How to Do the Broken and Restored Toothpick Trick

A simple magic trick can lighten the mood and entertain everyone at a dinner party. Many tricks, such as the broken and restored toothpick trick, require no special props or extra equipment. Magic tricks do require quick hands, concentration and practice.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Put a fabric napkin in your lap during the meal. Take a toothpick from the toothpick holder while no one is paying attention. Then, slide the toothpick into the hem of a corner of the napkin. It's very important that no one sees you do this. Continue to eat dinner as usual.

2. Tell your audience that you're going to perform a magic trick. Pick the napkin up from your lap and unfold it. Spread it out flat on the table in front of you.

3. Take a second toothpick and lay it on top of the napkin. To the other people in attendance, this is the only toothpick involved in the trick. Fold all four corners of the napkin in toward the center. Make note of the corner of the napkin where you inserted the first toothpick into the hem. That's the corner you should fold in first.

4. Grab the toothpick in the hem of the napkin and break it. You may need to ask your audience to be especially quiet before you break the toothpick so that they're sure to hear the snap. Your audience will think that you've broken the second toothpick.

5. Use your hand to make some type of magical movement or gesture over the top of the napkin. Or, you might say a magic word.

6. Unfold the napkin to show everyone the unbroken toothpick still lying on top of the napkin. Pick up the toothpick and show everyone that it's still in one piece.