The Pen Game

Trick by Jon Allen
Out of stock

New stock expected approximately Friday, September 18, 2026

Price: £155.99£155.99inc VAT
2 reviews
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"The Pen Game is the most fun, most exciting, and most believable of any 'Russian Roulette' routine. A true worker that you can easily make your own." Jon Armstrong

Roulette routines have been a classic in magic and mentalism for decades. But most versions use spikes, nails, knives, or other dangerous objects, which come with risk and don’t always fit your performance style. “The Pen Game” by Jon Allen gives you all the tension and suspense without any of the risk.

You introduce six markers. Five are completely dry, while one contains permanent ink. You have audience members select the markers one at a time, and with each choice, you run their chosen marker across your face, their clothing, or a borrowed $100 bill, hoping that you don’t leave a permanent mark.

At the end, the final pen is revealed to be the only one with permanent ink.

This is one of the most versatile ways to perform the Russian Roulette plot. Not only is the routine practical, safer, and easy to transport, but it can be adapted to suit your performance style. It can be played off as a comedy routine or presented as a genuinely tense test of intuition. Just look at what the pros are saying:

"Such a fun routine with a level of danger that appeals to an audience" John Archer

"There's suspense AND humor, AND it can go on a plane with me? Brilliant!" Chad Long

"As soon as I saw this routine, I instantly knew it was going in my show." Eric Leclerc

You receive everything you need to perform “The Pen Game,” including one genuine marker, five specially made dry markers, and all the props needed to perform the routine.

If you’ve always wanted to perform Russian Roulette but never felt comfortable with the risk, “The Pen Game” gives you the perfect balance of comedy, suspense, and serious consequences.

Get “The Pen Game” today at Vanishing Inc.

Looking for a refill? Get them here.

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Customer reviews for The Pen Game

Brian
Honestly, this is a good routine for what you're packing. Is it completely safe? About 95% (if people start passing pens around after they've chosen them, you're in trouble), but almost always safe. It doesn't take up much room in the case, and it's a pretty funny routine. Refills are sold here, and even though you probably won't need one for a very long time, pick one up anyway. The price is what I don't like. It's extremely overpriced for what this is. I understand the work that goes into creating a trick, but it's some pens and dice in a cardboard tube--not even plastic or 3D printed, just cardboard. If you ever spill anything on it, you're done, because the cardboard tube is part of the method. Nothing here is radically new in methodology either. There are no numbers on the pens, so you could repeat this for people if they come to your show more than once and there's a good chance it'll be a different final person holding the inked pen. There's no real set-up beyond a very quick switch of something and palm of something else later in the routine. There are a lot of positives on this, but I still think the price is just too high for what it ultimately is.
Raymon
I completely agree with Brian's review. It's a really clever idea. The effect is strong, compact, and highly practical. That's exactly why it's disappointing that the value for money doesn't quite live up to the quality of the routine. At this price, I expect a high-quality, complete prop. I can somewhat understand why a cup for shaking the die isn't included—although, given the price, I don't think that would have been an unreasonable addition. At the very least, I would have expected a durable 3D-printed or plastic tube instead of a simple cardboard one, especially since the tube is an essential part of the method. Overall, it's a great trick with a strong effect, but in my opinion it's simply overpriced for what you actually receive.