Tennis by Alex Ng and Henry Harrius

Effect

The magic trick Tennis by Alex Ng is a prediction effect that uses a seemingly ordinary tennis ball as its central prop. A spectator freely names any playing card, and the tennis ball is used to naturally select three participants. The last participant holds the ball, which is then revealed to contain a folded card inside. When opened, it matches the exact card named earlier, creating a surprising and impossible moment for the audience.

Full Details

Tennis is part of the HHP Worker Series, curated by Henry Harrius, and is designed for real-world performance conditions. The tennis ball appears completely normal, with no visible gimmicks, and has been tested for durability to behave like a real tennis ball. The trick does not require any force or equivocation, allowing spectators to freely name any card. The reset is quick, making it suitable for repeat performances.

The effect is self-contained, meaning it does not rely on complex sleight of hand or additional props beyond the tennis ball and a deck of cards. The method is cleverly constructed to ensure a clean presentation with strong audience impact.

Who Should Consider the Trick

Tennis is ideal for magicians who perform walkaround, close-up, or stage magic. It works well in interactive settings where audience participation enhances the experience. Mentalists may also find it appealing due to its psychological and prediction-based nature.

The trick is marketed toward working magicians who need practical, commercial effects that play big with spectators. It is suitable for performers who prefer minimal sleight of hand but still want a high-impact routine.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The difficulty level of Tennis is moderate. While it does not require advanced sleight of hand, performers will need to practice the handling and presentation to ensure smooth execution. The natural selection process of participants using the tennis ball requires some audience management skills.

Reviewers note that the trick is accessible to intermediate-level magicians, but beginners may need additional time to master the subtleties of the routine. The reset is quick, making it easy to perform multiple times in a single setting.

What Magicians Say

• YinHoweMagic praised the trick for its clean presentation and strong audience impact, noting that the tennis ball’s normal appearance enhances the deception.
• Magic-TV (Craig Petty and Ryland) provided an honest critique, discussing its practicality and suitability for different skill levels. They likely offered performance tips on angles and audience management.
• Nique Tan endorsed the trick, suggesting it aligns well with mentalism and interactive magic styles.
• Magic Orthodoxy reviewed the trick, likely covering its method, difficulty, and performance value, providing a balanced assessment for potential buyers.

Overall, Tennis is described as a visually deceptive and practical effect that plays well in real-world conditions. Its use of an everyday object makes it stand out, and its quick reset allows for repeated performances. Magicians looking for a fresh prediction effect with minimal sleight of hand should consider this trick.