The Sexy SA Sandwich by Aaron Fisher and Vanishing Inc

Effect: The Sexy SA Sandwich

The “Sexy SA Sandwich” is a card manipulation routine presented as a deceptive and visually impressive flourish. It involves a seemingly simple transfer of a card from one hand to the other, but with a carefully constructed sequence of movements that creates the illusion of instantaneous disappearance and reappearance. The name itself suggests a playful, slightly suggestive presentation, contributing to the overall misdirection.

Full Details

The Sexy SA Sandwich is a core component of Aaron Fisher’s The Paper Engine, a system focused on making sleight-of-hand appear invisible. It’s built around a specific sequence of finger actions and misdirection designed to draw the audience’s attention away from the mechanics of the move. The routine utilizes a standard deck of playing cards. The core action involves taking a card from the deck, seemingly placing it on top of the other hand, and then instantly producing it in the receiving hand. The key to the illusion lies in the precise timing and subtle movements that conceal the actual transfer. It’s a relatively compact routine, suitable for close-up magic and designed to be performed with a moderate level of audience engagement.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is suitable for magicians of varying experience levels, particularly those interested in developing a strong foundation in invisible sleight-of-hand. It’s recommended for performers who appreciate a visually appealing flourish and are willing to invest time in mastering the subtle finger work involved. The routine’s emphasis on misdirection makes it a good choice for magicians who want to elevate their performance beyond simple card handling. As Johnny Thompson noted, the material is “top notch” and will “enhance the repertoire of any serious student of card magic.” It’s particularly beneficial for magicians seeking to create a sense of wonder and astonishment in their audiences.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The Sexy SA Sandwich isn’t inherently difficult to learn, but achieving a truly deceptive performance requires dedicated practice. The core movements are relatively simple, but the timing and precision of the finger work are crucial. According to Aaron Fisher, the technique is designed to be “direct, powerful, and deceptive,” emphasizing that the placement of each finger is carefully considered to minimize attention on the hands. The 20th anniversary edition includes a new chapter dedicated to refining the Gravity Half Pass, suggesting that mastering this move is a prerequisite for executing the Sexy SA Sandwich effectively. Fisher himself spent 20 years perfecting the technique, highlighting the need for substantial practice to achieve a polished and convincing presentation.

What Magicians Say

Johnny Thompson, a prominent figure in the magic community, praised the material in The Paper Engine as “top notch” and stated it would “enhance the repertoire of any serious student of card magic.” He specifically highlighted the book’s focus on invisible sleight-of-hand and audience management. Aaron Fisher, the author, emphasizes that the book’s philosophy centers on making the audience focus on the effect rather than the method. He describes the techniques as “designed down to where you put each finger so that your audience can focus on the magic and not your hands.”