Magic Puzzle (Tabletop) by Louis Gaynor, Stevens Magic, Harold Voit

1 review for Magic Puzzle (Tabletop) by Louis Gaynor, Stevens Magic, Harold Voit

1. Rated 5 out of 5

   Andy Martin – August 14, 2021

   The stage version (as seen in the video) of this looks fantastic, but if you can’t afford it or don’t have the space then this smaller tabletop version will work nicely.  I’m not sure I prefer this tabletop version to the original Harold Voit release of Merlin’s Magic Elixir – both have their place.  But Louis Gaynor does a really nice job in reducing this from the stunning and expensive Stage size, though I still fancy the larger version 🙂

   A few other comments:

   • Although this looks similar to Winston Freer’s Tile Puzzle, it is not the same method or routine.
   • This tabletop version uses a slightly different method than the original Merlin’s Magic Elixir.
   • The instructions were confusing, but Steven’s recently created a new video which clearly explains the moves – thanks guys 🙂

   To be clear there are currently four basic versions of this Magic Puzzle:

   1. Merlins Magic Elixir – this was the original version released by Harold Voit.
   2. Magic Puzzle (Stage) – this is the one shown in the video and also released by Harold Voit
   3. Magic Puzzle (Parlor) – this is the authorized release crafted by Louis Gaynor for Stevens Magic.
   4. Magic Puzzle (Tabletop) – this is the version on this page, which is also made under license by Louis Gaynor for Stevens Magic.

   None of them use the same method as Winston Freer’s Tile Puzzle, which pre-dates them all.

   In a nutshell the basic effect is:

   • Show the complete puzzle.
   • Show how the wooden frame fits perfectly around the puzzle.
   • Tip it out and mix the pieces up.
   • Re-assemble it to show the complete puzzle.
   • Introduce one extra small square and re-assemble the puzzle to include it.
   • Introduce another extra piece, twice the size of the first, and re-assemble the puzzle to include it.
   • Show how the wooden frame continues to fit perfectly around the puzzle.
   • The end.