Linking Rings Trick: How to Do the Linking Rings Magic Trick

The linking rings magic trick is a classic magic illusions that can be done using a pair of solid metal rings. Typically the rings are made of chrome or stainless steel. One of these rings—a trick ring—will have a small slit that enables stage magicians to slide one ring inside the other during a magic show. This trick is a staple of close-up magic.

Once you acquire your ring set from a magic store, you are ready to attempt this relatively easy magic trick. Simply follow this step-by-step tutorial to add a new magic act to your routine:

1. 1. Place the two rings on the table. Stage magic audiences like to see magic props laid out in front of them. Satisfy your own audience by laying the two rings on the table for them to observe. Crucially, you should layer the fully solid ring over the slit in the trick ring.
2. 2. Pick up the rings. Once your audience has seen the rings on the table, you should pick them up at the point where the two rings overlap. Grasping the rings in this spot will let you pick them up while hiding the slit in your trick ring.
3. 3. Spin the trick ring for your audience. Place the solid ring on your right arm, holding it in the crook of your elbow. Now grasp the trick ring such that your fingers cover the slit. Use your other hand to pretend that you are spinning the ring through your fingers when in fact you are holding the ring in your pinched fingers and the "spinning" is an optical illusion. You will need to practice this fake ring spin. Magic books may offer extra tips for pulling this off.
4. 4. Spin the real ring. Next, put the trick ring on your left arm, hiding the slit in the crook of your elbow. Pull the real ring off your right arm and spin it through your fingers so your audience can see it. This time you really will spin the ring because you have nothing to hide.
5. 5. Make the rings link together. Hold the two rings together, and use your thumb and forefinger to cover the spot where the trick ring has a slit. Knock the solid bottom loops of the rings together a few times. This shows the audience you are trying to merge the solid rings. On the final knock, push the solid ring into the slit in the trick ring so they do in fact link together.
6. 6. Show off the linked rings. Let the solid ring drop down so the audience can see the rings really are linked. Keep holding the slit of the trick ring between your thumb and forefinger.
7. 7. Tap the rings once again to unlink them. Use the tapping gimmick once again to snap the solid ring out of the trick ring. As always, you will need to hide the trick ring's slit with your thumb and forefinger.

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