Portable Hole by David Roth

Effect

The Portable Hole is a classic coin magic routine that creates the illusion of coins disappearing and reappearing in unexpected ways. The magician uses a small, portable hole (often a felt or fabric prop) to make coins vanish and teleport back into an invisible purse or another location. The effect is clean, visual, and leaves the audience wondering how the coins move so seamlessly.

Full details

The Portable Hole routine was popularized by David Roth, a legendary figure in coin magic. The trick involves a combination of props and sleight of hand to create the illusion of coins passing through the hole. Craig Petty has adapted the routine for walk-around performances, eliminating the need for lapping or sitting, making it more practical for modern magicians. The routine uses an invisible purse and the portable hole to make coins appear and vanish without obvious sleight of hand.

Who should consider the trick

The Portable Hole is ideal for magicians who specialize in coin magic or those looking to add a versatile and visual routine to their repertoire. It’s particularly well-suited for walk-around performers, as Craig Petty’s adaptation makes it more practical for standing performances. Beginners with some experience in coin magic can also learn this trick, though it may require practice to master the angles and timing.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The Portable Hole is moderately difficult to perform. While it doesn’t rely heavily on advanced sleight of hand, it does require precise handling of the props and awareness of angles to maintain the illusion. Craig Petty’s walk-around adaptation simplifies some aspects of the routine, but performers still need to practice the timing and coordination between the hole and the invisible purse.

What magicians say

Craig Petty praises the Portable Hole for its practicality and visual impact, especially in his walk-around adaptation. He notes that the routine eliminates the need for lapping and sitting, making it more versatile for modern performances. He also warns performers to avoid throwing coins too hard into the hole, as they might fall through to the table. Other magicians, like Greg Petty, have also highlighted the trick’s effectiveness in strolling performances, emphasizing its clean and visual nature. David Roth’s original version is celebrated for its creativity and influence on coin magic, inspiring countless magicians to explore the possibilities of combining props with sleight of hand.