Magic Tricks

If you want to understand why this truly is the greatest trick ever created, you must first realize that it isn't just a magic trick, it’s a miracle.

There is so much to learn from this one routine it’s almost comical. Looking beyond the effect—beyond the presentation even—what really impresses me is the psychology behind this routine. Don’t just take the trick at face value, think deeply about the journey you’re taking the audience on. My goal is to illuminate some of what I took away from watching this video.

Years ago I had the great fortune of living near a magic shop that Dan worked at in Santa Monica. Needles to say, I spent a great deal of time there. I mention this because I gained an incredible amount of knowledge about the art of magic from Dan, and I think this routine epitomizes everything I learned from him.

The truly incredible routines have a way of appearing deceptively simple. What could be simpler? You pick up a napkin and begin telling a story. As curiosity grows, you start to reveal your intention—you’re going to use this little napkin to make a picture of the night sky. Oh yeah, and you’re going to do it with one tear. I think the incredible thing is, you do precisely that. It’s very rare to find an effect that boasts such an impossible claim and actually delivers.

When you see the methodology Dan employed in creating this effect, it’s almost more mind-blowing than the routine itself. You won’t just learn how to perform this trick for people, you’re going to be taught the closest thing to real magic there is.

The routine is also easy enough for any magician to perform. There are no complicated maneuvers or expert skills required, but like everything else, it will take a good deal of practice to perfect. Take the time to learn the story (or invent your own!) and notice how much the routine relies on the proper balance of weaving a tale and executing the mirroring actions.

In conclusion, this is a genius routine that incorporates every fundamental principle of magic there is. Give this trick the respect it deserves and it will do for you what no other routine has. Practically anywhere you go, under any circumstance, you’ll be able to perform a miracle with the most everyday of everyday objects. You couldn’t ask for more, and that’s exactly what you get.