Silver Key Ring, Linking Rings Question
Q: Is there a way to make the linkings rings look like they appeared, any
appearnce would be helpful and I'm only going to use two. Thank you very much
A:The linking rings, also known as the Chinese linking rings, is one of the
oldest illusions still in use today. There are many routines for this illusion but
I will concentrate on the basics of the illusion and not on a particular
routine.
The Effect:
The performer is center stage, holding eight silver rinks. Each ring has a
diameter of ten inches. They are shown to be solid, without fake openings.
The performer then causes the rings to link together and unlink right before
the eyes of the audience. Often a spectator is brought on to help the performer.
the rings will link and unlike right in the hands of the spectator. The
spectator at all times has full control of the rings. Once they are linked, the spectator
can unlinked them at the command of the performer and can only re-link them in a
similar matter.
The audience is always amazed and delighted as the rings seemingly melt into
each other, then slip apart. At the illusion's close, all eight rings are
seen to be completely linked together.
The Secret:
This illusion is misdirection at its best. First of all, you begin with
eight rings. the eight rings are held in the following order: two single rings
which are not fake and are separated from the others and each other, then two
rings which are permanently linked together, and three other rings also
permanently linked together, and three other rings also permanently linked together. the
eighth ring is the key ring. This ring is not solid , it does not form a
complete circle. This opening allows other rings to link up or unlink from
the key ring.
When first showing the rings to the audience, let them fall from one hand to
the other. As they fall, count them. You must keep both hands close enough
together so the linked rings will not show. This will be easily covered if you keep
your hands close together.
With all the rings counted, have all the rings distributed on one arm. The
rings will be in the following order (from hand to elbow, on your arm) single
ring, key ring, single ring, double-linked rings, triple-linked rings.
To perform the illusion...
take the first two rings and show them separately. Then
group them together. These rings will be the key ring and the single ring.
remove the next ring, also a single ring, and link it to the key ring. Now
you hold the key ring and two attached single rings. The rest of the rings are
still in the crook of your arm.
Remove the two single rings from the key ring and hand them to the
spectator, who is asked to link them together. As you do this, place the key ring onto
your arm, then remove it along with the double ring set, keeping the rings
together.
Because the spectator will not be able to link the rings, you will take them
back. You now have in your hand two single rings, the key ring and the
double linked rings. Explain to the audience that the spectator did not say the
magic word. Return the two linked rings to the spectator, and have the spectator
hold them together over his or her head. meanwhile, you take the key ring and a
single ring and show them to the spectator how to hold them, holding them
over your own head.
Say the magic word and suddenly your set and the spectator's set are now
linked.
Of course you can unlink your set while the spectator cannot, because you
are using the key ring.
Continue with this type of routine while linking while linking and unlinking
constantly confusing the audience with the rings being linked or unlinked.
For the finale, the performer will have the spectator return all the rings and
will then link all the other rings to the key ring.
Rings come in all sizes in local magic shops. Or, you can go to your local
craft store and purchase needlework rings. They come in many sizes and colors. You
can have anywhere from three rings to twelve rings or more. Many craft shops
will be able to spot weld these rings in required groups.
Silver or gold are the best ring colors because