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Paragon 3D by Jon Allen

Created by: Jon Allen

Paragon 3D is a visually stunning close-up magic trick that involves a card transforming in three dimensions, creating an impossible visual effect that leaves spectators in awe. This trick is a refinement of Wayne Dobson’s 360, with a handling so deceptive it even fooled Dobson himself. It's perfect for magicians looking to add a high-impact, visually deceptive card trick to their repertoire.

Key features

  • Visually stunning 3D card transformation

  • Refinement of Wayne Dobson’s 360 with deceptive handling

  • High-impact effect suitable for close-up performances

  • Creates an impossible visual effect that fools even knowledgeable magicians

Pros

  • Highly deceptive and visually impressive

  • Suitable for magicians of various skill levels

  • Refined handling makes the trick more practical and fooling

  • Creates a lasting impression on spectators

Cons

  • May require practice to master the refined handling

  • Specific to card magic enthusiasts

Effect

Paragon 3D is a visually striking card trick where a selected card appears to rise out of the deck in a three-dimensional illusion. The effect mimics a pop-up card, creating the impression that the chosen card is physically lifting from the rest of the deck. The presentation is clean and impossible-looking, making it a strong piece for close-up or stage performances.

Full Details

The trick builds on principles from Wayne Dobson’s 360, but with a refined handling that enhances deception. Jon Allen developed Paragon 3D to improve the practicality and visual impact of the original concept. The method is designed to be smooth and natural, eliminating awkward movements that might tip the method.

The trick works with any borrowed deck, and no gimmicks are left behind. The card can be signed for added impossibility. The handling is adaptable, allowing performers to integrate it into existing routines or use it as a standalone effect.

Who Should Consider the Trick

Paragon 3D is ideal for magicians who want a visually deceptive card trick that plays big in close-up or parlor settings. It suits performers who value clean, angle-proof methods and enjoy refining their handling for maximum impact. The trick is particularly useful for those who perform for lay audiences, as the 3D illusion is immediately engaging.

Difficulty

The trick requires intermediate-level card handling skills. While the mechanics are not overly complex, achieving a smooth and natural presentation takes practice. The method involves precise finger positioning and timing, but Jon Allen’s refinements make it more accessible than earlier versions of similar effects.

What Magicians Say

Jon Allen describes Paragon 3D as a deceptive improvement on existing methods, noting that even Wayne Dobson was fooled by the handling. The trick’s strength lies in its visual clarity and the impossibility of the effect.

SaturnMagicShop highlights the importance of clean execution in tricks like this, especially when the card is visible to the audience. They emphasize that tools like the Perfect Score (a device for perfecting card folds) can help ensure a polished presentation when integrating Paragon 3D into routines that involve folded cards.

PenguinMagicShop’s discussion with Jon Allen reinforces that Paragon 3D is a result of problem-solving in magic—taking an existing concept and refining it for better performance. The trick exemplifies Allen’s philosophy of simplicity and practicality in magic.

For magicians looking for a visually strong card illusion with a deceptive method, Paragon 3D is a compelling choice.

What people are saying about Paragon 3D

penguinmagicshop says...

Jon Allen’s Paragon 3D evolved from Wayne Dobson’s 360, with a handling so deceptive it even fooled Dobson himself. [...] His magic is rooted in simplicity and practicality, prioritizing how props and routines feel to audiences.

SaturnMagicShop says...

The Perfect Score simplifies the Mercury card fold, allowing for a more natural and confident presentation. It makes the Mercury card fold accessible to magicians of all skill levels.

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