Thin Air by Ignacio Lopez

Effect

"Thin Air" is a silk-based magic prop that allows magicians to produce a deck of cards seemingly out of nowhere. The effect is visually striking—the performer lifts a piece of silk, and beneath it, a fully spread deck of cards appears instantly. The clean, impossible production makes it an excellent opener, generating strong audience reactions. The prop also supports additional routines, such as card transpositions and a diminishing aces routine, where four aces gradually reduce to one.

Full Details

"Thin Air" is a well-made, durable gimmick consisting of a black silk cloth. The primary effect is the production of a deck of cards, but the prop can also be used for other tricks, such as a card-through-table routine. The silk must be preset before the performance, and cleanup requires a table and careful handling to maintain the illusion. Angles are generally good, making it suitable for most performance settings, though the performer must be mindful of lighting conditions that could reveal the gimmick.

The included tutorial covers setup and additional ideas, though some reviewers, like Steve Faulkner, note that certain techniques (such as billet switches) may not be essential for most performers. The silk may require occasional ironing to keep it looking smooth and professional.

Who Should Consider the Trick

"Thin Air" is ideal for magicians looking for a strong visual opener that requires minimal sleight of hand. It works well in parlor and close-up settings where a table is available. Performers who enjoy silk magic or want a quick, impactful way to introduce a deck of cards will find this trick valuable. However, those seeking a highly versatile prop with endless applications may find its utility somewhat limited beyond its core routines.

Difficulty

The trick is not technically demanding, making it accessible to magicians of varying skill levels. The diminishing aces routine, while not "knuckle-busting," does require confidence and smooth handling to execute convincingly. The main challenge lies in the presentation—avoiding overuse of the gimmick and ensuring a natural flow into subsequent effects. Cleanup also requires some practice to maintain the illusion.

What Magicians Say

• Steve Faulkner (RealMagicReview) praises "Thin Air" as a "fantastic opener" with strong audience reactions. He particularly enjoyed the diminishing aces routine but cautioned against overusing the gimmick, as it could become obvious. He noted that while the prop is well-made, it may need occasional ironing.
• Luke Dancy (itsallthingsmagic) highlighted the trick’s visual appeal, calling it "really solid" and a great value for its price. He mentioned that it works well as an opener but emphasized the need for a table-based performance.
• Some magicians, like those in the community discussions, appreciate its simplicity but acknowledge that its applications are somewhat limited beyond specific routines.

Overall, "Thin Air" is a well-regarded prop for its visual impact and ease of use, making it a worthwhile addition for performers seeking a clean, eye-catching card production.