Magic tricks using cups. Tricks you might want to try for entertainment or performances.

Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICsasashina
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. During my student years at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, I studied a wide range of fields including sound, lighting, and video technology, building a foundation in comprehensive stage production and creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, consistently building experience in production and engaging in a variety of music-centered tasks. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting and what I feel and discover through daily interactions with my kids. I hope my work can be of help to you, even in a small way!
POPS writer/editorKEI
Since discovering music during my school days, I’ve mainly listened to Japanese and Korean pop. I have experience writing articles for sites like Utaten. 2000s J-pop and 2010s K-pop were especially the soundtrack of my youth. With the mindset that “good is good,” I enjoy music across genres. Thanks to past work environments and their influence, I was exposed to lots of classic rock and kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs), which may have broadened the scope of what I love. At RAG MUSIC, I currently focus on K-pop and J-pop. I strive to edit with a feel for the scene and an eye for hit potential.

We’ve gathered ideas for magic tricks using cups and glasses that are perfect for beginners who want to try magic for the first time.

From the classic cups and balls to coin-through-glass tricks, quick and easy effects, and routines that require a bit of practice, there’s a wide range to choose from.

These tricks use props that are simple to prepare, so you can give them a try the same day you get inspired.

If you want to expand your magic repertoire or are planning to perform magic for an event or entertainment segment, be sure to use this article as a reference.

Magic tricks using cups: 10 tricks (41–50) you’ll want to try for parties and performances

Coffee Magic

RYOTA Coffee Magic

Coffee Magic

This is a magic trick using a coffee cup, coffee, and alphabet cards.

First, pour coffee into the cup.

Next, have someone choose one card from the alphabet cards.

Then bring the card over the top of the coffee cup and flick it with your finger—the letter disappears.

If you gently shake the coffee cup as is…

the chosen letter appears on the bottom of the cup.

Watch the video to check the method and give it a try!

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A glass standing at an angle

Do you know the trick to make a glass of water stand at an angle?

A glass standing at an angle

This is a magic trick where a glass stands at an angle on a table.

The materials are easy to gather, so both adults and kids can try it casually.

Prepare salt and a glass of ice water—that’s all you need.

Next, sprinkle a small amount of salt on the table and drip just a little of the ice water onto it.

Then gently place the glass filled with ice water on top, keeping it tilted at an angle.

The glass will stand slanted on the table as if there were no gravity.

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Magic where the illustration inside the cup changes

Maruza’s Magic Commentary #Maruza #Magician #Magic

Magic where the illustration inside the cup changes

This is a magic trick where a completely charred-looking Anpanman illustration turns into a clean face when you place it in a cup of water.

It uses light refraction, and when you take it out, it returns to the dark appearance, so present the whole flow as a set.

All you need to prepare is a bag with the illustration and a sheet of paper with a black circle that matches the illustration; just put the paper into the bag and you’re ready.

Then have people watch from above as you insert and remove the illustration, and they’ll clearly see the change.

It’s striking because even when you know the secret, it still feels magical, so it’s also fun to have them change their viewing angle and enjoy the differences.

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A magic trick where the money placed in a cup disappears.

Magic trick where the money in the cup disappears [Revealed]

A magic trick where the money placed in a cup disappears.

This is a magic trick video where a 5-yen coin in a cup disappears in an instant.

The items you need are a handkerchief, thread, a 5-yen coin, and a cup.

Attach the 5-yen coin to the handkerchief with the thread, and place it in the cup.

Then cover the cup with the handkerchief, flutter it, and on the count of one, two, three, lift the handkerchief together with the 5-yen coin.

Because it’s simple, performance skills are very important, so be sure to study the video carefully, practice, and then show it off.

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In conclusion

I think there were quite a few tricks that combined a cup and a coin.

That means you can easily try them with things you have at home.

Don’t just follow the steps—one of the fun parts of magic is finding creative ways to amaze your audience even more.

By all means, try developing your own original tricks!