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Witch Handstyle Routine by Menny Lindenfeld

Created by: Menny Lindenfeld

The Witch Handstyle Routine is a visually striking close-up magic trick involving modified Altoid boxes and a signed coin. The magician presents two or more metal boxes, removes their lids, and invites a spectator to sign a coin and place it inside any box. The boxes are subtly marked to track the coin's location. Despite appearing completely fair and random, the magician can consistently identify the box containing the coin, even as more boxes are added to increase the difficulty. The routine can be performed silently or with minimal speech, relying on subtle movements and presentation to create a sense of impossibility. This is a versatile effect suitable for walk-around or formal close-up performances, with a strong emphasis on fairness and spectator interaction.

Key features

  • Uses modified Altoid boxes for easy manipulation

  • Spectator signs the coin for added credibility

  • Subtle marking system for tracking the coin

  • Can be performed silently or with speech

  • Works with multiple boxes to increase impossibility

  • Suitable for close-up or walk-around magic

Pros

  • Highly deceptive and visually striking

  • Emphasizes fairness and spectator involvement

  • Versatile for different performance styles

  • No complex sleight of hand required

  • Can be adapted for silent or spoken performances

Cons

  • Requires preparation (modifying boxes and marking lids)

  • May not be practical for impromptu performances

  • Performance relies on specific mood and demeanor

Effect

The Witch Handstyle Routine is a deceptive coin and box routine where a signed coin vanishes and reappears inside one of several metal Altoid boxes. The magician turns away while the spectator places the coin in any box and mixes them. Despite the random mixing, the magician correctly identifies the box containing the coin, often after multiple failed attempts that heighten the mystery. The routine emphasizes fairness, with the spectator signing the coin and freely choosing which box to place it in.

Full Details

The routine uses modified Altoid boxes with subtly marked lids to track their positions. The magician removes the lids and bends the hinges for easier manipulation. The boxes are marked by filling in specific decorative lines on the "Altoids" lettering with a Sharpie, allowing the magician to distinguish them without the audience noticing.

The performance involves multiple phases, starting with two boxes and gradually adding more to increase the apparent difficulty. The magician pretends to guess incorrectly before revealing the correct box, reinforcing the illusion of chance. The routine can be performed silently or with minimal speech, relying on natural movements and misdirection.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This routine suits magicians who enjoy mentalism-style effects with physical props. It works well in close-up or walk-around settings where spectators can interact with the boxes. Those who appreciate methodical, well-structured routines with built-in convincers will find this appealing.

Difficulty

The Witch Handstyle Routine requires practice to handle the boxes smoothly and read the markings discreetly. The modifications to the Altoid boxes are simple but must be done carefully to maintain functionality. The performance relies on timing and natural movements, making it moderately challenging but accessible with rehearsal.

What Magicians Say

MurphysMagicSupplies highlights the routine's deceptive nature, noting that Menny Lindenfeld "emphasizes the importance of creating a sense of fairness and impossibility." The subtle marking system and gradual addition of boxes enhance the effect's strength.

Lindenfeld himself explains the evolution of the routine, stating, "I wanted to have a way to do this witch box effect completely pure... like a mind reader." He credits Ran Pink for the idea of having the spectator sign the coin, adding credibility.

Patrick Kun, who demonstrates a coin shooting technique in the same video, praises the practicality of the Witch Handstyle Routine, calling it "very effective" for close-up performances.

The routine's blend of methodical preparation and engaging performance makes it a strong choice for magicians looking to add a visually deceptive coin effect to their repertoire.

What people are saying about Witch Handstyle Routine

MurphysMagicSupplies says...

The Witch Handstyle Routine is a visually striking effect involving two (and potentially more) metal boxes and a signed coin. Lindenfeld emphasizes the importance of creating a sense of fairness and impossibility, using unmarked boxes and a seemingly random selection process.

Tutorial videos