How to Do the Saw a Person in Half Magic Trick

In this safe twist on an old trick, you will create the illusion of sawing a volunteer in half using two lengths of rope. This is an audience-engaging illusion that requires three volunteers, but few materials and little preparation prior to your show.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Two ropes
• White thread

1. Prepare for your show by laying the 2 ropes next to each other. Tie them together near the middle with a piece of white thread. Fold each individual rope in half so that the 2 lengths meet with 2 loops. Be sure to hold the ropes by the middle section so that your hand covers the spot where they are connected.

2. Ask for 3 volunteers from the audience.

3. Line up your 3 volunteers in a row, facing the audience.

4. Hand the 2 volunteers on the ends one end of the ropes.

5. Position the junction of the ropes along the center of the middle volunteer's back.

6. Take the ends of the ropes from the 2 end volunteers and tie them around the front of the middle volunteer.

7. Give the 2 lengths of rope back to the end volunteers and ask them to pull on the ropes at the same time. When they pull, the thread will break and create an illusion that the ropes went through the other volunteer.

Tips & Warnings

• When taking the ends of rope from your volunteers, take care not to grab them too hard or you risk breaking the thread.

[clydite]

on 8/16/2008 Very sneaky, I never thought about it being held together by thread. Good Job!