Phoenix by Hansen Chen

Effect

Phoenix is a bill restoration trick where a magician visibly punctures a hole through a borrowed dollar bill. The audience can see and feel the hole before the magician instantly restores the bill to its original state. The restored bill can be examined, making the effect highly deceptive.

Full details

Phoenix includes 32 one-time-use gimmicks and a 16-minute tutorial. The gimmicks are nearly invisible, even under close inspection, though lighting conditions may affect visibility. The trick requires no sleight of hand, making it beginner-friendly. Setup takes under 30 seconds, and the restored bill can be handed out, though overly curious spectators may risk exposing the method.

Who should consider the trick

Phoenix is ideal for close-up magicians who want a direct, visual restoration effect. It suits beginners due to its self-working nature but can also be used by experienced performers for its clean handling. Since each performance requires a new gimmick, it is best reserved for special occasions rather than frequent use.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

Phoenix is rated as easy to perform, with no advanced sleight of hand needed. The tutorial provides clear instructions, and the method is straightforward. However, proper pacing and audience management are important to maximize the effect.

What magicians say

Fiddlinjonny praises Phoenix for its simplicity and examinable restoration, calling it a "must-have" for close-up performers. He notes that while the one-time-use gimmicks add cost per performance, the effect justifies the expense.

AlexisReviews highlights the trick's realism, stating that spectators can "feel and see the hole before it vanishes." He rates it 3 out of 4 for impact but advises caution with overly curious spectators.

Magic Orthodoxy ranks Phoenix as one of the most-watched trick reviews of 2024, mentioning David Copperfield's endorsement as "the best bill restore in the history of the world."

Hanson Chien, the creator, emphasizes the organic and interactive nature of the trick, recommending the use of borrowed bills for maximum impact.

Some reviewers, like Craig Petty, criticize Phoenix for impracticality in certain settings, but most agree it delivers a strong visual and tactile illusion when performed correctly.