BAMBOOZLERS
DIAMOND JIM TYLER
ABOUT FACE
BET:
Prop up a $10 bill against a salt-shaker sitting on a table
so that the portrait faces outward. Everyone can see
that the profile faces to the left or west (Fig. 1). Bet that
you can make the profile look the opposite direction
without touching the bill.
SECRET:
Fill a clear glass with water and place it about four inches in front of the bill. Now when your audience looks
through the glass all can see the portrait is looking the
opposite direction (Fig. 2). The image may be distorted
for some depending on their angle when looking at this
optical illusion. If they see a blurred or double-image,
then have them close one of their eyes to witness the
mirror reflection of the bill through the glass of water.
bill?”, as I cover up his name printed below his portrait.
If they guess Alexander Hamilton, then they are surprisingly incorrect, because it is a trick question. Hamilton
was a founding father and the Secretary of the Treasury
but was never President.
It is best to borrow the bill when performing a money
trick like this. I always borrow money from a pessimist,
because they don’t expect it back.
You can also start with the bill flush against the glass so
all can see that the profile still faces the same direction.
Then slowly pull the bill back and have them look at
the portrait through the glass so they can see the exact
moment the head turns the opposite direction. As a
follow-up I’ll ask them “Which President is on the $10
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