PFM: Nimble Corks

"If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. Then quit. No use being a damn fool about it."
- W.C. Fields
quoted in John Robert Colombo’s Popcorn in Paradise

Effect: A challenge is made with two large corks. The challenge is to simultaneously flip both of the corks over together three times. This is difficult to perform, since the participant can use only the index and middle finger of one hand. However, the magician can complete the challenge each time successfully. When the volunteers attempt the challenge, the corks shoot from between their fingers.

Required Items:

Two large corks approximately an inch in length and an inch in diameter across the head of the cork. It is best to use tapered beaker corks rather than wine bottle corks.

This was one of my friend, Lew Zafran's favorite bits. It is an old party stunt that could be used as a bar bet if so desired. I prefer, as Lew did, to use it as a challenge to those in an intimate gathering. I like to tell my audience that "This is an agility test given to amateur magicians before they are accepted into the brotherhood."

Figure 1

Figure 2

Rules:

The corks should not be near the edge of the table.

The corks must be facing the same direction.

The participant can use only the index and middle finger of one hand.

The corks must be touching, side by side, when turning them over.

Each finger can touch only one of the corks, as shown in FIG. 1, as opposed to having both corks touching both fingers, as shown in FIG. 2.

If either of the corks fall over, before the third attempt is completed, then the participant must start over.

The corks must be turned over with the hand palm down. Not really, but that’s what you should tell your audience for now.

Secret: When explaining how to execute this trick, extend your fingers straight (FIG. 1). When performing the challenge, grip the corks between your index and middle fingers (like scissors), but then slightly bend your fingers toward your palm (FIG. 3). Turn the corks over quickly and surreptitiously straighten your fingers after doing so. Repeat the effect twice more.

Figure 3

Routine: A spectator tries it unsuccessfully. You accomplish it. Another spectator tries it. You do it again. Let someone else try it. Do this a few times and move on to something else. If your audience is able to accomplish it, you have not failed. In fact, by solving the mystery, the spectator will feel the sense of pride that a master magician has. Either way, you have entertained your audience.

The great thing about the Nimble Corks routine is that kids enjoy trying this as much as adults do. If you want members of the audience to figure it out, then let them have as many tries as it may take. They will eventually get the knack for it. After a spectator thinks he’s mastered the technique, tell him to try it palm up. The spectator will have some problems trying it this way, and so will you unless you've practiced. So get busy. Find two large beaker corks, start practicing, and I promise this will soon become one of your favorite bits of business.

If you enjoy performing impromptu tricks with simple objects, then by all means seek and find the Encyclopedia of Impromptu Magic by Martin Gardner.