Pen Through Bill

The Old Way

Most people try to perform the pen through bill by relying on complex gimmicks or awkward handling that feels suspicious. When you struggle with the angles or fumble with the bill, the audience stops watching the magic and starts looking for the secret. It’s frustrating when the "impossible" moment feels more like a mechanical puzzle than a piece of art.

The Better Approach

This method is all about simplicity. By making a small, calculated incision in the bill beforehand, you remove the need for difficult sleights. You focus entirely on the performance and the presentation. Because the setup is so minimal, you can perform this with any pen or pencil you have on hand.

Using a business card as the "protection" for the bill is a smart touch. It gives you a reason to interact with the objects, and more importantly, it lets you leave the spectator with your contact info after the show. When the bill is restored, you don't just leave them with a memory; you leave them with a reason to call you for their next event.

About the Instructor

Julio Ribera is a Spanish magician who focuses on making magic practical and "universal." He’s known for stripping away the fluff to get to the core of an effect. He teaches this trick with the mindset of a working pro—prioritizing ease of use so you can focus on the audience.

What's Included

• How to prepare your bill for a clean, invisible penetration
• The proper way to fold the bill to hide the gimmick in plain sight
• Techniques for displaying the pen "inside" the bill without showing the secret
• How to use your business card to cover the hole and add value to the trick
• Tips on handling the final restoration so the bill looks completely normal

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this method better?
It’s clean. By using a small, pre-cut incision, you don't have to worry about forcing the pen through a solid surface or risking damage to the bill. It looks natural, and the audience can see the pen passing through the bill clearly.

Will this work for me?
Yes. If you can fold a piece of paper and hold a pen, you can do this. It requires very little practice to get the handling down, making it perfect for performing on the fly.

What if I've learned it differently before?
Many versions use different types of gimmicks or thumb tips. This approach is much more grounded. It’s meant to be performed with a normal bill you might have in your pocket, making it feel much more like real magic to the people watching.