Last week, I ws doing a couple of card tricks with some people I work with. On the last trick, I "screwed" the trick up. I told the guy the trick messed up and I would try again later. I just couldn't seem to produce his 4 of hearts.
About 2 hours later, he went to lunch....pulled out his wallet at the register, and BEHOLD.....tucked in his wallet, right next to his credit card....was the 4 of hearts. He was utterly shocked....spent the rest of the day asking me "How in the world did you do that? How did you get my wallet? When did you do that? I never would tell him.
For about 3 days, everybody kept their eyes (and hands) on their wallets. Now that everyone at work kind of expects me to do something, I leave their wallets in the pocket....just take their watches during the trick. That gets a laugh everytime.

JDKELLEY

i see that you got a great moment

Wow! You must have got some serious reactions from that! That must have been fun, not haveing anyone trust you for days! Nice job

oh tat is awesome dude!! you must have gotten great reactions

as soon as i learn to pickpocket ill have to try that

Wow! You must have practiced pickpocketing for a while! It's so funny that no one could trust you. I hope I get that good!

The reactions I got was priceless! I've used pickpocketing quite a few times in performances over the last few years. It does take lots of practice. Wallets, rings, necklaces are pretty easy..the hard items are the watches...takes some time time to master. I've been doing it for a couple of years and have not come close to mastering picking watches.
After screwing the trick u[p by not being able to find the card..I considered using the Invisible Deck to recover, but thought my other method would be more shocking. Always try to out-do your last performance...otherwise, your audience will not be as stunned. And never start a performance with a BIG ONE.....lead up to it...then leave them wanting more.

JDKelley

awesome, that must be sweet! congrats! now that ive heard this i have this inspriration to pickpocket! not to go off topic alot, but can anyone recommended a GOOD pickpocketing teaching dvd/vhs?
<edit> and to mention, people like me and my dad keep their wallet in their back pocket. could you still steal it, and how bad does mace hurt?

I'm not sure of any videos on pickpocketing. I've never seen any. Might "Google" for ideas. Wallets in the back pocket are the easiest. Especially if the person wears loose pants. Don't want to make that your main trick, though. You can use another trick as a diversion.....something they would definitely have to watch close or concentrate on. Have to be close. Get them involved in the trick....stand to one side of them....say their right side....when your right hand is doing the trick ....make sure they are holding something or participating in the trick (signing a card or something)....using your left hand....and your left hip...bump into them...when you bump into them...slip two or three fingers into the pocket...they probably won't feel it..they'll just think you're up against them or you bumped them...(is this exposure? if it is...I apologize). You want to bump them again....when you do, pull the wallet out quickly and smoothly. You'll want lots of patter while you're doing this....keep their attention away from their pocket. Anyway....that's a rough example of one of the easiest ways I've used. Practise on a friend before doing this in public....never try this on complete strangers. They aren't too forgiving....and yes....I've heard that mace DOES hurt.

JDKelley

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hey dude were do you learn who to pickpokets. where are some good books on the subject. I know the man of steal he is very good at it.



quote="JDKelley"]I'm not sure of any videos on pickpocketing. I've never seen any. Might "Google" for ideas. Wallets in the back pocket are the easiest. Especially if the person wears loose pants. Don't want to make that your main trick, though. You can use another trick as a diversion.....something they would definitely have to watch close or concentrate on. Have to be close. Get them involved in the trick....stand to one side of them....say their right side....when your right hand is doing the trick ....make sure they are holding something or participating in the trick (signing a card or something)....using your left hand....and your left hip...bump into them...when you bump into them...slip two or three fingers into the pocket...they probably won't feel it..they'll just think you're up against them or you bumped them...(is this exposure? if it is...I apologize). You want to bump them again....when you do, pull the wallet out quickly and smoothly. You'll want lots of patter while you're doing this....keep their attention away from their pocket. Anyway....that's a rough example of one of the easiest ways I've used. Practise on a friend before doing this in public....never try this on complete strangers. They aren't too forgiving....and yes....I've heard that mace DOES hurt.

JDKelley [/quote]

Here is a pickpocketing DVD on Penguin.

http://www.penguinmagic.com/product.php?ID=599

BTW that is exposure. Pickpocketing is a slieght.

-Freds

what are the DVDs that you learned this off of. pickpocketing like that in a group of people must be hard.

EDIT: that DVD didn't get any rave reviews

I didn't learn from a DVD or any video. When I began picking pockets (only for magical effects...never for other purposes......I don't even think DVD's were around then. I just practiced on myself, and friends. I cannot recommend any learning video because I have not seen any.
Sorry about the exposure....sometimes there is a fine line. I'll be more careful next time.