A fast and stunning coin matrix that uses two bare hands and only four coins, Calvin Lauber offers an impressive, impromptu routine. In classic coin matrix, the magician lays out four coins in a square and by covering them with his hands or cards, makes the coins mysteriously disappear and reappear in a single place.
One Ahead
Lauber’s method is brilliant. Since Lauber only uses four coins in his matrix, he has created a virtual “one-ahead” scenario through the use of clever and carefully timed choreography and a dash of flair in his movements. If you want to see the effect, you can watch the performance video on YouTube.
Lauber performs the effect on a bare table top and doesn’t talk about the scraping noise that must occur. While he doesn’t use a close-up pad, I’m sure that the effect can benefit from the use of one. Lauber also doesn’t discuss what types of coins to use, although here, he uses quarters. I would have liked to have learned why he uses quarters for the performance and explanations.
Complex Choreography
In addition to the choreography, Lauber’s routine makes use of a particular move that will take some practice. Lauber also employs a move that he says he came up with himself, but admits that it has probably been invented already. I believe that the move is commonly attributed to David Roth.
While Lauber appears smooth as silk when performing his matrix, I anticipate that this routine will take lots of work with its complex choreography and timing. And I’m convinced that you’ll need a close-up pad in a real world performance.
This one is good. I’m looking forward to see what else Calvin Lauber comes up with in the future.
-Wayne N. Kawamoto
MSRP: (US) $19.99
Dealers can purchase from Murphy's Magic Supplies, Inc.
