Squash
Created by: Dave Loosely
Squash is a close-up magic trick where a spectator picks a card, signs it, and it's placed back into the deck. A bottle cap is then placed on top of the deck and slammed down, seemingly penetrating the deck. When the deck is spread, the bottle cap is found animated on the back of the signed card. The card is then bent, and the bottle cap is pushed out, now appearing crushed as it was in the animated image. This trick combines card magic with a physical object transformation, leaving the spectator with an impossible souvenir.
Key features
- Uses ordinary objects (bottle caps and a deck of cards)
- Leaves the spectator with a physical souvenir
- Combines card magic with object transformation
- Highly visual and interactive
- Suitable for close-up performances in bars or restaurants
Pros
- Strong visual impact
- Leaves a lasting impression with a souvenir
- Uses everyday objects, making it relatable
- Versatile for various performance settings
Cons
- Requires preparation with bottle caps
- May need practice to perfect the animation and bending techniques
What people are saying about Squash
Squash videos
Dave Loosley's Desert Island Tricks
In this episode, Dave Loosely dives deep into his top eight magic tricks, each chosen for their impact on his career and their ability to connect with audiences. Starting with 'Squash', a trick where a bottle cap impossibly penetrates a deck of cards, Dave shares how this trick became his signature. He also discusses 'The Magicians Matchbox', a Tenyo trick that blew his mind as a young magician, and 'Harmonica Chop Cup', a versatile and visually stunning routine. Other highlights include 'Envision', a coin transposition effect, and 'No Tear Paper Balls', a routine that plays big with just three napkins. Dave's selections reflect his love for tricks that use ordinary objects to create extraordinary moments. The conversation also touches on his approach to magic, emphasizing the importance of performance structure and creating multiple moments of wonder within a single routine.
Takeaways:
- Dave Loosely shares his top eight magic tricks, each chosen for their impact and audience connection.
- Highlights include 'Squash', a trick with a bottle cap and deck of cards, and 'Needle Through Balloon', a theatrical finale.
- Dave emphasizes the importance of performance structure and creating multiple moments of wonder in a routine.
- The tricks selected use ordinary objects to create extraordinary moments, reflecting Dave's magic philosophy.
- Dave's approach to magic combines clever methods with thoughtful presentations and theatrics.