Stretching The Queen by BestMagic

Created by: BestMagic

Stretching The Queen is a visually striking card trick where a standard-sized queen card appears to stretch into a longer version before returning to normal. This close-up magic trick is designed for beginners and seasoned magicians alike, requiring minimal sleight of hand and focusing on a clever optical illusion. The trick involves three cards: two tens and a queen, with a gimmick created by cutting a second queen slightly off-center and gluing it to one of the tens. The effect is ideal for casual or social performances, offering a quick, visual piece that captivates audiences with minimal props.

Key features

Uses an optical illusion for a visually striking effect
Designed for beginners, requiring minimal sleight of hand
Involves a gimmicked card for the stretching effect
Ideal for casual or social performances
Quick reset and easy to carry around

Pros

Accessible for beginners
Visually striking effect
Minimal props required
Quick to learn and perform
Strong audience reaction

Cons

Relies on a gimmick which may wear out over time
Requires careful handling to avoid exposing the method
Limited to close-up performances

Effect

In Stretching The Queen, the magician shows three cards—two red tens and a queen. The queen appears to stretch or elongate in a surreal visual transformation before returning to its original size. The effect is quick, playful, and visually engaging, making it ideal for casual performances.

Full details

The trick uses a simple gimmick created by cutting a second queen card slightly off-center and attaching it to one of the tens. This setup allows the queen to appear to stretch when handled correctly. The routine involves reverse counting to maintain the illusion of fairness and a smooth reveal of the stretching effect.

Key elements include:

A gimmicked card made with glue and careful alignment.
Reverse counting to reinforce the queen’s position.
A stretching motion that sells the illusion without exposing the method.

Who should consider the trick

Stretching The Queen is best suited for:

Beginners looking for an easy-to-learn visual trick.
Performers who enjoy quick, playful effects for social settings.
Magicians interested in DIY gimmicks and simple card transformations.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The trick is rated as beginner-friendly, requiring minimal sleight of hand. The main challenges are:

Crafting the gimmick cleanly to avoid detection.
Timing the reveal to maximize surprise.
Handling the cards smoothly to prevent flashing the method.

With practice, the trick can be performed confidently in under a minute.

What magicians say

Reviewers highlight the trick’s strong visual impact and accessibility. BestMagic notes that it "relies on a clever optical illusion rather than complex sleight of hand," making it great for beginners. They also emphasize the importance of timing, stating that "practicing the reveal is crucial to avoid exposing the method."

Another reviewer praises its versatility, calling it "ideal for casual or playful performances" and a fun addition to any card routine. The trick’s simplicity and immediate audience reaction make it a popular choice for magicians of varying skill levels.

What people are saying about Stretching The Queen

BestMagic says...

The trick relies on a clever optical illusion rather than complex sleight of hand, making it accessible for beginners. [...] The creator loves its simplicity and the immediate reaction it generates, making it a strong candidate for social or casual performances.