Learn Easy Magic | EP2 : A Bet You Can’t Lose
The Trick
Take some change out of your pocket and jingle it in your hand, but do not show the change in your hand. Now, ask if anyone has some loose change. Bring that person up as a helper and ask if they would like to win the money in your hand. “If I am betting my money, then you need to bet some of yours. Ask them if they have a penny. “Now, here is the bet: “If I add your penny to the coins in my hand, will they add up to an even or an odd amount?” Let them realize they have a 50/50 chance to win. Let them choose either odd or even. Now you can show them you won and take their penny. Believe it or not, with this ruse, you will always win. This came from a routine Steve Bender showed us at a lecture over 20 years ago. I never saw it written up; I have done it for many years, and it always pleases. Thought I would share it.
Modus Operandi
It all works because of the coins in your hand. You need six coins: a dime, a nickel, and four pennies.
There are two options you need to remember. If they guess even, tell them, “I have six coins in my hand, and yours makes seven I WIN.” When they think odd, tell them, “I have coins in my hand that add up to 19 cents.” Add up the values of your six coins. Adding your penny makes 20 cents, so you win. Even though this is a simple bit of magic, people can’t backtrack to figure out what happened. Sadly, you cannot repeat it, but you can go into another bit of magic with coins and continue your show.
I like this effect as you can also use it with paper bills. Needing a $10 bill, a $5 bill, and four single dollars. This way, it plays better for a larger group.
These types of math magic effects play well when incorporated into a STEAM show. The 1089 trick, the 7 Pile trick, and The Magic Triangle from the Dec. 2021 issue of Linking Ring are great for these types of shows.
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