics—instead, it uses a clever principle that allows for a quick and deceptive switch.

One limitation mentioned by reviewers is that the plastic block itself does not have an obvious thematic connection to the cards. This is where Drew Perry’s Brick deck (a variation inspired by Omnid) improves upon the concept by turning cards into Lego bricks, which audiences instantly recognize and find more engaging.

Who Should Consider the Trick

The Omnid is ideal for:

• Close-up magicians who want a strong visual transformation effect.
• Performers who enjoy card magic but want a surprising twist to end their routines.
• Those looking for a reliable, easy-to-use gimmick that requires minimal setup.

If you prefer a more thematic and visually appealing version, alternatives like Brick (which turns cards into Lego) may be a better fit.

Difficulty

The Omnid is considered easy to moderate in difficulty. The handling is straightforward, but proper timing and misdirection are key to making the transformation convincing. Since it does not require advanced sleight of hand, it is accessible to both beginners and experienced magicians.

What Magicians Say

Craig Petty, in his review of Brick (a similar concept to Omnid), highlights the limitations of the original Omnid:

"Here's the problem with Omnid—it turns into a plastic block. What is a plastic block? Why has it turned into a plastic block? Is there a reason?"

He praises Drew Perry’s Brick as an improvement because it replaces the generic plastic block with Lego bricks, which have instant audience recognition. However, he still acknowledges Omnid as one of the most popular close-up magic products in the last decade.

The Omnid remains a strong choice for magicians who want a quick, visual transformation, but those looking for a more engaging presentation may prefer variations like Brick.