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Retention Vanish

The Retention Vanish is a classic close-up magic trick where a coin or small object visually disappears from the performer's hand. This trick is a staple in coin magic and is known for its direct visual impact, making it ideal for close-up or street magic settings. The vanish relies on precise timing, hand coordination, and misdirection to create the illusion that the object has vanished into thin air. Variations of the Retention Vanish can be adapted for different objects, such as pens, and can range from beginner-friendly to advanced techniques.

Key features

  • Versatile technique that can be adapted for coins, pens, and other small objects

  • Ranges from beginner to advanced levels, making it accessible to a wide range of magicians

  • Relies on timing, hand coordination, and misdirection for effective execution

  • Visual impact makes it ideal for close-up and street magic

  • Can be combined with other techniques like the French Drop or False Transfer for more complex routines

Pros

  • Strong visual impact

  • Versatile and adaptable to different objects and skill levels

  • No special equipment needed, making it impromptu

  • Can be a foundational skill for more advanced coin magic

Cons

  • Requires practice to master timing and hand coordination

  • Some variations may look awkward if not executed smoothly

  • Advanced techniques may require more practice to nail the illusion

Effect

The Retention Vanish makes a coin or small object appear to disappear instantly from the performer's hand. The audience sees the object held openly before it vanishes without any obvious movement or cover. The effect is direct and visual, making it ideal for close-up magic where clarity is important.

Full Details

The Retention Vanish is a sleight-of-hand technique used to make an object disappear while maintaining the illusion that it is still in the hand. Different variations exist, each with its own advantages:

  • Palm Up Retention Vanish: Uses a forward-and-down motion to create the illusion that the coin remains in the hand.
  • Upside Down Retention Vanish: Relies on a swinging motion for better timing and deception, giving extra time to sell the illusion.
  • Clipped Retention Vanish: The coin is clipped between fingers, simplifying thumb movement and making the vanish smoother.

The technique works best with proper timing, lighting, and smooth hand coordination. Some versions require more practice than others to avoid awkward movements.

Who Should Consider the Trick

The Retention Vanish is useful for:

  • Beginners looking for a foundational coin sleight.
  • Intermediate to advanced magicians who want to refine their vanishes.
  • Performers who value visual magic with minimal misdirection.
  • Close-up and street magicians needing quick, impactful effects.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The difficulty varies by method:

  • Palm Up Retention Vanish: Requires precise timing to avoid flashing.
  • Upside Down Retention Vanish: Needs practice to perfect the swinging motion.
  • Clipped Retention Vanish: Easier grip but must be executed smoothly.

Beginners may need more practice to make the vanish look natural, while experienced magicians can adapt it for different objects like pens.

What Magicians Say

  • Jay Sankey highlights the importance of timing and hand coordination, noting that the Upside Down method gives extra illusion time while the Clipped method simplifies the grip.
  • Oscar mentions that visual vanishes like the Retention Vanish are effective because they bypass lengthy misdirection, making them ideal for direct performances.
  • AMillionCardTricks references the Retention Vanish in card routines, showing its versatility beyond coin magic.

The Retention Vanish is a foundational technique that can be adapted for different objects and performance styles. With practice, it becomes a powerful tool in a magician's repertoire.

What people are saying about Retention Vanish

AMillionCardTricks says...

The Retention Vanish: A bold deck toss from hand to hand retains the top and bottom cards, setting up the final reveal.

oscar says...

Visual vanishes are often favored for their instantaneous effect, bypassing the need for lengthy misdirection. [...] Pens are challenging objects to vanish cleanly due to their size and shape, so a well-executed pen vanish suggests a refined technique.

SankeyMagic says...

The Upside Down Retention Vanish relies on a swinging motion for better timing and deception. [...] The Clipped Retention Vanish clips the coin between fingers, making thumb movement easier.

Performance videos

Tutorial videos