In the world of card magic there are many things that look like expert sleight of hand that really aren't.... AKA self working effects. When I pickpocket on stage, I use a cards across routine as a pickpocketing effect. (This is the same effect/handling that Mac King uses for his invisibility cloak) I present it as a final challenge to my audience to spot the dip.

The effect on the audience is GREAT as they never see me touch either spectator (since I don't), during the routine. What kind of self working pickpocket effects like this have YOU been successful with?

-Chris.

A sponge wallet works wonders, either that or just use your own if it plain black leather like most other wallets.


Ali

Perhaps you could expand on that? A sponge wallet being used how?

Tom Burgoon has a prop called the Power Pickpocket gimmick. It allows you to apparently remove a participants wallet and replace it without them feeling a thing. With some extra thought it can be used to great effect to enhance a pickpocket act.

Because its foam, it squishes in your hand. If you produce it behind the spectators back so the audience can see, it looks like you stole their wallet when you didn't.

Ali

Darwin Ortiz has a great routine in his book Cardshark called "Harry in your pocket." I have used this as a pickpocket routine and have gotten very good response with it.

How about his book strong magic? any good

IMHO, Strong Magic is an excellent book.

Can you explain the book a little bit. I have read the reviews but how did you view it?

I thought it was very interesting and thought provoking. You may not agree with everything Darwin says but I found it hard to put down. I've read it twice.

Could you explain it a little ... from another performers perspective...

Provides some excellent tips on structure and presentation of close-up effects.