This looks just like the magic makers one. So is penguin selling the magic makers version?The box Rick threw away in the video is the same as magic makers.

I think the point of the close-up demo was to clearly show the metal block, not to show that whatever moves are needed can be done right in front of the spectator with them staring at the matchbox / block.


Regards

Steph

Oy. First: Thanks for the kind words from most of you. And as for those of you who take issue with my performance, here's the deal: When you perform this trick for someone in real life, you can use your body and your presence to misdirect. But when you perform something like this for a webcam...you have to realize that people will be watching on a tiny youtube screen. So I can't misdirect you away from looking at one hand by doing something with the other hand. Or with my face, or with my body. Everything is viewable. So, as a result, I have to perform the trick slightly differently. And seeing how closely these videos are being scrutinized only confirms this.

On the plus side, I guess it's flattering that you guys are watching the videos so closely.

But, yeah, as for doing secret moves and covering them...that kinda IS a big part of magic, right? The fact that I had to do a "move" and did something to "cover" the move is pretty standard stuff. So in conclusion, if you're looking for a 'perfect' trick, the Matchbox Mystery probably isn't for you. I'll give you that. No need for us to fight about it. But if you understand that 'perfect' magic doesn't exist (outside of Harry Potter), and if you're willing to accept that the Matchbox Mystery has like the smallest "move" that needs to be covered or misdirected away from, then I'd say you should give the trick a bit of consideration.

And as for pointing out a second in the clip where something might flash: Um, if you're already familiar with the method of the trick and you know exactly what to look for, yeah, I can see you picking something like this up (or possibly seeing things that aren't even really there), but in the future, let's all realize that there are a lot of people on the Café (like myself) who don't know how all these old tricks work (I didn't know how this worked until a couple months ago), and it's best not to discuss method so openly here on the Café.

Amen

Would someone who has one of these mind sharing the dimensions of the block at the start of the trick? I'm looking for alternatives to matchbooks in order to make sure I don't run into any issues with fire codes or such, but want to make sure that I'll be able to get something which fits. Even though the workings have been disclosed in this thread, if you would prefer to do this via a message, that would be fine.

Thanks,
Bart