The Effect
A straw is placed on a smooth table or bar top.
You wave your hand over it and claim that you are hypnotizing it. When your finger moves away, the straw follows as though attracted by an invisible force.
You can then cup your hand and make the straw move back toward you.
What You’ll Need
🥤 Lightweight Straw
A clean paper or plastic straw moves easily with a small current of air.
🪵 Smooth Surface
Use a flat table or bar top with very little friction.
🤫 Quiet Control
Practise using the smallest possible breath so the method stays hidden.
Introduce the Straw
Place the straw on the table and wave your hand slowly above it.
Pretend to charge your finger with magnetic or hypnotic energy.
This presentation gives the audience a reason to watch your hand rather than your breathing.
Make the Straw Follow
Place your fingertip on the far side of the straw.
Move your finger away slowly while blowing a very gentle stream of air just in front of the straw.
The straw rolls after your finger and appears to be following it.
Make the Straw Return
Cup your hand slightly in front of the straw.
Blow gently toward the palm while moving the hand back toward yourself.
The curved hand redirects the air toward the straw, making it roll back in your direction.
Why It Works
The trick uses a very small current of air to move a lightweight object across a smooth surface.
Spectators are focused on your hand movements and the straw, so they often overlook the gentle breath creating the motion.
Cupping the hand changes the direction of the airflow and lets you apparently command the straw to return.
Performance Tips
Use a lightweight straw and test the surface before performing.
Keep your head movement natural and avoid leaning obviously toward the straw.
Move your finger at the same speed as the rolling straw.
Perform in a room with little draught so outside airflow does not spoil the effect.
🎩 Magic Tip
Tell the audience to watch the gap between your finger and the straw. This makes the effect seem fair while directing attention away from your face.
Common Mistakes
Do not blow too strongly or the straw will move too quickly.
Avoid rough or sticky surfaces.
Keep the finger slightly ahead of the straw rather than directly above it.
Do not repeat the trick too many times for the same audience.
Watch the Tutorial
Practice Plan
First learn how little air is needed to move the straw.
Practise matching your finger movement to its speed.
Rehearse the returning action with a cupped hand.
Finally, practise speaking naturally while controlling your breath.