The Best Magic Trick – Will You Know It When You See It?

So you go to a magic show, and among all the effects that the magician does, there was one that just blew you away. It knocked your socks off, it stun you – it left you with your jaw on the floor, saying “How did he DO that?” Chances are, you came away saying that was the “best magic trick” you've ever seen.

What are the qualities to watch for, when you're picking what you feel is the best magic trick? What are the things that stand out?

Don't Stop!

The first, most obvious thing that shows it was the best magic trick is that you don't want it to end. Or you want to see it again. And again. And, though that magician may not be willing to perform it again right then, when you do see it again, you will be, once again, mesmerized and delighted.

Surprises!

Magic tricks that are best are the ones that have some surprise to them. The ending is different than you thought it would be, or there's a twist to it you didn't expect. Perhaps she did the cups and balls with diamonds at the end, or a lemon or apple. Maybe instead of sawing a woman in half, she stands up in a box that divides into pieces. Or when you thought the stuffed cat would turn into a real cat, instead it is a woman with a cat mask on. There are many surprises that can happen when a magician applies creativity to the standard effects he's been doing the classic way, or to effects he bought at a magic trick store.

Skill And Expertise Matter

Technical skill matters if a trick is to be the best magic trick. If a magician stumbles on his words, or fumbles the cards, sometimes it ruins the whole effect. But if he has practiced his magic trick so many times that it is second nature to him, he won't be thrown off when his assistant from the audience makes a mistake, or when there's a ruffian in the audience who tries to mess him up. He can easily recover, get back to the right patter (story that goes with the effect), and still amaze his audience.

He's also good at the misdirection that is a part of any magic trick. Best, is if you don't even realize he's applying misdirection with his hand motions or movement of wand or glass, or your hand, etc. But even if you know there has to be some misdirection, it is of the kind where you don't realize it until it is too late.