Magic tricks aren’t just for kids. In fact, almost everybody loves a good magic trick as long as it is presented in the right context and environment. No you don’t need a top hat, a cape or a magic wand. The best and most impressive bar magic tricks are often improvised and spontaneous. You certainly don’t want people to think that you are rehearsing an act or routine. So don’t push it and start simple.
Some Great Tricks
The secret of any bar magician is to use common, everyday items to impress others. Remember, you are in a bar, not on a stage. You can’t very well pull a rabbit out of a hat and expect people to cheer. More likely they would think you are a very odd human being and simply walk away. Therefore, it is always a good idea to stick with tricks that you can perform with everyday items.
An old standby is the tried and true vanishing coin trick. You can either ask to borrow a coin from the person you are talking with or you can produce one from your pocket. If you want to get the person you are with more involved in the trick, it’s always best to ask them to borrow a coin. Once you have demonstrated a little slight of hand and made the coin disappear, return it and thank them.
There are also a number of tricks that you can do with beer bottles, and since you are in a bar you there should be no shortage of beer bottles. Many tricks that involve bottles are extremely easy to do and may even call for an assistant. You may ask your assistant if they can complete the trick, and when they fail you can show them the secret. This is a great ice breaker and may lead to repeat performances. And, unlike coin tricks, the bottle gags do not require any practice or skill.
Although many bars and restaurants now prohibit smoking, if you are in a state that allows smoking in public places you may attempt any one of a multitude of cigarette or lighter tricks. Just like beer bottle tricks, these gags are easy to pull off and do not require any preparation; and if you both happen to be smokers, so much the better. A simple lighter or cigarette trick may be just the thing you need to spark her interest.
Helpful Hints
You don’t want to seem like you are showing off. Don’t ask a woman if she’d like to see a magic trick. It is best to smoothly work magic into your interactions. And it is also not a good idea to announce that you are doing a magic trick. Simply ask your new friend for the item you need to complete the trick and then do your best. It is also always a good idea to not be too ambitious. As we mentioned, certain tricks require quite a bit of skill to successfully pull off. You don’t want to look foolish when you are trying to impress someone with a bar trick. Therefore, it is best to begin with bottle or cigarette trick. If your partner seems impressed, then you might decide to move on to more challenging tricks.
In the end, bar magic is all about confidence and knowing your audience. Don’t try to be a show off and attempt a trick that might fail. Instead, stick with the old familiar standbys. You might not get many standing ovations, but at least you won’t hurt your pride.