The Con by Dead Rebel Productions

Created by: Dead Rebel Productions

The Con is a mentalism-based magic trick that revolves around a narrative involving poker chips and a clever routine. The spectator is led through a procedure where they select poker chips, and through the magician's guidance, it's revealed that the third chip down matches the one in their pocket. This creates a strong, engaging moment. The trick is designed for close-up or parlour settings and comes with high-quality, weighty poker chips and a beautifully crafted lever wallet that enhances the storytelling aspect. The props have an aged, authentic look, adding to the atmosphere of the performance.

Where to buy

The Con by Steve Cook from Monster Magic
Monster MagicThe Con by Steve Cook£38.99
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The Con by Steve Cook from Magicbox
MagicboxThe Con by Steve Cook£39.96
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Key features

  • No sleight of hand required, making it accessible for beginners.

  • High-quality, weighty poker chips that feel premium.

  • Includes a cleverly designed lever wallet for presentation.

  • Comes with a strong, engaging routine that enhances the narrative.

  • Aged, authentic look to props for added storytelling depth.

Pros

  • Easy to learn and perform.

  • High-quality materials and craftsmanship.

  • Strong, engaging routine with a clever reveal.

  • Authentic, aged look enhances the performance atmosphere.

Cons

  • Markings on ESP cards (if used alongside) might be challenging to see in dim lighting.

Effect

The Con is a magic trick that uses poker chips to create a surprising and engaging effect. The performer tells a story about a psychiatrist named Dr. Nevin, who experimented with electroshock therapy and hallucinations. The spectator freely selects poker chips, and through a clever routine, the performer reveals that one chip matches a prediction made earlier. The trick ends with a strong, unexpected revelation that leaves the audience impressed.

Full details

The Con includes five high-quality poker chips, a lever wallet, and a small prediction card. The poker chips are heavy and well-made, avoiding a cheap plastic feel. The routine involves a simple but effective method that does not require advanced sleight of hand. The performer guides the spectator through a selection process, leading to a surprising match between one of the chips and a prediction. The included card provides a clever way to reinforce the effect, making the trick more convincing.

Who should consider the trick

The Con is ideal for magicians who enjoy storytelling and mentalism. It works well for performers who want a strong, easy-to-execute trick with minimal setup. Beginners will appreciate the lack of difficult sleight of hand, while experienced magicians can use it as a reliable piece in their routines. Those who perform in close-up or parlor settings will find it especially effective.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The Con is designed to be simple to perform. It requires no advanced sleight of hand, making it accessible to beginners. The routine is straightforward, with clear instructions provided. The only challenge may be getting comfortable with the presentation and timing, but the method itself is easy to master.

What magicians say

Steve Faulkner from RealMagicReview praised The Con for its high-quality materials and strong routine. He noted that the poker chips are "stunning" and "weighty," adding to the trick's authenticity. He also highlighted the clever use of the prediction card, calling it "way clever than it looks." The trick is described as beginner-friendly, with no major downsides. Faulkner mentioned that while the effect is not groundbreaking, the presentation and props make it a worthwhile addition to a magician's repertoire.

The Con is a well-crafted trick that combines storytelling with a strong magical effect. Its ease of performance and high-quality materials make it a solid choice for magicians at any skill level.

What people are saying about The Con

RealMagicReview says...

The Con stands out with its high-quality poker chips and a smart, engaging routine. The props are beautifully crafted and add depth to storytelling, making it a solid investment for mentalism acts.

Performance videos

Review videos