Impossible by Stephen Tucker

• 100% self-working
• instant reset
• everything can be examined at the end

Effect: You table a coin, a folded up Lotto ticket and a key-ring, then turn your back on proceedings. Someone mixes the three objects around in the row. You now ask that they 'switch' the three objects around even more, as you direct them (sight unseen). They are then asked to pocket two of the objects, in different pockets, and hold the remaining object in their hand.

You now turn to face them again and, after suitable concentration, reveal that they are holding the coin in their hand - they are! You then continue that the key-ring is in their right pocket - it is! Finally, though by now everyone has worked this out, you reveal that the Lotto ticket is in their left pocket - it is.

This latter revelation is obviously far weaker than the first two until that is they unfold the Lotto ticket and find that the words "LEFT POCKET" are printed on it!

If you prefer, once you have Impossible, the folded Lotto ticket can very easily be replaced by a folded $1.00 bill (or any other bank-note), on which you can print the words "LEFT POCKET" using your home computer and printer.

The instructions also detail a version using three other objects, that you probably already have or can easily get, that is 100% self-contained and 100% impromptu, as you'll always have these objects with you.

Notes: Impossible was inspired by a very old mathematical principle, but it completely slays laypeople and magicians alike. The final kicker of having the words "LEFT POCKET" written on the folded Lotto ticket should be credited to Vincent de Ponto (Magic Vinny) of the USA.