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Traveling Chips by R Paul Wilson and Steven Delaere

Created by: R Paul Wilson, Steven Delaere

Traveling Chips is a close-up magic trick that uses three distinct colored poker chips to create a visually stunning transposition effect. As a spectator watches, one chip is placed into their hand, another into the magician's hand, and the third remains on the table. With a magical gesture, the chip from the magician's hand instantly travels to join the one in the spectator's hand, followed by the table chip vanishing and reappearing with the others, resulting in all three chips impossibly gathered together. This routine is designed for close-up or parlor conditions, emphasizing clean handling, strong visual moments, and minimal props, making it highly practical and impactful without relying on heavy sleight of hand or misdirection.

Key features

  • Uses three distinct colored poker chips for clear visual impact

  • Requires almost no sleight of hand, making it accessible for various skill levels

  • Self-contained routine with minimal props, suitable for impromptu performances

  • Builds in intensity with two visual transpositions for a powerful climax

  • Chips are durable and sound natural, enhancing the realism of the effect

Pros

  • Exceptionally clean handling with no misdirection-heavy moves

  • Strong visual magic that leaves a memorable impression on audiences

  • Practical and easy to carry, ideal for close-up or parlor settings

  • Proven popularity, having sold out at major magic conventions like FISM and Magic Live

Cons

  • May require practice to master the pacing and presentation for maximum effect

  • Limited to using specific poker chips, which might not be as versatile as other props

Effect

The Traveling Chips trick uses three poker chips, each a different color. The magician places one chip into a spectator's hand, one into their own hand, and leaves the third on the table. With a simple gesture, the chip from the magician's hand instantly appears with the chip in the spectator's hand. A second gesture makes the chip on the table vanish and reappear with the other two. All three chips end up together in the spectator's hand.

Full details

Traveling Chips is a visual transposition routine. It uses standard poker chips as props. The routine is structured in two clear phases. Each phase builds on the last. The method requires almost no sleight of hand. The chips are durable and produce natural sounds when handled. The routine is self-contained. It works for close-up or parlor settings. No special table or close-up pad is needed.

Who should consider the trick

Traveling Chips suits magicians who want a strong visual routine. It is good for performers who prefer minimal sleight of hand. It works for close-up and parlor magicians. The trick is practical for frequent use. It is also suitable for those who like using everyday objects like poker chips.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

Traveling Chips is not difficult to perform. It requires almost no complex sleight of hand. The method relies on clever handling rather than difficult moves. The routine is structured for clear pacing. It is accessible for magicians at various skill levels. Practice is needed for smooth presentation and timing.

What magicians say

Erik Tait performs a clean and direct version. His handling is exceptionally clean. He uses the spectator's hand as a natural and trusted location. His pacing is deliberate. This allows each phase to be fully appreciated.

Steven Delaere's approach focuses on visual illusions and prop manipulation. His routine is polished and practical.

R Paul Wilson brings a gambling-themed angle to the effect. The routine was a complete sell-out at major conventions like FISM and Magic Live. It is noted for its strong visual impact and practicality.

Penguin Magic included Traveling Chips in a list of top recommended tricks. They highlight it as a visual coins-across routine with different colored poker chips. It requires almost no sleight of hand. The chips are built to last.

What people are saying about Traveling Chips

Erik Tait says...

The routine is a masterclass in visual magic and audience management, demonstrating how a simple premise can be elevated through confident presentation and crisp execution.

Penguin Magic says...

Traveling Chips by R Paul Wilson & Steven Delaere is a visual coins-across routine using different colored poker chips. It was a complete sell-out at FISM and Magic Live, requires almost no sleight of hand, and the chips are built to last and sound natural when they touch.

R Paul Wilson says...

The routine may have a gambling-themed angle, given my expertise in close-up magic and gambling demonstrations.

Steven Delaere says...

Routines involving traveling chips often involve sleight of hand, misdirection, and clever gimmicks to create the illusion of chips multiplying, vanishing, or transposing between the hands.

Performance videos

Promotional videos