Sharpie Through Card by Bob Romley and Peter Nardi

Created by: Bob Romley, Peter Nardi

Sharpie Through Card is a visually stunning close-up magic trick where a Sharpie marker appears to penetrate directly through the center of a playing card, often one that has been signed by a spectator for added authenticity. The card remains completely undamaged with no holes, making it a baffling optical illusion that leaves audiences questioning reality. This trick is ideal for impromptu performances using everyday objects like a standard deck and a Sharpie, and it typically involves a custom gimmick for seamless execution. Buyers should note that it is angle-sensitive, requiring careful audience management, but it offers an instant reset and can be easily integrated into card routines or used as a standalone effect for social media, street magic, or professional sets.

Where to buy

Monster Magic

Quantum (Sharpie Through Card) by Calen Morelli

£46.99

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Key features

Uses a high-quality custom gimmick for reliable performance
Instant reset allows for quick repetition
Angle-sensitive; best performed with controlled viewing angles
Incorporates misdirection for clean handling and gimmick disposal
Portable and discreet, fitting in a deck's cellophane
Works with signed cards to enhance spectator impact
Suitable for close-up, street, and social media magic

Pros

High visual impact with a clean, impossible-looking penetration
Practical and durable for frequent professional use
Easy to learn and perform with minimal sleight of hand
Leaves card and pen undamaged, allowing for examination
Versatile for various performance settings

Cons

Angle sensitivity limits performance from certain viewpoints
Method may be predictable for experienced magicians
Relies on camera angles for optimal effect in video formats

Effect

The Sharpie Through Card trick creates a strong visual illusion. A magician shows a playing card and a Sharpie marker. The Sharpie appears to penetrate directly through the center of the card. The card is then shown to be completely undamaged. The effect is quick and visually striking. It often uses a signed card to increase the sense of impossibility.

Full details

This trick is a modern adaptation of classic penetration plots. It typically uses a custom gimmick designed by Bob Romley. The effect includes a downloadable tutorial by Peter Nardi. The tutorial covers handling, presentation, and performance tips. The trick features an instant reset. This means you can perform it again quickly. The gimmick is discreet. It can be stored inside a deck's cellophane wrapper. This makes the trick portable for street magic or professional sets. The props are ordinary. You use a standard deck of cards and a Sharpie marker. This makes the effect more baffling for audiences.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is suitable for magicians who perform close-up magic. It works well in social settings like pubs or casual gatherings. It is ideal for magicians who want a quick, visual opener for their card routines. The trick is also good for creating short-form video content for social media. Its high visual impact makes it effective for capturing audience attention quickly. Magicians who prefer organic props will find this trick fits their style.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The Sharpie Through Card trick is simple to learn. The method is not technically difficult. However, the trick is angle sensitive. You must control the audience's viewing angle for the illusion to work. Misdirection is important for cleanly ditching the gimmick after the effect. The tutorial provides clear instructions on handling and crowd management. With practice, most magicians can perform this trick effectively. It does not require advanced sleight of hand skills.

What magicians say

Reviewers praise the trick for its visual impact. ChampionMagic calls it a "visual masterpiece" and notes that spectators are typically too baffled to scrutinize the method. AlakazamMagicUK states the trick is "SO VISUAL!" and labels it "A proper WORKER!", indicating it is reliable for frequent professional use. They also mention that the trick leaves no hole in the card, making it a great souvenir for spectators. Lloyd Barnes mentions that his Sharpie Through Card video became his most viral YouTube upload, highlighting its strong audience appeal. Magic-tv notes that the trick is "quick, visually impressive, and uses a signed card for added effect." Multiple reviewers, including AlakazamMagicUK, caution that the trick is angle sensitive and requires careful performance to maintain the illusion.

What people are saying about Sharpie Through Card

AlakazamMagicUK says...

The Sharpie pen appears to penetrate the card in a striking visual moment, yet the card remains completely undamaged. The trick is fast, visually impressive, and ideal for social media due to its instant wow factor.

ChampionMagic says...

The reviewer, clearly impressed, calls it a 'visual masterpiece' and demonstrates its power with a live performance clip where a signed card seemingly absorbs a Sharpie—leaving spectators stunned.

Craig Petty says...

The trick involves a spectator signing a card, after which Craig makes it seem like a Sharpie penetrates the card. The illusion is revealed when the card is shown to be undamaged.

lloydb says...

Lloyd highlights two of his most successful creations—Acme Hole and Sharpie Through Card (his most viral YouTube video).

magic-tv says...

The trick is quick, engaging, and perfect for a short-form video format. The performance is light-hearted and fun, with Ryland's playful energy adding to the appeal.

Peter Nardi says...

Peter Nardi's Sharpie Through Card (STC) is a visually striking trick where a Sharpie pen seems to penetrate a playing card, creating a mesmerizing effect. The trick is simple to learn and perform, making it ideal for magicians of all levels.