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Triple Helix by John Byng and Snake

Created by: John Byng, Snake

Triple Helix is a visually striking close-up magic trick where a single deck of cards in its tuck case appears to multiply, producing additional tuck cases of the opposite color (e.g., a red deck produces a blue one, and vice versa). The effect is perfect for social media and camera performances, creating a viral-worthy moment. However, it requires gimmicked tuck cases and careful handling to execute smoothly. Buyers should note that this trick is primarily designed for filmed performances rather than live shows due to angle sensitivity and reset challenges.

Key features

  • Multiplying tuck case effect with opposite-color decks

  • Includes two pre-made gimmicks and materials to gimmick your own tuck case

  • Designed for social media and camera performances

  • Angle-sensitive and requires practice for reliability

  • Not ideal for live performances due to reset time and pocket management

Pros

  • Highly visual and impressive for social media

  • Ready-to-use gimmicks out of the box

  • Good printing quality on gimmicks

  • Unique concept with strong potential for viral content

Cons

  • Unreliable for live performances

  • Angle issues limit spectator positions

  • Gimmicks wear out quickly with no replacement instructions

  • Frustrating setup due to unclear instructional video

  • Requires significant practice to master

Effect

The Triple Helix trick makes a deck of cards appear to multiply inside its tuck case. A magician starts with one deck, and suddenly, an extra tuck case appears—always in the opposite color (red for blue, blue for red). The effect repeats, creating the illusion of multiplying card boxes.

Full details

The trick comes with two pre-made gimmicks, ready to use out of the box. It requires modifying a standard bicycle deck tuck case with supplied materials. The instructional video is 19 minutes long, featuring Snake (voiced over in English) and includes a brief handling tip from Patrick Kun.

Reviewers note the gimmicks look sharp, with good print quality, but they require practice to work smoothly. The trick has angle limitations and is best suited for camera performances rather than live shows. The reset takes time, making it impractical for quick repetitions in live settings.

Who should consider the trick

Triple Helix is ideal for magicians who focus on social media content. It works well for pre-recorded videos where multiple takes are possible. Live performers may find it unreliable due to angle issues and reset difficulties. Beginners can use it for camera magic, but those needing a reliable live trick should look elsewhere.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The trick is not mechanically complex but requires practice to master the gimmick’s handling. Fiddlinjonny mentions frustration with unclear setup instructions, while Scott Perry notes the gimmicks need "working in" to function smoothly. The learning curve is manageable for camera performances but challenging for live use.

What magicians say

Fiddlinjonny says:
"I would not perform it live because I cannot feel confident that my gimmick will work 100% of the time."
He praises the visual appeal but criticizes the lack of detailed performance tips.

Scott Perry adds:
"It's great for videos, great for social media, but other than that, I wouldn't bother purchasing it."
He highlights the gimmick’s fragility and lack of instructions for making replacements.

Both reviewers agree Triple Helix excels on camera but falls short for live performances.

What people are saying about Triple Helix

EverythingMagicPro99 says...

It’s an incredible visual for social media, but the gimmicks wear out fast, and there’s no guidance on how to make replacements—forcing you to buy it again.

fiddlinjonny says...

I love the way it looks on film, but the gimmick doesn’t work 100% of the time, and the instructional video lacks close-up, over-the-shoulder shots for clarity.

Review videos

Promotional videos