Adair’s Perplexing Pens

Ian Adair’s latest close-up Effect:

Just imagine tossing two crystal clear ball-point pens onto the table for spectators to examine – one is a red pen, complete with red cap and red end-piece, the other blue, with blue cap and blue end-piece. Spectators can clearly see through the clear transparent shaft of the pens so the ink cartridges (refill units) are visible.

A spectator assists in trying out the pens, proving that the red pen writes in red ink — the blue one, in blue ink.

Both pens are placed inside a long envelope. Right up to the last moment, a spectator can feel through the envelope, assuring everyone that it only contains two pens.

Moments later, the red pen is removed and displayed, then placed inside the inner jacket pocket (that’s where most folks keep their pens!)

“Watch the pens mysteriously change places” you say. “Presto!”

The red pen reappears back inside the envelope whilst the blue one makes its way to the pocket. The envelope can immediately be examined. A super effect on its own. But that’s not all. Here’s the climax that is really mind-blowing!

You tell your audience that this time you will make both pens, the red and the blue, magically change places without any cover at all. The same pens are used and both are positioned on the table, apart from each other.

You snap your fingers twice (a snap for each pen!). You smile towards your audience. However, they are not impressed – not amused! The two pens are still positioned as they were before.

Here’s the ‘kicker’. You remove the blue cap from the blue pen and scribble onto a pad…. IT’S RED. You now remove the red cap from the red pen and scribble onto a pad… ITS BLUE — Wow! the coloured inks have changed places! (or you could have a spectator do the scribbling)

And the amazing part of it all is that both pens can once again be examined!

You receive a set of very convincing gaffed pens which can be examined right at the start and after the performance. These look like real crystal clear ball-point pens one would purchase from a shop.

We also supply a couple of good quality long envelopes and a small scribbling pad, plus full instructions.

Easy to do. No sleight of hand involved.

A very novel and different routine you can put into your repertoire, just after reading the detailed instructions.