The Die-Cipher II is currently my favorite magic trick because it appears that you can do the impossible: accurately predict the face-up number of a die hidden inside a round brass canister and lid.
The routine goes like this: give the spectator three items: a die, a round canister, and a lid. They are all made of heavy brass. Ask them to inspect the items to make sure there is nothing funny about them. Once they are satisfied, turn your back and tell them to place the die in the canister with any number they want facing up. Then ask them to place the lid on the canister. Tell the spectator to observe that it is impossible to see inside the canister without first removing the lid. When they have finished, turn around.
You do not even have to touch the canister. But you will be able to tell them what number is facing up. The first time you do it, they might think you are lucky. You can repeat the trick. Go ahead and do it a third time. You won’t be wrong. The spectator will beg you to tell them how you do it. Let them suffer.
