Learning The Tricks: Hankerchief Tricks
Magic tricks have been around for centuries and are practiced in
every society. They are among the most popular past times both
for children and adult.
Tricks may make use of materials or objects such as coins,
cards, tables, game cards, and number tricks but the one that
remains to be the most popular among children and the one that
is first learned by a beginner is the handkerchief.
Linen or Silk?
Tricks using a handkerchief can be either performed in whatever
material it was made of. However, the type of tricks to be
performed determines the type of handkerchief you are to use.
For knots and similar activities, a silk handkerchief is chiefly
used because they slide quickly in the process of tying up.
Other magic tricks using a handkerchief requires a hard material
like linen as in the case of bringing about a hypnotized effect
on a handkerchief.
Below are just some of the most common magic tricks that involve
the use of handkerchief together with explanations on how magic
works.
- Standing Handkerchief - This type of magic trick makes use of
a hemmed linen handkerchief which is ironed to make it even more
stiff. This very same stiffness determines the success for this
performance.
The handkerchief is taken folded from somewhere and spread on
the table. The magician picks it up on the centerfold and raises
it up in the air until it takes the shape of a small tent.
He will do the usual mystic hand pass while putting the
handkerchief in an upright position. The hanky will stay upright
as predicted as if it was put on a spell.
- Detachable Thumb - In this trick, you will need both a hanky
and a piece of carrot. The carrot should be cut in a way that
resembles your thumb. It should be as small and has the same
thickness as your finger.
Partly cover your hand and parts of your thumb finger with the
hanky. You will need both sleight of hand and dexterity in this
kind of activity. Quickness is the rule of the game in order not
to spoil the trick.
Place the carrot in the same position as your thumb showing only
that portion while covered with handkerchief. Patter a little
bit with your audience describing how you have been feeling
about your finger since you accidentally hurt it.
Ask one to participate to do the inspection and possible
massaging for them. The moment they hold the carrot, release it
and act like you were surprised.
- Handkerchief That Changes Color - Apparently, this is one of
the simplest magic trick usually done by magicians in terms of
minimal effect on the audience but one of the most difficult
when it comes to preparation and production.
The magician will show the audience a hanky and toss it around,
up and down, right and left, and changes color along the way.
The hanky does not actually changes its color since the magician
is holding not one, but two hankie!
As the hankie is tossed up and down, he makes it a point to
reverse the position of the topmost hankie so that the one in
the bottom with a different color is showed up and the hankie
apparently changes color.
This quite a difficult thing to do for many suspecting audience
are trying to find out if you got several hankie at hand. This
requires swiftness in the movement of your hand and making sure
that the hankies you are holding do not move independently of
one another.
Tips on Performing Handkerchief Tricks
- Be swift - Try to be mindful of astute members of the audience
at all times. Even the most seemingly attentive spectator are
keen enough even the most slightest mistake made along the
process of performing your tricks thereby spoiling it.
- Mouth Shut - Secrecy is the basic rule that magicians should
keep in mind. Blabbing about the secret of your tricks makes it
even less appealing to onlookers. Allow the audience to make
their own guesses and find it out in their own way. In short,
keep them mystified.
- Practice! Although practice may not help you master all the
skills needed for a certain trick, constant and intense practice
helps and keep you on the right track.
Additionally, convey a feeling of excitement and enthusiasm in
what you are doing for it helps you connect with the audience
and infect them with your attitude along the way.