Vegas Switch vs. Bortal: Which Coin Move Should You Learn?
By Making Magicians Since 2001 | Published: 2026-10-30
Category: Comparisons
Compare the Vegas Switch (a quick card cheat sleight) and Bortal (a rubber band portal effect) to decide which coin move fits your magic style and skill level.
Quick answer
If you want a fast, subtle card cheat that builds finger dexterity, learn the Vegas Switch. If you prefer a visual, impromptu portal effect with a rubber band, choose Bortal.
What makes them different?
The Vegas Switch is a card sleight where one card placed on the table instantly switches to a different card. It's a quick pick effect that relies on finger speed and misdirection. Bortal, on the other hand, creates a portal within a rubber band—a visual, impromptu move that can be added to any rubber band plot. Both are versatile, but their mechanics and audience impact differ.
Which one suits your style?
The Vegas Switch is ideal if you enjoy card magic and want a move that can be practiced and perfected over a weekend. Bortal is better if you like rubber band magic and want a surprising, visual effect that can be integrated into existing routines. Consider your performance context: close-up card work vs. visual rubber band effects.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Learning curve: Vegas Switch requires finger dexterity and practice over a weekend; Bortal is more about understanding the portal concept and integrating it into existing moves.
- Audience impact: Vegas Switch is a subtle card cheat that surprises with a quick switch; Bortal is a visual portal that creates a 'wow' moment with a rubber band.
- Versatility: Vegas Switch is a standalone card move; Bortal can be added to any rubber band plot, making it more flexible for different routines.
Product facts
- Vegas Switch: One of the most underrated moves in the entire NINJA project, the Vegas Switch is a quick card cheat sleight where one card switches to another instantly. It's a subtle, fast effect that builds finger dexterity and can be practiced intensively over a weekend.
Vegas Switch - Bortal: Bortal creates a portal within a rubber band, described as an undiscovered portal that shreds expectations of what's possible with a rubber band. It's a visual, impromptu effect that can be added to any rubber band plot, making it versatile for different routines.
Bortal
Which one fits you?
Best for
- Magicians who enjoy card magic and want a subtle, fast cheat move to practice
- Performers who prefer visual, impromptu effects that can be integrated into existing rubber band routines
Not for
- Magicians who dislike finger dexterity practice or prefer visual over subtle effects
