Bamboozlers
Diamond Jim TylEr
HITCHHIKER BILL
GAG: Persuade your audience to find the hitchhiker on
the back of a one dollar bill.
Begin by asking, “Where can one find a key on a dollar
bill?” This can be found on the right side of the bill in
the green seal (Fig. 1). It is directly under the scales.
Follow up your question with a harder one by inquiring, “Does anyone know where the spider is on the face
of a one-dollar bill?” Some will answer “Yes,” and some
will say “No.” Permit the audience to search for a short
while, and then show them where it is (Fig. 2). You may
need a magnifying glass to show the audience.
Then ask, “Does anyone know where the hitchhiker is
on the back of a one-dollar bill?” See if you can find the
hitchhiker. He is next to the pyramid (Fig. 3).
Wait a minute. Somebody must have picked him up.”
Gotcha!
This a great gag to use on a group after they have been
telling stories related to history or trivia. Pull a bamboozler or two on them that have concrete solutions first
and then try the hitchhiker bit for the best results. By
the way, here’s a little financial advice… “The best way
to save money is to forget who you borrowed it from.”
Diamond Jim’s book Pockets Full of Miracles: Secrets
from the Repertoire of a Professional Close-Up Magician
is currently out of print and considered a classic. His new
Bamboozlers series is receiving rave reviews from his
peers.
After everyone has looked for a good while, to no avail,
offer to show where he is. Take the bill and point next
to the pyramid, saying, “See. He is right here.” Bewildered, everyone will look closer. Finish by saying, “Oh!
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