Trick 46 by Steve Rowe

Created by: Steve Rowe

Trick 46 by Steve Rowe is a versatile close-up, parlour, and stage card trick that masterfully blends comedy with impossible magic. The routine begins with a humorous story about learning from a bargain-bin trick, where a spectator selects and signs a card. The magician then tears off a corner of the card, seemingly destroying it, and the situation escalates with comedic mishaps as the performer and spectator follow instruction cards together. The climax delivers a jaw-dropping magical moment: the torn corner vanishes and impossibly reappears inside a completely sealed sweet (or other customisable location like a tea bag, wallet, or orange), leaving the audience both laughing and amazed. The trick includes built-in audience interaction, making each performance unique, and comes with a precision metal gimmick for clean, repeatable performances. Buyers should note that while the method is self-working with no sleight of hand required, some initial preparation is needed to set up the cards and sweets, and the included cards are consumable, requiring replenishment over time.

Where to buy

Trick 46 by Steve Rowe from Alakazam Magic
Alakazam MagicTrick 46 by Steve Rowe£35.00
🇬🇧
Shop

Key features

  • Versatile performance style: works for close-up, parlour, and stage settings

  • Blends comedy and magic with built-in audience interaction

  • Self-working method requiring no sleight of hand

  • Includes a reusable metal gimmick for creating duplicate corners

  • Comes with 26 prepped cards, instruction sets, and a 42-minute tutorial

  • Fully examinable props at the end of the routine

  • Highly customisable reveal location (sweets, tea bags, wallets, etc.)

  • Angle-proof performance suitable for surrounded conditions

  • Compact and easy to carry for performers

Pros

  • Strong audience reactions combining laughter and amazement

  • Reusable metal gimmick provides long-term value

  • No complex moves make it accessible to all skill levels

  • Highly customisable for different audiences and settings

  • Fully examinable props increase the impossibility

  • Built-in comedy reduces performer pressure

Cons

  • Initial setup required to prepare cards and sweets

  • Consumable cards need replenishment over time

  • Carrying multiple sweets can be bulky for walkaround performances

  • Humor might not resonate with every audience type

  • Requires specific props like individually wrapped sweets

Effect

Trick 46 is a comedy magic routine. A spectator selects and signs a playing card. The magician tears off a corner of the card. This corner vanishes. It then appears inside a sealed, impossible location. This location is often a wrapped sweet or candy. The routine uses instruction cards to create a funny story. The magician pretends to be learning the trick for the first time. This leads to comedic mistakes. The final magical moment is surprising and strong.

Full details

Trick 46 is a complete routine by Steve Rowe. It uses a classic magical plot. This plot is the torn corner of a card appearing in an impossible place. The method uses a reusable metal gimmick. This gimmick helps prepare duplicate card corners. The trick includes a set of prepped cards for immediate use. It also includes two sets of instruction cards. One set is for a version where you pretend to eat the corner. The other set is for a version where you destroy the corner. The props are examinable by the audience at the end. The method is angle proof. This means you can perform it surrounded by people. The trick requires some preparation before a show. You need to prepare the sweets and the duplicate corners. Each prepared card allows for two performances. The included tutorial video is 42 minutes long. It teaches the history, method, and performance tips.

Who should consider the trick

Trick 46 is for magicians who want a scripted, interactive routine. It is good for performers who enjoy comedy. It works for close-up magic, walkaround gigs, parlor shows, and stage performances. It is suitable for magicians who avoid difficult sleight of hand. The method is practical and the gimmick is durable. It is a good choice for someone wanting a strong opener or closer for their act. Magicians who perform for mixed audiences or family shows may find it useful. The humor and clear magical moment make it accessible.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

Trick 46 is not difficult to perform. It requires no advanced sleight of hand. The main skill needed is a card force. You can use a simple force like the crisscross force. The tutorial teaches this. The performance relies on presentation and timing. Handling the instruction cards and managing the comedy need practice. The method itself is mechanical and reliable. Setting up the trick before a show takes about ten minutes. This preparation is straightforward. The trick is considered beginner-friendly in terms of method. Making the performance entertaining requires more skill.

What magicians say

Reviewers praise Trick 46 for its mix of comedy and magic. Steve Rowe said, "It’s not just a card trick—it’s a full routine that grew with me over a decade." David from Magic Orthodoxy said he loves the trick for its simplicity and impossibility. He called it a "visually shocking" effect.

Blake Aleong from BAM Magic gave the trick an 88% rating. He said it is a "highly underrated utility device." He praised its versatility and strong audience reactions. He noted the method is angle-proof and the props are examinable.

A reviewer from Fiddlinjonny said the trick is a "modern take" on a classic plot. They said the comedy takes center stage and the gimmick is well-made. They called it a "solid contender" for a laughter-inducing routine.

Many reviewers mention the trick's versatility. It is listed as an essential item in a professional worker's bag for both close-up and stand-up acts. It is recommended as a key piece for building a parlour magic act. Reviewers agree the trick gets big laughs and leaves a lasting magical impression.

What people are saying about Trick 46

AlakazamMagicUK says...

This trick stands out for its perfect mix of comedy, audience interaction, and versatility, working well in any setting. It's easy to carry, adapts to different reveal locations, and leaves audiences both laughing and amazed.

BAM_magic says...

Blake rates Trick 46 an 88%, praising its versatility, strong reactions, and deceptive method. If you're looking for a utility device that elevates torn-corner effects, this might be a hidden gem in your arsenal.

fiddlinjonny says...

Trick #46 is a modern take on the classic torn card to impossible location plot with a comedic presentation. The method is practical and the gimmick is well-made, allowing comedy to take center stage.

magicorthodoxy says...

David loves this trick, praising its simplicity and impossibility. At $40, he considers it a steal for the durable gimmick and creative potential.

magic-tv says...

Steve Rowe's 'Trick 46' offers a playful card trick with a surprising and impossible finale that leaves audiences amazed.

Steve Rowe says...

It's not just a card trick—it's a full routine that grew with me over a decade. [...] I loved how the effect evolved organically over 10 years, blending comedy, suspense, and a strong magical climax.

Performance videos

Review videos

Promotional videos

Other videos