Problems can often be solved by opening your mind to possibilities. Some problems have the simplest solutions when you know the answer or have experience in solving the problem. For this curious exercise you need some napkins and a coin.
Put a coin down onto a flat surface and pose the challenge.
You:
I’ve got a coin here, as you see… nothing special about it. Now watch as I add some napkins on top of the coin.
Add a napkin or two over the coin. You can even place another object on top, such as a coffee mug, to add to the story.
You:
I’m not allowed to blow to get the coin either – no blowing… Now all I’ve got to do is get the coin without touching the napkins at all. Is that possible?
They may be stumped. Add some minor theatrics to the proceedings… rub your hands and hover them over the napkin, or click your fingers.
You:
Through my mind power, I’ve made the coin disappear… and you’ll notice I haven’t touched the napkin, correct?
They’ll agree.
You:
Please reveal the missing coin.
When they remove the napkin to see, the coin will still be there. Casually pick up the coin and win the challenge.
Some extra lines you can try
Get the person to use their own coin under the napkin, adding some cash to the equation to raise the stakes.
Has anyone told you how crafty you are?
Does everyone fall for this?
Are you coining it?
Try the Match Pyramid as well Face the Fingers – these will fit right in. Throw in the Mistaken Sentence to sweeten the pot.
type type
Do It Yourself (DIY)
material material
a coin, some napkins and a glass or coffee cup
size size
pennies fit in your pocket – napkins and cups you should have at the office or in the home
durability durability
don’t spend all your coins and you should be ok
source source
the ether
time to impact time to impact
pretty much there and then
size of audience size of audience
one-on-one or a small group
possible health risk possible health risk
you may get a few curious looks
reusable how many times you can use it
just once
training needed training needed
just get the story right and you are good to go
AVERAGE COOLFIDENCE RATING