Less is More (Trick)
Less is More (Trick)






Words CANNOT express how sensational this trick FEELS. This is the rarest kind of magic trick: a tactile illusion. Based on a centuries old illusion puzzle, the idea is simple: you show three pieces of wood, each roughly the size of a box of cards. When a spectator lifts all three, they feel...heavy. But when the spectator lifts just two of the three pieces, they discover that two blocks feel somehow HEAVIER than three. What? And when they lift just one block, it feels heavier than when they held two. Again, we cannot emphasize enough that this rather unsuspecting description doesn't begin to do justice to the visceral power of this illusion. The most common reaction when you share this moment with people? Unbridled laughter! It's an incredibly strange sensation.
What's most brilliant about this package, though, is that it allows us as performers to do the rarest kind of performance: the non-performance. This is a shared moment, and a stunning, intimate one. By virtue of the effect parameters, it really can only be done one on one, or for one person at a time in a group. This creates an intimacy and, if in a group, a show-and-tell anticipation that is hard to replicate with traditional magic.
The quality of the products is top notch and stunning: handmade with polished black walnut wood. While this piece makes an excellent addition to your performing repertoire, it might just be best-suited as a curiosity that lives on your desk at work, or as a curio on a bookshelf in your home. If you have someone in your life who loves magic but isn't a performer, this would make a sensational gift: the physical objects exude quality, yet teaching someone how to perform it is as simple as showing them how to lift three blocks off of a table.
Our supplies of "Less is More" are extremely limited, and we have an exclusive arrangement with the manufacturer. For this reason, we are limiting each person's order quantity to just two units of "Less is More" per person. We envision that this will become a collector's item due to its topological nature and the beautiful craftsmanship of the prop.
Customer reviews for Less is More (Trick)
If you're looking to learn a new concept in magic, you won't find it here. There's no magnet or suction cup or new technology of any kind. When the description says that block will "feel" heavier, it means exactly that. It won't be heavier, just feel heavier. It's all about suggestion.
The trick seems pretty good to me, so i rated it "pretty good." If I get crazy reactions, I'll update it to something better. Seems more like a puzzle to me (the description calls it that) rather than a magic trick, but perhaps it comes down to performance.
Ever since, I’ve always wanted to make a set for myself but never got around to it. So when I stumbled across these at VI, I had to order a set as soon as I could - which was an hour or so ago.
So yes I am “reviewing” these before I receive them. But I’m in the reverse situation from most folks asking questions on the edges of the method: the only thing I don’t know for sure is how the actual blocks look and feel in person. From experience, however, I know how discerning (and highly selective) the VI folks are when it comes to selling top-quality stuff - so I am not worried in the least.
If you have never experienced this effect before, I highly recommended you have a friend do it with you as the spectator before you learn what’s going on. This really is something you need to experience yourself to get a good idea of how your spectators will react.
Even if people know how this works, the illusion is so strong that they still feel it. You could leave this on your desk in your office, use it to show that a person is "hypnotized" in a show and many other things.
While this an expensive set of props. You will see why when you get them. From the box, the instructions, and the wonderful props, this is perhaps the most impressive "psychological suggestion" trick in the world.
This could be a great piece to carry with you when you meet with a potential client about gigs. I can assure you that they will be impressed.
Highly recommended,
Sam Lamerson
member
I haven't performed it for other people yet, as it only arrived an hour or two ago, but after reading the instructions, I tried it on myself - simply closing my eyes and following the actions, but without going through the patter, and the effect is real and uncanny.
Very nice!
member
It is a physical/psychological illusion which can be very strong when performed thoughtfully in the proper setting. Could it succeed on stage? Probably. In the parlor? Most likely. Close-up? For certain! It all depends on how you dress it and the seriousness with which you approach it. And because spectators experience the illusion so personally, they'll remember it long after your performance.
The blocks are beautifully made and well worth the price. To the thoughtful performer, this is a great routine to add to the repertoire. And part of the fun will be, in performance after performance, finding the very best way to present it.
Great Quality and Beautiful Craftmanship!
It was worth the wait.
Only suggestion: I wish we could purchase an extra wooden block.
member
member
Natural wood and therefore sells the innocence of the principle and effect to other members of the audience as well as the person involved.
Nothing else needed, except your patter.
Brilliant and recommend if you perform close up, but don't use as a part of your routine, just put on the table and don't mention it. Your audience will ask about it guaranteed and then you're in as a closer.
The one down side is I have no idea where I will perform this. I think this will be one of those lovely magic items that doesn’t go in a show but comes out for special guests. Definitely worth the purchase.
It’s made exceptionally well
I tried it on myself and it was incredible
Who would think the blocks would feel heavier
As you picked up less!! Amazing ??
It makes no sense to the mind, yet it is so.
Weather it sits on your desk or coffee table as a conversation starter or you use it as an effect you can't go wrong with this.
I’ve used loaded matchboxes to do this illusion but the blocks are beautifully designed and ‘make’ it impressive.
No sleight of hand necessary, but little showmanship would not go awry.
I like how the pamphlet in the box gives a suggestion on how to present the blocks. Letting the audience handle a block or two beforehand really adds to their amazement in my experience.
I highly recommend this as a conversation piece or for an intimate setting with a friend or two.
member
My highest recommendation!
Beautiful magic moment!
so quickly, I am a happy bunny.
This item, it's not a trick, looks beautiful and is gorgeous to handle.
I even fooled myself. The fewer you hold, the heavier they become!
Now I am waiting for the right moment for its first outing.
You have to experience to understand the brilliance of this baritone and its effect.
You’ll fool yourself !
1. Of the three blocks, one is slightly larger in length & width (very obvious when they are stacked). When noticed by a careful observer, the possibility that they are not all the same is more likely to come to mind.
2. Another of the three is not as well made, and seams can be seen on the wood, obviously indicating that it is not a solid piece.
It's disappointing for what they cost... I wish I could get a good matched replacement set.
It should be a part of our training to help students understand the concept of sensory motor perception
It would be gravest to record muscle activity with an an EMG machine and correlate itt to perceived weight
It might be interesting to have 3 blocks one triple one double and one single to see if it changes perception of the illusion
member
Community questions about Less is More (Trick)
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.
Charles asks: The ad says the blocks are "roughly the size of a card box". One of the question responses says each one will fit inside a card box. Can I assume that each of them, if they are not exactly equal in size, are all small enough to fit inside a card box but large enough to fit snugly inside?
- 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:All three are equal in size, and fit exactly into a card box.
Donald asks: Hi Just received Less is More. Seems simple enough but i know there has to be some instruction or tutorial to go with this but i cant find it. Any help is appreciated. Thanks Don P.
- 1. Jim responds:Look in your account: https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/account/downloads/
Robert asks: You state the blocks must be in a specific order. Are they somehow marked so that they can be properly placed in that order?
- 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:There are small markings on the blocks but you'll be able to tell which one is which just by picking them up.
- 2. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:You just need to ensure the heavy brick is in the right place. That's it :)
Holger asks: I know the principle but on some presentation - e.g. with match boxes it lacks the reality check, because all three objects seems too heavy for the kind of objects used. Are the three wood blocks together nearly weighing the correct expected weight?
- 1. Nick responds:They are fine, if you hand them out to different audience members.
Evan asks: Upon examination of all three blocks, will the spectator be able to feel any difference between them, or is it best to have them examined one at a time, or can they play with them to their hearts content?
- 1. Nick responds:I would hand them out to different audience members.
Miggs asks: Does this have more to do with the "performer" grooming the participant to believe that what they are feeling is real, rather than an actual physical phenomenon?
- 1. Jim responds:No "grooming" is needed.
Claude asks: These blocks look beautiful, but if they get dropped or nicked up any, will that have any impact ruining the workings or illusion?
- 1. Sgkyduyen responds:Nope! unless the block is broken
Robert asks: Do these fit inside a card box? That could open up additional, organic presentations. Provided the three together aren't way heavier than three decks of cards.
- 1. Juan Carlos responds:Certainly worth trying!
- 2. Robert responds:They fit in a card box no problem.
Michael asks: Heavy Handed by Meir Yedid does the exact same thing only with card boxes for less than half the price. So why such a high price? Wood is not that expensive and the effect is not new. Thanks!
- 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:It's kinda like asking why one car is more than another car. You can do exactly the same thing with match boxes too. The idea is hundreds of years old. The important thing is choice. Some people like to have 3 beautiful pieces of wood on display in their house and then go into this. Some people don't. If you prefer Meir's version, that's great. Many people are enjoying this version.
Calvin asks: Was this suppose to come with a leaflet as stated in the instruction video? It may be that it wasn't in English and that's why it wasn't included, but wanted to make sure I wasn't missing anything in my order.
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