Charming Chinese Challenge (2024 Version)
Charming Chinese Challenge (2024 Version)







Troy Hooser's iconic effect is now back and better than ever!
For this 2024 version, we've completely redesigned the coins to make "Charming Chinese Challenge" an absolute joy to perform. They not only look gorgeous, but have a special coating that enables them to glide smoothly and quietly over each other. You won't find better Chinese coins anywhere else. These custom dollar-sized coins are paired with a luxurious satin ribbon that looks and handles beautifully. (please refer to the images to see what they look like, as they differ from the ones in the trailer.)
Troy Hooser's coin magic inspired a generation of magicians and the "Charming Chinese Challenge" is his finest creation. It's so special because it is unlike any coin trick you have seen before. The magic comes in it's simplicity. It's just three coins impossibly melting on and off a ribbon in increasingly impossible ways. "Charming Chinese Challenge" combines all the best of elements of ring and string with some of the prettiest coin sequences you'll ever see.
On the instructional video, Troy teaches his completely professional routine. The same routine performed by the world's greatest magicians, including our very own Joshua Jay, who has performed it in nearly every show he's ever done.
- Comes with everything you need
- No table needed
- Fantastic angles
- No gaffs
- Uses basic sleights
- Packs small, plays huge
So, sit back, watch the trailer, and enjoy the Charming Chinese Challenge.
Lost a coin? Want a few extra coins? The "Charming Chinese Challenge Coins" are the best Chinese coins for magicians and are available separately here.
Customer reviews for Charming Chinese Challenge (2024 Version)
Nate the Great
Nathan Lane
I'm eager to see the refinements made to the original.
Be great if they made different coloured ones, and matching shells, as the quality of these are outstanding.
The moves are not hard at all , basic moves you already know from basic coin handling, no Asian lvl coin moves here and once you know Troy’s routine you’ll find that is actually very modular and you can incorporate your own favorite moves to it and make it your own after you learn how the basic routine works.
In my opinion,it is 100% worth the price, and if you love coin magic you will enjoy performing and practicing this little piece.
member
1. The product is top-notch quality. The video is well made.
2. Everything is examinable, You end up clean.
3. This is not like normal coin routines that do vanish, vanish, vanish. This introduces a new stuff that will make your audience feel different.
Cons:
1. The coins are a little big to me. So I am not so used to do sleight of hands with this coin size. Bigger coins are hard to hide. I may want to consider buying smaller size coins instead(half dollar size). I think they should consider giving people options to choose different size of coins.
2. Medium level magic trick. I think I need to practice this routine at least 100 times in front of the mirror, then I will be confident enough to perform.
These coins are great quality. I enjoyed the video that came with it and I like the variations that were shown. I do not regret my purchase. I look forward to when I’ve mastered the techniques in this trick so I can amaze others.
Edit: After receiving the props in the mail I wish I could give this 6 stars. The coins are gorgeous and have a very satisfying weight. Love them, can't wait to get them under the eyes of spectators.
I like the refinements that Troy has tweaked the routine and subtleties. New alternate moves are also will get your creative juices flowing to make your own personal routines. I haven't received the Coins/Ribbon, but the teaching alone is worth the purchase. WELL done Troy! This Routine will definitely stay in the repertoires of performers for life!
The coins themselves are well made and have a decent heft to them. I saw one review that concerned me because I didn't want the coins to be too light and I'm glad they aren't.
This is a great routine for those who normally don't perform magic with coins as it really doesn't require any typical coin sleights. So that's a great thing for those who desire to add something different to their set but don't want to spend a lot of time mastering coin magic.
The routine is easy to learn, the main thing is to make sure it is performed smoothly and confidently. Trust in the coins to behave the way they should. Those who own it know what I'm referring to. Just relax and enjoy blowing people away.
The quality of the props is capitol!
I like half dollar size coins so I subbed those in and use the FPS coin wallet to carry the coins and ribbon. It's a great combination that allows clean hands from start to finish. This a a go-to every day carry now that always gets amazing reactions. I actually finish with coins in a spectators hands instead of on a table. I was scared the first time but it works and creates "in-the-hand" magic WOW. As a school teacher, I reward students at the end of class with some magic. This is the one they keep asking to see again and again. I have had students bring friends and ask to see it. Thanks for a wonderful easy to carry bit of inspiration.
It's different to other routines you'll know, not too difficult, and takes little pocket space. So there's little to lose in picking it up!
Gotta love 'old school' magic, everything examined before and after! No APP, just hAPPy~! Sleight of hand is a vanishing art, due to so many beautiful & wonderful innovations in the last decade of 'decade-nce'. However there remains an artistry that only sleights can convey. CCC by Troy Hooser is just that!!!
Everything is included in a neat little package, good quality coins (you get 4) and a ribbon (nothing special about it, but it's nice that the set is complete).
I would recommend this to anyone looking to learn a routine like this.
Regards,
Ken
Overall, a great routine. Try it out with the supplied coins. If they work for you, great, but if not there are options available to make things easier.
I've enjoyed this effect since I saw jousha perform it at a magic ring in Columbus, Ohio several years ago I've had the effect for several years and ordered this one for my granddaughter who shares doing magic for friends and family.
Easy to perform. Nice pocket piece for an impropto proformance.
member
Laura
Incorporating the Charming Chinese Challenge into my strolling routine has elevated my performances to new heights, eliciting reactions from spectators that are nothing short of astounding. The visual impact of three Chinese coins penetrating a ribbon is simply breathtaking, leaving audiences spellbound and eager for more.
What truly sets this routine apart is its adaptability and suitability for various performance settings. Whether I'm performing in a bustling venue or on the intimate stage of a television studio, the Charming Chinese Challenge never fails to deliver a captivating experience for viewers.
I can't help but recall a performance by Joshua Jay, where he masterfully executed the Charming Chinese Challenge on television. The sheer brilliance of his presentation left a lasting impression on me, showcasing the routine's potential to shine in a televised format. The simplicity of the effect combined with its stunning visuals makes it a perfect fit for captivating audiences through the screen.
In addition to its television-worthy qualities, the Charming Chinese Challenge boasts practical advantages that make it a favorite among magicians. With no need for a table and minimal sleight of hand required, it's an ideal choice for performers looking to maximize impact with minimal effort.
In conclusion, the Charming Chinese Challenge is not just a routine—it's a television-worthy triumph that deserves a place in every magician's repertoire. Whether you're performing live or on screen, this masterpiece by Troy Hooser is sure to leave a lasting impression on audiences everywhere. Prepare to dazzle and amaze with the Charming Chinese Challenge!
member
member
I tried some variants including another product I bought from Vanishing. I mentioned in that review that I thought that the routine was excellent but there were problems with the ribbon and the camera angles in the tutorial.
When I learned that Troy had updated the routine and added some variants, I decided, "Well, it is a classic so why not buy it again?" I am so glad I did!
Troy's tutorial is clear, the camera is stable (thank the Maker), and crucial parts of the behind-the-scenes are shown clearly and slowly.
The variants Troy has added are nothing short of spectacular. There is even a final "Three Fly" phase that is so beautiful.
Look, even if you perform Charming Chinese Challenge, get it again! The props are the best, the teaching is flawless, and, as a bonus, you get a mini-masterclass (had to borrow that Joshua and Andi) on some fundamental moves and theory that you can apply to all of your coin work.
The redneck in me wants to find a way to do it for people like me. The elegance Troy performs with is what this trick deserves.
The first piece I've purchased from Vanishing Inc. If the rest of this first bundle are this nice and explained this well...
Practice is crucial but it’s not a difficult trick at all. Angles are important to know; avoid people being directly next to or behind you. I’ve done it surrounded and it was fine but it was harder to pull off.
Another cool thing to try: do it with two coins instead of three and the last phase as a ring vanish. Sometimes I just do the ring vanish.
Richard Kitterman- Annapolis, MD
It isn’t even that technical and you create impossible moments and everything can be examined! This is perfect, seriously. A solid 3 to maybe 5 minutes of something laypeople will never have seen before.
The video routine/tutorial was good but it might have spent a little more effort on the sleights involved for the people like me that have no skills in this area. To be fair, that's my skill shortcomings and confidence that is more of the issue.
The trick is neat to watch and a refreshing change to the (yawn) 'pick a card'.
I haven't performed it yet because I have not had the time since purchasing it to even start practising the techniques. I'm happy with the purchase and will shortly start putting in the time to get it right for a performance.
Quality magic is not always available to buy but well made items like this will likely be used for many years and become family magical heirlooms.
Community questions about Charming Chinese Challenge (2024 Version)
Have a question about this product? It's possible others do too. Ask here and other Vanishing Inc. Magic customers will be able to respond with assistance! Alternatively, email us and we can help too.
Frank asks: Does Vanishing Inc have shell coin that matches the coins in the set (2024 version)
- 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:We do not at this moment
Robert asks: I read about the "slightly reduced diameter so the coins would fit an expanded shell". But where coud I get the matching expanded shell??
- 1. Diego responds:Good question! Does the set come with it?
Robert asks: Is the instructional video for the 2024 Version the same 21:37 minute video that comes with the original version or has it been expanded?
- 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:It's the same instructional video. The coins have been changed: authentic mandarin, slightly reduced diameter so they will fit in an expanded shell, and they have been coated with a material that makes them feel like "soft" coins. Hope that helps.
Diego asks: I already have the original set. What's so new to make this one the 2024 version?
- 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:The lettering has been replaced with authentic Mandarin, the coins are very slightly reduced in diameter, so an expanded shell will fit on them, and they have a special new coating that makes them feel like "soft" coins. Hope that helps.
Mike asks: Hello. I have the shells and ribbon already. Can I just purchase the instruction video and how much is it?
- 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:Unfortunately, we are not able to sell just the instructional video. And there are no shells needed. :)
Stanley asks: Does this come with 4 coins?
- 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:Yes it does. Ribbon included
Luke asks: Is this any good for someone new to coin magic? It’s seems pretty straight forward but I’ve seen mixed reviews regarding the explanation video on both magic cafe, penguin magic as well as on here.
- 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:It is! The moves will take some practice but it's a fun routine to start with.
Douglas asks: When you say "Online video instructions", are you referring to streaming or downloading? Thank you.
- 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:You have the option to stream the videos but also download them to your computer.
Michael asks: Are there half dollar coins of the same caliber that I can use instead? I'd prefer to have coins that match the size of my regular coins that I use.
- 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:Unfortunately, it's only made in Dollar Sized coins, but since the coins are ungimmicked, you can use half-dollar-sized Chinese coins from other places.
Dennis asks: What are the coins made out of?
- 1. Howard responds:Metal.
10 questions


