The Matrix by Craig Petty

The Matrix: A Detailed Analysis for Aspiring Magicians

Here’s a breakdown of Craig Petty’s “The Matrix” coin trick, designed to help you determine if it’s a worthwhile addition to your repertoire.

Effect: What the Trick Looks Like

“The Matrix” presents a series of seemingly impossible coin manipulations. The core effect involves a leader coin, a half-dot coin, and a Chinese coin, each vanishing and reappearing in unexpected locations. The performance relies on smooth, deceptive movements and a visually striking presentation, creating the illusion of coins defying gravity and transforming before the audience’s eyes. It evokes a sense of futuristic technology and mystery, mirroring the iconic film.

Full Details

This trick centers around Craig Petty’s Mirage Coin Set, a collection of specially designed coins. The set includes:

• Leader Coin: This coin is the focal point of the routine, initiating the sequence of vanishes and reappearances.
• Half-Dot Coin: A coin with a distinctive half-dot marking, used in a key maneuver.
• Chinese Coin: This coin presents the most significant challenge due to its hole, requiring a specific handling technique.

The method utilizes a combination of classic coin sleights, including palmings, false transfers, and controlled movements. The key to the illusion lies in the precise timing and misdirection employed by the performer. The video demonstrates a clear, step-by-step presentation, highlighting the visual impact of the coins and the fluidity of the movements. As AlakazamMagicUK notes, “this is the leader coin gonna go from there to there okay first going to cover is going to be this one here right is going to be the half dot from there [Music] last going to go is going to be the chinese kind of chinese coin it's always the most difficult one i think because it's got hole in it then we'll go for it from there”.

Who Should Consider the Trick

“The Matrix” is best suited for magicians with a moderate level of coin handling experience. While the video showcases a polished performance, the reviewer, “itsallthingsmagic,” acknowledges that beginners might find the complexity a bit challenging. The reviewer states, “beginners might find the complexity a bit challenging.” The inclusion of a detailed video tutorial from John Graham and Aussie Wind, included with the set, is a significant benefit. The trick is particularly appealing to performers who enjoy visually impressive effects and are comfortable with a slightly more involved routine. The ability to perform in multiple languages, as highlighted by “AlakazamMagicUK,” expands its potential appeal.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The difficulty level is considered moderate. The core sleights are not overly complex, but the execution requires precision and confidence. The Chinese coin, due to its hole, presents a unique challenge. The reviewer emphasizes that the method doesn’t rely on gimmicked surfaces, but rather on skillful handling and misdirection. As noted, “the thinking that’s gone in this allow you to at the end before you do the final reveal you can show the stick and you are clean at that point before you do the tap where the coins appear some very nice thinking has gone into this to make it to where it's not just a visual piece that's not practical this is something he's really thought about all the little details to make this workable four different situations”. The instant reset feature, praised by “AlakazamMagicUK,” is a valuable asset for repeat performances. The need for a black performing surface adds a specific requirement for the performance environment.

What Magicians Say

• AlakazamMagicUK: “This video is a fantastic showcase for the Mirage Coin Set, proving its worth for any coin magic enthusiast.” This reviewer highlights the set’s versatility and visual appeal, emphasizing the smooth moves and clear demonstrations.
• itsallthingsmagic: “This is a amazing awesome take on the classic baby gag.” This reviewer praises the instant reset feature as a significant advantage, stating, “it’s very easy to do um there's no palming involved um there is no special wallets that you're having to use no gimmick wallets nothing like that”. The reviewer also notes the adaptability of the trick to different languages and the inclusion of multiple celebrity reveals in the “Fast Forward” variation.
• Lee Myung-Joon (via video): “The performing conditions for this uh are close up uh because this is something that looks so good on video can it be done close up and it totally can we actually have a video from my pal Matt Johnson where he's performing this on the floor with the camera looking right at this and it still looks really really good”. This statement underscores the importance of a close-up performance environment.