Retention Vanish by Oscar Owen and Jay Sankey

Created by: Oscar Owen, Jay Sankey

The Retention Vanish is a classic close-up coin magic trick where a coin visually disappears from the performer's hands in an instant. Using the principle of retention of vision, the magician creates the illusion of transferring the coin from one hand to the other, but secretly retains it in the original hand, leaving the audience baffled as the hand that should hold the coin is shown empty. This highly visual vanish can stand alone as a complete effect or be integrated into routines, requiring no special props—just a single coin—making it perfect for impromptu performances. Buyers should note that while the basic steps are simple, mastering the timing, hand coordination, and smooth execution is key to making the vanish look like real magic rather than a sleight.

Key features

Relies on the principle of retention of vision for deception
Requires only a single coin with no special props
Can be learned through a step-by-step breakdown into manageable parts
Emphasizes practice, timing, and hand coordination for smooth execution
Suitable for beginners to advanced magicians, with variations like Palm Up, Upside Down, and Clipped methods

Pros

Highly visual and impactful as a standalone effect
Accessible for impromptu performances with minimal equipment
Easy to learn basic steps with clear tutorials available
Versatile with advanced variations for different styles

Cons

Requires significant practice to avoid awkward movements
Timing must be perfect to maintain the illusion
Some variations, like the Upside Down method, need extra practice for the swing motion

Effect

The Retention Vanish makes a coin disappear instantly from your hands. The audience sees you take the coin in one hand. You then open that hand to show it is empty. The coin has vanished completely. This is a visual effect that happens in plain sight. It does not require any special props or setup.

Full details

The Retention Vanish is a fundamental sleight in coin magic. It uses the principle of retention of vision. This principle tricks the eye into seeing something that is not really happening. The magician appears to transfer the coin from one hand to the other. In reality, the coin is secretly kept in the original hand. Oscar Owen describes it as a three-step process. The steps are a fake transfer, a secret retention, and a final display of the empty hand. Jay Sankey teaches variations like the Palm Up method and the Upside Down method. The Upside Down method uses a swinging motion for better timing. The Clipped method simplifies the grip by holding the coin between the fingers. This vanish only requires a single coin. It is a complete magic effect by itself.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is good for many types of magicians. Beginners can learn it because the steps are broken down simply. Oscar states it is an accessible entry point into coin magic. Intermediate and advanced magicians can use it to improve their skills. Jay Sankey's tutorials are aimed at performers looking to level up their coin magic. It is ideal for close-up and street magic settings. It works well for impromptu performances because you only need a coin. If you want a visual and direct magic effect, this trick is a strong choice.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The basic Retention Vanish is relatively easy to learn. Oscar Owen says it is easy to acquire if you follow the steps. However, making it look like real magic requires practice. Proper rehearsal is key to a smooth execution. Jay Sankey highlights that timing and hand coordination are important for deception. Some variations are more challenging. The Palm Up method needs perfect timing. The Upside Down method requires practice to nail the swinging motion. The Clipped method can look awkward if not done smoothly. Mirror work is recommended for mastering the techniques. Overall, the difficulty ranges from beginner-friendly to advanced depending on the variation you choose.

What magicians say

Oscar Owen calls the Retention Vanish the best coin vanish in the world. He says it is highly visual and can stand alone as a complete effect. He emphasizes that it is a powerful addition to any close-up magician's repertoire. Jay Sankey notes that the Upside Down Retention Vanish offers extra time to sell the illusion. He says the Clipped method simplifies thumb movement. Both magicians stress the importance of practice. Oscar includes a dedicated section on how to practice the move effectively. Jay advises that pacing and finger placement are crucial. The trick is praised for its visual impact and simplicity. It is a foundational technique that opens the door to more complex routines.

What people are saying about Retention Vanish

AMillionCardTricks says...

The retention vanish is used in a bold deck toss from hand to hand, retaining the top and bottom cards to set up a surprise ending. It relies on timing and misdirection for a strong visual punch.

Jay Sankey says...

The Upside Down Retention Vanish relies on a swinging motion for better timing and deception, giving you extra time to sell the illusion. Practice is key for smooth execution.

Oscar Owen says...

The retention vanish is broken down into three simple steps for easy learning. It is a highly visual coin vanish that can stand alone as a complete magic effect, requiring no special props—only a single coin.