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Zee Regular user Leonia, NJ 196 Posts |
Hi, this is Zee. Haven't been to this place for a long time.
I have started updating my blog again and I thought it would be fun to share it here. I will leave a link to my blog here but will also include a post regarding card magic too. Hope you find it interesting Smile https://www.zeejyan.com/blog --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Coins across always has been my favorite plot in coin magic and most coin workers love it too. However, I have noticed many of them just do it without putting much thought into it. In this blog, I want to share a few of my thoughts on coins across and these thoughts can also be utilized on other routines not limited to coins across or even coin magic. First thing I want to bring up is that have you ever think of which hand to open first when you want to reveal a coin has traveled? It seems insignificant, but can make a huge difference. Most magicians just open up both of their hands to show that magic has taken place, however, it can massively decrease the impact of the effect. Let me explain... To reveal coins have teleported from one hand to another, I tend to stare at my left hand to create more tension and to make my spectators to focus on my left hand so they can clearly see one coin has vanished when I open my hand. Since I already told everyone that coins will teleport from one hand to another, my spectators are most likely to think “no wayyyyyyy!! Did it really teleport?!?!!! I want to see his right hand!!!!!” when I only open my left hand. To fulfill their curiosity, I slowly direct their attention to my right hand and open it to show the coin actually teleported into my right hand. Btw I usually only use three coins for coins across routine. If you ever performed coins across for laymen, then you should have gotten comments like “yo, can you do that trick where you make a coin appear in my hand!” next time they see you. When they describe coins across to their friends, they tend to say “he made a coin appear in my hand!”. How do I know? I used to perform A LOT and many of my spectators grabbed their friends from other side of the room and describe the trick and ask me to do it again lol From their description, you should be able to tell that first few travels do not matter to them as much. All they remember and care about is the last phase of the routine which is a coin traveling from my hand into their hand. I see first few phases before finale as an introduction to the concept of coins teleporting from one hand to another. The main effect of coins across is one coin teleporting from my hand to spectator’s hand. When first coin travels, spectators get surprised yet still in disbelief. When second coin travels they start to question their existence🌝. When the last coin travels from my hand to their hand, they start to offer me their virginity. If that is what people actually want to see, the ideal effect should be making one coin teleport from my hand to spectator’s hand without any extra coins or dual-reality/instant-stooge etc. However, that is impossible for me to do at this moment. That is why I add another coin to provide a cover for the load. However, people can definitely tell the difference between one coin in their hand and two coins in their hand. Therefore, I add another coin to make sure spectators do not notice there is an extra coin in their hand. I said first few phases of coins across is an introduction to the concept of teleportation of coins, but it is just a fancy excuse of my inability to do the “real magic”. I cannot get from A to B directly so I add multiple layers to make the effect happen. That is just a stupid justification for being not good enough. Hmmmm..... why am I so bad............. |
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warren Inner circle uk 4138 Posts |
I personally think all the phases can be made to be effective if you make it build, in my first phase for example the spectators clearly see 4 coins in my left hand and nothing in my right, without my hands coming near each other the next thing they see is 3 coins in my left hand and 1 coin in my right hand. I've had jaws drop from that phase alone so I guess it's all down to the performer.
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Zee Regular user Leonia, NJ 196 Posts |
Quote:
On Oct 16, 2017, warren wrote: Thank you for taking time to read my post, Warren. Appreciate it a lot! I know what you are talking about. It is a truly powerful moment. However, at the end, all spectators will remember is that you made a coin teleport from your hand to their hands thus making everything else not as memorable since it is the most powerful moment of the routine. Everything else is just a build up toward that moment. Therefore, the "coin teleporting from my hand to your hand" should be the focus of the routine even though the theme of the routine is coins teleporting from one hand to another. Out of curiousity, haven't you got any comments like "Can you do the thing where coin travels from your hand to my hand?" while sticking out their fist toward you? |
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warren Inner circle uk 4138 Posts |
Personally when I perform people tend to watch the whole performance, sure I get the no ways etc but when I perform I always try to entertain rather than just state what they can see for themselves.
My routine builds it has two phases in my own hands and two phases in the spectators hands, as I've said I hit them for 10 with the opening sequence alone as most performers either show the coins in there left hand but don't show the right hand to be empty or they show there right hand to be empty but don't show how many coins are actually in their other hand, so believe me when the sleeves are rolled up and that first coin travels they remember the moment. I'm not saying the final coin arriving in their hand isn't a big deal and yes they are going to talk about it as it is a killer moment, what I'm saying is don't underestimate the other phases and always work on the entertainment value as that's what gets the bookings and separates the real workers from the youtube magicians . |
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simplymagicweb Inner circle Norfolk, UK 1410 Posts |
I love coins across! It’s one of my strongest routines in terms of audience reaction for sure. I remember seeing David Roth’s version performed to me over 25 years ago by a buddy of mine, Wayne Fox, and the feeling of wonder I felt. Each part of the routine was magical, with the magic building to the finale in my hands. I vowed from that moment that I would practice and use it - what a great decision it was!
Here’s my handling, hope you like it - by the way, the young lady’s reactions are genuine as it was the first time she saw me perform it LOL https://youtu.be/80jEfFpAW7s
Magically,
Website - www.simplymagic.co.uk Twitter - www.twitter.com/simplymagic19 Facebook - www.facebook.com/SeanGoodmanMagician Creator of BDZ, Holidayz, The Grayle, DUO, Secret Servante, Genetics, Vision, Tick Tock, Starstruck, CelebriDate, MagiDate, Focus, SIGMA and R2R |
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fonda57 Inner circle chicago 3078 Posts |
I would say in a blog or anything else that "most magicians.."
You've seen some magicians do things that are tells, and you are sharing. And that's awesome |
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JoeHohman Special user Erie 706 Posts |
Sean, that was very smooth. Nice job!
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simplymagicweb Inner circle Norfolk, UK 1410 Posts |
Thanks Joe. Another really important aspect, not just in coins across but for magic in general, is using body language as misdirection. Gary Kurtz spoke about the active and relaxed states, and to elevate the impact of any routine that the dirty work should be done on the off beat or relaxed state. As a working pro, I spend lots of time looking at this as I know that by getting strong reactions will get me more business! Thanks again for the kind comments
Magically,
Website - www.simplymagic.co.uk Twitter - www.twitter.com/simplymagic19 Facebook - www.facebook.com/SeanGoodmanMagician Creator of BDZ, Holidayz, The Grayle, DUO, Secret Servante, Genetics, Vision, Tick Tock, Starstruck, CelebriDate, MagiDate, Focus, SIGMA and R2R |
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David Neighbors V.I.P. 4910 Posts |
Yea I will have Like All kinds Of Coins across Stuff in the 2 TH. Hard bound! ( around 45 )
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CarpetShark Special user 576 Posts |
Sean, I've watched your video a number of times. Love the production sequence, particularly the last coin. As a wise man once said, very smooth.
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Larry Barnowsky Inner circle Cooperstown, NY where bats are made from 4770 Posts |
My Boomerang Coins is pure sleight of hand with only four coins and original sleights. It's my go to routine that I do under all conditions, even surrounded. You can learn it from my new DVD or my older 21st Century Coin Mechanics book. Click my banner in the coin forum or go to this page
Larry |
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Chollet Regular user Don't be fooled by the fact I only have 191 Posts |
Zee,
Regarding spectators recalling the final phase when they tell people about the routine...I think you have to understand that it does not negate the other phases. They have been built up for it, so it stands out. It is the CLIMAX. If you focus only on the climax, it won't be as strong – ask any woman. For example, if a film's greatest moment is the final scene, why do they make you sit through the first 80 minutes of the movie? Our role as an entertainer is not to blow them away, but to engage our audience and bring them on a journey. Never discount the early reactions in multi-phase routines...they are essential to the build up. I think David Roth described it well when he said that during a coins across routine, the 1st coin is a surprise, the 2nd tells them there is a pattern, the 3rd confirms it, and the 4th is the challenge. Eric Jones' coins across is a great example of escalating conditions with multiple phases ending up in the spectators hand in more and more impossible ways. Thanks for the article. Great topic for discussion. |
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Mb217 Inner circle 9520 Posts |
Quote:
On Oct 16, 2017, Zee wrote: Yep, I like coins across a lot myself, because it truly lends itself to your own input and creativity. I can do a lot of them, gaffed and ungaffed, but prefer to make the magic happen myself. Like you, after first learning and playing around with 4 coins, I decided upon only using 3 coins. It seems to make the effect flow a bit better without too much redundancy as to moves. I guess everyone has their favorite or something they came up with. For me, I like doing my KrazyKoinZ Across, it's my favorite because it's a bit different with some novel additives in it that you don't see everyday, some interesting play to it I'd say. I first wrote of it in my "Short Pockets" download, but later on put out an update on just this effect, just called KrazyKoinZ. In it, I show a few updates, but must tellya, the first way I put it out (which is included), to me is the best way, especially as to the very dynamic ending. https://vinnymarini.com/download/kk.html
*Check out my latest: Gifts From The Old Country: A Mini-Magic Book, MBs Mini-Lecture on Coin Magic, The MB Tanspo PLUS, MB's Morgan, Copper Silver INC, Double Trouble, FlySki, Crimp Change - REDUX!, and other fine magic at gumroad.com/mb217magic
"Believe in YOU, and you will see the greatest magic that ever was." -Mb |
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Ironjim New user Northern Ca 50 Posts |
Zee - Thanks for sharing your blog. Lots of good stuff on there.
As to your Coins Across comments - While sure I can't really teleport, but I can direct your mind and begin to tell it a story of coins that teleport - Sure, spectators love the part where it teleports in their hand, and that's what they remember. But the story leading up to it is important. It's like going to a movie, and the hero pops out and kills the major bad guy in the first 15 mins. Who wants to see that? Without the story leading up to we don't care about the finale. You have to have a beginning to have an end. Sean - very nice Coins Across. While I think you did an awesome job, you did an even better job selecting your spectator. It was like she fed of your energy, and then was having such a good time, that you were feeding of her energy. I have two Coins Across in my repertoire - David Roth's Sh**l Coins Across and Ponta the Smith's Winged Silver. Those are my go to's. |
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funsway Inner circle old things in new ways - new things in old ways 9982 Posts |
I reread your posting with interest and noticed the phrase "people can definitely tell the difference between one coin in their hand and two coins in their hand."
I disagree with this as a universal statement. For more than 60 years I have performed effects in which proper tactile conditioning and psychological ploy can eliminate that concern. But, in a practical sense this must be a CONCERN with which the performer must address in designing an effect or presentation. You handle this by adding extra coins from the begging - good. The key is to have the observer not even think about how many coins they have until you wish them to. Also, teleporting from their hand leaving nothing can be even more impactful. Some say this is impossible. For them it is.
"the more one pretends at magic, the more awe and wonder will be found in real life." Arnold Furst
eBooks at https://www.lybrary.com/ken-muller-m-579928.html questions at ken@eversway.com |
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Mb217 Inner circle 9520 Posts |
I agree with my friend, funsway here, that it has a lot to do with what you want the specs to believe has happened as to the coins movements.
In my KrazyKoinZ Across...in the first coin going across, I make sure to show my right hand empty, before invisibly tossing the first coin over from the 3 coins in the left hand...And before revealing it, I ask them first if they happened to "hear" it go and say, "Of course you didn't...because "1" coin doesn't make a sound"...as I open my right hand now to reveal a half dollar miraculously there. It is an awesome visual and you can see the amazement on their faces, like..."How in the world???" 😳 And now they are a bit more seriously paying attention, as I secretly reel them in, more & more into the little trap of a trick. It's amazing to me some times how they follow what you want them to, and after that first coin, well, I'm just getting started, and happy that there's so much more to go. And y'know, I first put this out in my Short Pockets download, and perhaps that's about the best thoughts I came to have as to it, as that's the way I still mostly do it to this day. I guess sometimes you just get things about right the first time around. https://vinnymarini.com/index.php/produc......pockets/
*Check out my latest: Gifts From The Old Country: A Mini-Magic Book, MBs Mini-Lecture on Coin Magic, The MB Tanspo PLUS, MB's Morgan, Copper Silver INC, Double Trouble, FlySki, Crimp Change - REDUX!, and other fine magic at gumroad.com/mb217magic
"Believe in YOU, and you will see the greatest magic that ever was." -Mb |
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Vlad_77 Inner circle The Netherlands 5829 Posts |
Man oh man the coins across plot is bloody terrific. I present it as a lesson in pickpocketing or if I am slightly buzzed on Guinness and messing about with musician friends, I ad lib some nonsense about how the transporters work in Star Trek. Anyhow, the plot, no matter the variant, has for me continues to be a staple in my repertoire. And coins across is perhaps one of the strongest impromptu pieces of magic you can perform. You borrow someone's coins and make them fly!
I like Warren's earlier observation of how a good coins across presentation becomes more magical and impossible looking with each passage. The ultimate "hurt" of course is having the final coin fly to the spectator's hand. Frequent results vary from getting some hot person's phone number to others wanting to start a cult in your honor. :p I want to take a moment to also cite a brilliant-looks like trick photography-on the table coins across called S.C.A.T. by Greg Eanes. It can be found in Apocalypse and in formal shows, this super beautiful routine is my opener, always. It really does look like trick photography and it establishes you as a magician mere milliseconds out of the gate. I had the privilege about six months ago of exchanging a few brief messages with Greg. What a really nice guy! WHen we were messaging, he mentioned that he waworking on some new stuff. I hope that he still is. Anyhow, give S.C.A.T. a look. Better still, learn it, perform it, and you can thank me by passing along those phone numbers. |
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Mb217 Inner circle 9520 Posts |
That's a real nice one my friend, indeed. It makes me want to sit down at a table more than I ever do.
A lot of good versions of coins across have been mentioned here with some great rationales as to why they work so well, but I want to just stop a moment to reflect on what Sean mentioned above as to David Roth's Coins Across. Sean's take on it is superb and looks like a lot of fun, but I just wanted to pay homage to just how good Roth's original take on this is, it's really quite perfect! It makes the effect look impossible but done so very clean to produce such fine magic. I've actually been playing around with it again of late...quite a masterpiece! This is one effect that I [still] get as much of a kick out of watching Roth explain, as I used to get performing it...It's really that darn good! The insight he gives on "why" as to every little piece of it. It is just a perfect take on the genre. Of course there are other wonderful examples of the effect, like Sankey's, "Mr. Clean Coins Across," or even the old "Winged Silver" Roth also presented brilliantly. These are all amazing routines to learn, perform, and of course to create from as you go about doing "You."
*Check out my latest: Gifts From The Old Country: A Mini-Magic Book, MBs Mini-Lecture on Coin Magic, The MB Tanspo PLUS, MB's Morgan, Copper Silver INC, Double Trouble, FlySki, Crimp Change - REDUX!, and other fine magic at gumroad.com/mb217magic
"Believe in YOU, and you will see the greatest magic that ever was." -Mb |
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Pop Haydn Inner circle Los Angeles 3691 Posts |
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Mb217 Inner circle 9520 Posts |
I love everything you do Pop...You are one heckuva entertainer, and being a wonderful magician too, is just the cherry on top.
*Check out my latest: Gifts From The Old Country: A Mini-Magic Book, MBs Mini-Lecture on Coin Magic, The MB Tanspo PLUS, MB's Morgan, Copper Silver INC, Double Trouble, FlySki, Crimp Change - REDUX!, and other fine magic at gumroad.com/mb217magic
"Believe in YOU, and you will see the greatest magic that ever was." -Mb |
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