We've all been there. Out with friends, associates, etc. and someone comes up and says, "show me a trick!" What is the #1 piece you carry on you at all times to knock their socks off. M-80's don't count! Seriously....if you could only do 1 piece for them and this was your shot...what would you do?!

I do a little "one in the hand, two in the pocket" / Spellbound coin routine of mine. Simple, Fast, mildly confusing yet magical.

Gets a laugh, anyway.

Well you should know what to do. Remember we are always a step ahead or two! And I like to keep the spectators wanting to see more, then I just give them my business card.
BobC

Lucky for me I always have my iPhone
http://www.mojosoftwareonline.com

BobC....I think you missed the question. I'm not asking b/c I need to know what to do. I was just curious what other people out there are doing.

I always carry sponge balls with me so when someone asks to see something I do a quick routine for them. For some reason people seem to like sponge ball magic.

I prefer to use some 'found' object first before I use something strnage dug from my pocket. Part of the decsion is whether all spectators know you as a magcician. If they do not then you must create a sense of magic first. For a single spectator you may wish to recall what you did the last time.

I always have my assasin wallet so it's a quick bit of mind-trickery that's powerfull enough to leave a lasting impression and my card!

Color Changing Knifes, I use knives that look like I would really be carring them with me, so not only can I do a very magically strong effect but it looks like I'm using an everyday object.

Otherwise I'll use rubber bands, cocktail napkins (yes I spend a lot of time in bars), borrowered coins, salt shaker through table, etc; whatever is handy. The 2 in the hand 1 in the pocket concept is also something I use quite a bit.

As of late, I have been performing Hung, Drwan, & Quatered by Mark Mason and I am getting GREAT Reactions. Instant Reset and you are ready to go. I always carry this with me and I perform this when out fo the blue some one asks me to perform an effect.

RJ

Gregory Wilson's "A Questionable Trick" which uses common coins.

Meir Yedid's Finger Fantasy - I always have my fingers on hand...
And a coin purse with 3 Morgan dollars and a [

I agree with funsway, it is better if it looks really impromptu. So, I will usually opt for torn and restored napkin, some paper money magic if they have any bills, "Seven" or one of the other mentalism effects...

Jim

I do Glass thru Table using a Houdini coin.

I just do the raven Knocks 'em dead.

Biddle Trick

One of the best impromptu card tricks IMO. There's just no way it could ever work to a layman.

When someone asks me to do a trick, what I do depends on the person. When I was at a family birthday party recently, people asked me to do a levitation. I was tired of the last 6 hours and I had the feeling that I probably couldn't stay upright let alone perform a Balducci in this situation, so I refused. Besides, the crowd was too large to have good angles.

Usually, I will perform the two-card monte or a quick 2-coin effect I first saw performed by David Penn. Other times I do .44 from Daniel Garcia. I'm trying to expand with a little more effects that don't use cards but still are impromptu.

I'm with FunSway & Mandarin. Look around and use what's handy. That is unless you are a store bought Magician. If you are no offence meant, you are just a different animal. Last week I went to a friends house I hadn't seen in a while and we were messing around, people started showing up, we're out in the garage and I get the "show us something". A stretch of twine that had wrapped a box, some washers, a paper bag, and a really crappy deck of garage cards turned into 30 min. Magic with found stuff is very powerful.

Also, when I know I'll be in a place with a lot of people gathered -- especially a family occasion -- I try to prepare in advance, so I won't be a like a bunny caught in the headlights. That way I will always have something prepared in case I get the dreaded question...

G'day Bill

I always have a selection of easy to cary items in my pocket as well as being ready to use an impromptu item if I can. TT & silk, Red Back by Sean Taylor (Packet card trick), Rubber bands and a set of chain links for what I call "Missing Link" but probably has another name (I got that form a Jay Sanky video). I am working on a rising card routine that is done by a trained flea and this impromptu opportunity give a great chance to practice that routine and mention that the flea circus will be functioning in the near future.

Do you have a favorite or 2 yourself?

Bob Latta (aka Troppo Bob)