Magic Trick Dexters Sealed Cord Test The Dexter’s Sealed Cord Test is a unique and mystifying escape illusion where a securely bound volunteer—often a lady—amazingly manages to perform specific actions despite seemingly being tied in a way that restricts movement.
Magic Trick Dexters Sealed Cord Test
Effect of the Trick
- Examination of Equipment: A large board with two metal staples is shown and thoroughly inspected by the audience to prove it’s untampered.
- Binding the Volunteer: Two members from the audience assist in tying the volunteer to the board.
- Impossible Feats Performed by the Volunteer: While hidden by a curtain, the volunteer manages to perform small feats like drinking a glass of water and tying a handkerchief around her neck.
- Final Reveal: The performer cuts the cord, and the volunteer steps forward, showing her wrists and neck still tied with their original knots.
Props Needed
- Board with Two Metal Staples: The board should be sturdy, around 3×5 feet, with the staples securely fastened.
- Box or Chair for the Volunteer to Sit On: The box should be close to the board, leaving only a 3-inch gap.
- Curtain or Screen: This will allow for a temporary cover over the volunteer for the “impossible” actions.
- Plate and Glass of Water: Used for the drinking portion of the trick.
- Handkerchief: Tied around the volunteer’s neck during the trick.
- Knife: Used by the magician for the final reveal.
Preparation and Setup
- Positioning the Board and Box: Set the board against a wall, with the box or chair positioned 3 inches in front of it. The staples should be at neck and lower back levels.
- Volunteer’s Knowledge: The volunteer should be well-rehearsed in subtle movements that allow for temporary freedom within the binding method, especially around the wrists.
Steps to Perform the Trick
- Audience Examination and Binding:
- Have the audience inspect the board and staples to confirm that they are ordinary.
- Position the volunteer with her back against the board.
- One gentleman is instructed to tie a string around the volunteer’s neck, securing it through the staple behind her neck with a solid knot.
- The second gentleman ties her right wrist, passing the string through the lower staple to restrict her arm movements. However, the volunteer subtly holds a bit of slack in her hand, which allows her later flexibility.
- Securing the Volunteer’s Hands:
- The other end of the string is passed to the first gentleman, who ties her left wrist, appearing to restrict both hands firmly.
- Once the volunteers step back, the performer announces that the volunteer will attempt to complete “impossible” tasks.
- The Hidden Actions:
- A curtain is drawn in front of the volunteer, concealing her momentarily. The volunteer uses her hidden slack to free her hands subtly.
- She takes the glass of water, drinks, and taps her foot to signal she’s finished. The audience hears the glass placed back on the plate.
- She then ties a handkerchief around her neck using one hand and her teeth to secure it.
- Revealing the Escape:
- After the feats, the performer cuts the string at the volunteer’s neck, releasing her slightly.
- The performer also cuts the string near her wrists, allowing her to step forward.
- The volunteer presents her wrists to the audience, showing the original knots still in place, giving the illusion that she was never fully freed.
Tips for Success
- Coordinate with the Volunteer: The success of this trick depends heavily on the volunteer’s ability to use slack effectively and convincingly. Practice and coordination are essential.
- Draw Attention Away from Key Moves: Engage the audience’s attention with a narrative to distract from any subtle hand movements.
- Use Sound Effects Wisely: The sound of the glass being placed on the plate helps confirm that the volunteer is completing actions behind the curtain.
Conclusion
The Dexter’s Sealed Cord Test creates the illusion of a person completing seemingly impossible tasks while bound. Through careful binding, hidden slack, and practiced coordination, this trick leaves audiences in awe, proving once again that sometimes the simplest illusions have the greatest impact.
