Well, I finally did it. I've owned a chop cup for well over 20 years now, but it has always remained in the darkest corner of my storage cabinet. Philosophically, I have never agreed with the challenge mentality of the effect, where the spectator has to lose.

Well, I finally decided to dust of this old classic with the hopes of incorporating it into my restaurant work. I redesigned the routine so that the spectator is actually, right for most of the time. I get more and more "frustrated" at myself for not being able to fool the spectator (a la magician in trouble). Even when the spectator tries to "give me a chance" I still can't fool him. Finally, I stuff the little ball in my pocket saying "I guess I'm going to have to practice this a little more since, no matter what I do, I always seem to be behind the 8-ball". As I say this, I lift up the cup to show a giant 8-ball.

I tried it out at the restaurant where I work last night and it received HUGE gasps every time. It took 20 years, but I finally found a way to work this effect that fits within my performing style.

None of this would have been possible if it weren't for all of the great Café threads on the chop cup and the tremendous ideas the members here have offerred. I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you all!

Kent

I like that a lot - thanks for sharing. I could see this going over really well with kids too, as nothing seems to make them laugh more then when they are smarter than the magician. Or if it felt right with a family, you could have the kids always right and the Dad was always wrong, etc... Thanks again

I've been using three pool balls for the loads in my chop cup for about 30 years. I do a red billiard ball, a cue ball and an 8 ball.

The punch line goes along with the theme of the balls.