The Light by Chris Congreave

Effect

The Light by Chris Congreave is a card-to-impossible-location effect where a signed or freely selected card vanishes from the deck and appears inside a lighter. The lighter is in play from the start, making the moment of revelation even more surprising. The trick can also be adapted for notes, billets, or even cigarettes, making it highly versatile.

Full details

The trick uses a specially designed lighter that conceals the card until the magician reveals it. The lighter is fully functional for flash paper (though it cannot produce a real flame) and fits easily in a pocket, making it practical for close-up performances. The gimmick includes a red-backed Bicycle card, but it can be customized with any card.

Multiple routines are included, ranging from straightforward card revelations to more complex presentations involving misdirection and gambling-themed explanations. The method involves a specific folding technique, which is not overly difficult but requires practice to execute smoothly.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is ideal for magicians who:

• Perform close-up or walk-around magic.
• Want a compact alternative to larger card-to-impossible-location props.
• Enjoy versatile effects that can be adapted for different objects (cards, notes, etc.).
• Are comfortable with basic sleight-of-hand and misdirection.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The main challenge is mastering the folding technique, which is not a Mercury fold but still requires practice. Steve Faulkner notes that while the fold may seem intimidating at first, it becomes easy with repetition. The trick relies on timing and misdirection, so performers should be comfortable handling these elements naturally.

What magicians say

Steve Faulkner praises The Light for its practicality and strong audience reactions. He mentions:

• "It's great for pocket space, and that is becoming more and more important."
• "The responses are just brilliant—they're very hysteric."
• "It's very versatile... you can do a note, you can do a billet, anything like that."

He also highlights the quality of the prop, stating, "It's been very well made, it's going to last you forever." While acknowledging the price, he believes the durability and impact justify the cost.

Overall, The Light is a well-regarded trick that combines strong magic with practical performance options.