Magic tricks using cups. Tricks you might want to try for entertainment or performances.
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.
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Magic tricks using cups. Tricks you’ll want to try for entertainment or performances (31–40)
A magic trick to make a 1-yen coin disappear using a glass, with no special techniques required
Wouldn’t it be nice to have a vanish trick you can perform naturally when you’re at a restaurant? Here’s one I’d like to share: a magic trick that makes a one-yen coin disappear using a glass.
All you need is an empty glass, a glass of water, and a one-yen coin.
First, place the one-yen coin on the table and cover it with the empty glass.
Next, pour water into the empty glass.
The one-yen coin will seem to vanish.
This trick uses light refraction.
Just be aware that the coin is visible from directly above, so cover the top with your hand.
The water keeps decreasing on its own.
It’s a magic trick where the water seems to disappear on its own, and the look is delightfully magical.
All you need are two disposable plastic cups.
First, cut off the upper part of one cup to make it smaller.
Next, pour a drink into the cup that remains full-sized, then place the smaller cup inside it.
When you press the smaller cup down, it looks like the volume increases.
After that, just pretend to drink from mid-air while lifting out the cup you were pressing, and you’re done.
Magic where water disappears from a paper cup
Here’s a fun magic trick where the audience gets to participate: making water disappear from a paper cup.
First, choose a spectator and have them hold a paper cup.
Pour water into it and have them place it on top of their head.
When you check the cup again, the water has vanished.
The trick is quite simple.
In fact, the paper cup had a gelling agent hidden inside.
So over time, the water solidified.
Since you pour the water right in front of them, it should really surprise the audience.
A glass that won’t spill water even when turned upside down
We’re introducing a glass that won’t spill even when turned upside down—sure to amaze everyone.
The trick is to place a sheet of kitchen paper over a glass filled with water and then flip it over.
You might think it would spill, but thanks to surface tension, it doesn’t.
This would be a real crowd-pleaser in places where you’re not supposed to get things wet.
Depending on the balance, you can swap the kitchen paper for tissue paper or use a larger container instead of a glass.
Since accidents can happen, be sure to rehearse before performing it in front of others.
Magic where sweets come out of a paper cup
This is a magic trick where you signal to a paper cup that seemed empty—even when turned upside down—and when you turn it over again, candy appears.
In fact, the paper cup has a slit, and when you first turn it over, you press on the slit to keep the candy from coming out.
Since the candy is inside from the start, when you first turn the cup over, present it as empty by tilting it at an angle that hides the contents.
Smooth hand movements that don’t reveal you’re operating the gimmick are also an important point.
Magic tricks using cups: 10 tricks (41–50) you’ll want to try for parties and performances
Magic of Light
This is a magic trick where, when you place an illustration of a lit candle into water, only the flame part disappears as if real fire had touched water.
The key is that the illustration is inside a bag; when you put it in water, refraction makes the illustration inside invisible.
Since the candle’s body is drawn not only on the inner sheet but also on the bag itself, only the lines on the bag remain visible, making it look as if the flame has gone out.
If the inner illustration and the bag’s lines shift while you move it, the secret will be revealed, so a crucial point is to hold them carefully aligned.
A candle that doesn’t go out even in water
When fire is immersed in water, it goes out—that’s common sense.
This magic trick overturns that idea with a candle that doesn’t go out even under water.
All you need is a clear glass, a candle, and water.
First, attach the candle to the underside of the glass and light it.
From the opposite side, it should look as if the candle is standing inside the glass.
Then, pour water into the glass, and you can create the illusion that the flame is still burning even though it’s underwater.
Finishing by blowing it out with a gentle puff of air looks really cool.