Subterfuge offers a gimmick and system that can vanish a small object or coin that is resting on a spectator’s hand and quickly ditch it. The clever system doesn’t rely on a traditional pull or string. It’s an intriguing and competent system that vanishes small objects in a manner that can’t be recreated by sleight of hand alone.
Subterfuge offers a visual vanish. A small object such as a coin is placed on the back of a spectator’s hand. By simply waving his hands over the object, and without touching the object or the spectator’s hand, the object disappears. In appearance, it’s very similar to an effect that David Blaine performed in his television specials.
Vanish and Ditch
There are two aspects to Subterfuge. The first is the vanish from the spectator’s hand. The second is the slick method that allows you to quickly ditch the vanished item. Both rely on the use of a special ring that you must wear. You purchase Subterfuge with either a large (approximately ring size 13) or small ring size (approximately ring size 9.75), which is worn on your middle or ring finger.
Subterfuge requires no use of a pocket or special clothing, although there are certain dress requirements that most should be able to meet by simply reaching into their closets. The reset, as the ads state, is quick and may be surreptitiously accomplished in front of spectators. Also, the objects that are vanished must meet certain requirements, which are easily met. An enclosed DVD adequately explains the system and offers two methods for employing the gimmick and system.
Any competent sleight of hand artist can convincingly vanish a coin or small object. But Subterfuge can vanish an object right off of a spectator’s hand and quickly and surreptitiously ditch it. It’s not self-working and takes practice to perform well. Aside from the ring, there’s little that will get in your way of other effects and tricks.
Subterfuge is a one-trick pony. But what it does it does well. If you want to perform a stunning vanish in your walk-around or close-up sets, it may be worth the look.
-Wayne N. Kawamoto
