Tic Tac Toe Lite by Bond Lee and Kai Fu Wang

Effect

The audience sees a standard game of Tic Tac Toe played on a small magnetic grid. The magician and a spectator take turns placing X's and O's, with the game ending in a draw. When the magician flips the board, the moves secretly form a hidden image, such as the Mona Lisa or a playing card. The spectator believes they had free choice in placing their marks, but the final image appears as if planned all along.

Full details

Tic Tac Toe Lite is a compact version of the classic Tic Tac Toe magic trick. It uses a magnetic grid and forced placements to create a predetermined image from the game's moves. The spectator chooses where to place their marks, but the magician handles the tiles to ensure proper orientation. The trick includes customizable stickers, allowing performers to reveal different images, such as playing cards, artwork, or personalized messages.

The method relies on a clever magnetic system that guides the game's outcome without the spectator realizing it. The tutorial explains setup and performance, though it was originally made for an older version of the trick, requiring minor adjustments for Tic Tac Toe Lite.

Who should consider the trick

This trick suits magicians who enjoy interactive, visual magic with a strong surprise ending. It works well in close-up, table hopping, or small parlor settings. Performers who like customizable tricks will appreciate the ability to tailor the reveal for different audiences, such as birthdays, trade shows, or themed events.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The trick requires some memory work at the start to guide the game toward the intended image. The magician must smoothly handle the tiles to ensure proper orientation without raising suspicion. While not overly complex, practice is needed to make the game appear natural and the reveal seamless. The setup involves applying stickers and marking the board, which must be done carefully.

What magicians say

Alex Kirk describes Tic Tac Toe Lite as "a fun, interactive trick with strong visual appeal." He praises its customization options, noting that performers can adapt it for different occasions. However, he mentions the price as a potential drawback, calling it "quite pricey for the size."

The trick's interactive nature and surprise ending make it engaging, but performers should be prepared to manage spectator expectations, as they cannot physically place their own tiles. Kirk suggests the small version for close-up work and the larger sizes for parlor or stage performances.

Overall, Tic Tac Toe Lite is a polished and entertaining trick, ideal for magicians who enjoy audience participation and visual reveals.