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Quarantine by Julio Montoro

Created by: Julio Montoro

Quarantine is a close-up magic trick that offers a fresh take on Jay Sankey’s *Paperclip*, with a signed-card twist. It blends psychological and visual effects, making it suitable for both live performances and social media. The trick is part of Julio Montoro’s *My Lecture Notes*, which includes a mix of original routines designed for everyday carry and impromptu performances.

Key features

  • Fresh take on a classic trick with a signed-card twist

  • Part of a comprehensive magic package including book, video tutorials, and gimmicks

  • Suitable for both live performances and social media

  • Designed for everyday carry and impromptu performances

Pros

  • Innovative twist on a classic effect

  • Highly visual and psychological

  • Portable and suitable for various performance settings

  • Comes with detailed tutorials and gimmicks

Cons

  • May require practice to master the signed-card twist

  • Part of a larger package, which may not be needed by everyone

Effect

The trick Quarantine is a modern take on Jay Sankey’s Paperclip effect, with an added twist involving a signed card. The audience sees a playing card selected and signed by a spectator, then seemingly isolated or "quarantined" in an impossible way. The effect combines visual surprise with strong audience interaction, making it memorable and engaging.

Full Details

Quarantine is part of Julio Montoro’s My Lecture Notes project, which includes 18 original routines. The trick falls under the Everyday Carry Magic and Impromptu Magic sections, meaning it uses portable gimmicks and can be performed with minimal setup. The method is designed to be practical for real-world performances, whether live or for social media.

Craig Petty has also discussed Quarantine in his Q&A sessions, mentioning that he considers re-releasing it due to its strong impact. The trick blends psychological and visual elements, making it versatile for different performing styles.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for magicians who:

  • Want a signed-card effect with a fresh presentation.
  • Prefer routines that work in both casual and formal settings.
  • Like gimmicks that are easy to carry and quick to reset.
  • Enjoy blending visual magic with psychological touches.

Difficulty

Quarantine is designed to be accessible. The gimmick does most of the work, so the performer can focus on presentation. While some practice is needed to ensure smooth handling, the method is not overly technical. Julio Montoro’s video tutorials provide clear instructions, making it suitable for intermediate magicians.

What Magicians Say

Craig Petty has praised Quarantine, calling it a strong effect worth revisiting. He mentions it in the context of discussing other high-impact tricks like Silver Dream and Playlist.

Julio Montoro describes Quarantine as a standout routine in his My Lecture Notes project, highlighting its practicality and visual appeal. He notes that it works well for both live performances and social media, making it a versatile addition to a magician’s repertoire.

The trick has been well-received for its clever twist on a classic concept, combining the familiarity of a signed card with an unexpected visual moment.

What people are saying about Quarantine

magic-tv says...

Craig talks about his trick 'Quarantine' and considers re-releasing it, highlighting its potential in the magic community.

MurphysMagicSupplies says...

'Quarantine': A fresh take on Jay Sankey’s *Paperclip*, with a signed-card twist, blending Spanish magical tradition with modern, social-media-ready visuals.

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