Three of Grandpa's Magic Tricks Reinvented for a New Century

Good old Granddad … I used to be amazed when he'd show me his empty hand and then pull a coin from behind my ear. Yes, this variety of magic is mostly useful for little kids … but today we are looking at some quick tricks that can still impress our David Copperfield-hardened generation. As long as you practice a little sleight of hand, these beauties will get you either some big gasps or a lot of laughs the first time you do them. Great magic tricks for beginners!

1. The Goldfish Bone-Crunch

Carve out a goldfish shape from a piece of large carrot. When you are at a bar or club with a fish feature, hide the carrot up your sleeve, reach into the tank and seemingly pull out a goldfish and eat it. The crunching sound of the carrot makes it all the more horrific … until your friends realize what you've done! You'll need to practice letting the fish down from quite high in your sleeve, to avoid having to eat fish-tank water. Ugh.

2. Levitating Beer Can

Beer can do amazing things, making people look prettier than they really are, jokes funnier than usual and your friends more huggable. But can it levitate? In this bar magic trick, it can. Using a half=full beer can, hold the can above the bar loosely. As the can starts to slide towards the bar, bring your hand upwards to give the illusion that the can will be floating when you remove your hand. You can utilize the can's natural moisture or grease from the bar nuts to help you in this trick. Practice in front of the mirror -- it is all in the execution.

3. Card Vomit

Another good magic trick for the pub! Just make sure that having the cards in your mouth won’t cause you to actually vomit. In this trick you'll point to your mouth, showing the audience that it is empty, and reach inside to produce a full deck of cards spewing forth. If you've just finished a trick, palm some cards into your right hand. Point to your mouth with your other hand, and with the card hand quickly place it up to your mouth, pop the cards halfway in and then let them spew forth. Keep pointing with your left hand -- this is essential for the misdirection. It can be transparent, but still look effective if you practice.