What, from your perspective, is the the single most important trick? What did you get the most reactions on? What was the simplest? etc. etc.

Thanks for the input.

I think (after reading this board for a while) that many street magicians here will tell you that the Cups & Balls is the "killer" in their act.

I have to say that what draws the most people when I busk is my escape from a straight jacket!

It builds a bigger crowd which of course translates into a bigger hat at the end of the day! Plus it plays huge and packs up nice and small!

Jeff

I know this is not what you are looking for, but my most important trick on the street is getting the spectator to put something in the hat. Everything, every joke, every trick, every bit of business is aimed at that one important trick (call it the “Hat Trick”). It is probably my most difficult trick too!

More to your point, my Bill-to-Lemon (Bill-to-Balloon) is probably the most fun, most interactive, most magical trick for the audience, and thus is probably my most important trick. It always garners a strong reaction. It is central to my act.

Trouble with this kind of question is that what works well for me may not work at all for you or anyone else and I may not be able to pull off what works for someone else.

You also asked what trick I do gets the most reactions. Well, every trick in my act gets a strong reaction or else I rethink it and maybe even replace it. I do try to build to a good strong “wow” finish. An impossible production usually closes my act. That is a short, chop cup, Benson bowl, or Cups and Balls that ends with an impossible final load.

Finally you ask what is the simplest trick in the act. All of them!!! I focus on presentation, fun, and magical outcomes, NOT on methodology. Ropes, Bill-to-Lemon (Balloon), and Cups and Balls (Chop Cup, Benson Bowl) is my act. There is nothing really technically difficult in it at all.

I perform "the Mongolian pop knot" and people love it.
Mago Mai

I have to agree with Harry.

The main concern for a street performer is to get the "Hat Trick" down pat.

I don't do street...I do restaurant...I don't need to go for tips but it beats the minimum the restaurant pays.

I would like for the table to think they came up with the idea of tipping and feel "urged" to do so.

just me,

Bryan

invisible palm from "On the Loose"

My closer... a card in balloon routine. Also for bigger venues I use the Ken Brooke routine -- multiplying bottles.

The rising card with multiple selections

alleycat

Actually, the single most important effect I know is the famous "Eclipse of the Sun" deal. The only real drawback is that you have to do it in the daytime. Your timing really has to be impecable too.

I know we aren't supposed to tip the secrets of marketed effects here, but the method to this one can be found in Mark Twain's novel, _A Conneticut Yankee in King Authur's Court_. This book isn't even available from most magic dealers. Anyway, without saying too much, I will tell you that you will have to look at some scientific journals or at least some really good almanacs to find out when a total solar eclipse is coming. Okay, I won't say anything more--but this effect packs small, instantly resets, and plays really big!

alleycat

Alleycat,

But the reset takes seventeen years or so. Great trick though. Mind if I try it?

Mark

Did somebody say "Hat Trick"? To me, the most important trick is entertaining the crowd. As I say in my opening pitch, "...for it's my task to entertain you and it's your task to be entertained. So, if you enjoy the show, please, let my hat know."

the most difficult trick...well in new orleans its getting them to stop...i north carolina its getting them to give....the magic is easy!

koz