The symbol which is written on a sugar cube and which appears on a spectator's hand always seems to provoke a good reaction.

Everyone should know the unlinking safety-pins. It amazes me. I think the sugar cube trick is pretty good, too. Knowing a few instant and fake knots is also pretty handy.

Besides the Encyclopedia of Impromptu Magic,
I would recommend checking Fisher's Body Magic, Schindler's Magic with Everyday Objects and Fulves' Self Working Table Magic.

My favorite is Dr Sacks dice routine, I always cary a pair of dice with me, or I will take a hanky and do my mouse routine. Great for kids also...............
vinny

Mine's not really magic as much as a joke, but it'll get a laugh out of almost everybody.

I borrow a pencil from my spec, wave my hands over it and tell the spec that the pencil has now been imbued with the ability to write ANY color they choose. (Note: I do not say IN any color they choose.) I tell my spec to pick a color, take a business card and write their color on the back. After they've realized what I said, they have my card and I've made my escape.

2 in the hand and 1 in the pocket routine with whatever I can find that will work.


Steve

A quick combination of tricks, starting with an unexpected vanish of a PEN (Flip Stick vanish), then push the pen up through my chin (cigarette type vanish) and remove it from either my nose or ear. If the pen has a cap, part of Recapped, and finally make the pen vanish (Paper balls over the head) to finish. I walk away, and have satisfied the request.

One of the best new impromptu routines I have seen is Garret Thomas's The Ring Thing. I had the pleasure of seeing Garret lecture at CEMK and then perform the trick for a lay audience all night long. This trick destroys people, it is visual, baffling, quick, and needs nothing but an ordinary ring.
And in any bar I always do Ash on Palm, it's simple but it kills.

Mat

I quite like pencil through cheek. It's totally 100% improptu and is rather fun.

Florian

The elastic band through thumb.

Socrates

'Act as if it's impossible to fail' - Dorethea Brande

I do some mind reading. I think I have posted what I keep in my "kit" on this site. I think the Light and Heavy dime is the best "On the Spot" trick. But, of course it uses some prep. Metal Bending is a great one to do. Maybe, even some hypnosis. I suggest you carry around some effects in your wallet that can be used any time. This helps the
"on the spot" feeling.

Rubber band up the nose.. or "How I met My Wife"

When I look at impromptu magic it has to be effects where there is no advance preparation at all. No TT, no pulls, none of that. Impromptu is magic you can do at any time when asked to do magic.

Eliminating coins and cards. I like doing a cups and balls bit with coffee cups and balled up napkins. Or Salt Shaker thru the table is a classic. Rubber bands, strings and rings and ropes all make for great impromptu effects. I also like to try to use personal items.

If you carry gimmicks to do impromptu you are really crossing over into Jazz magic where you are awaiting the right time to pull off your magic that is set up and ready to go. It still appears impromptu to the lay person but it really isn't.

Slydini vanishes

Well, at a moment's notice implies when I'm not "holding". I do agree that there is nothing wrong in always being prepared, but in those other times...

Ashes in palm. Killer trick when you sell it.

Twisting the arm. ditto.

Think of any number force.

Take care

Jason

I have a person look deep into my eyes and tell them to calm themselves and concentrate then I scream Rarrghhh! It getsem everytime.very scary stuff.

I will put my vote in for a few effects...

Hundy 500- Greg Wilson (Just carry this in your wallet everywhere)
Positive Negitive- Max Maven (Killer mentalism- Just a buiness card)
Perfected Center Tear- Osterlind (same as above)

Depends on the venue and who I'm performing for:
When I was asked to perorm at a pool party I did
Crazy Man's Handcuffs
An Impromtu Pen through Bill
Fizz Master (Paul Harris)

If I have a jacket on: Twisting Arm Illusion

In General
Silent Mora's Traveleing Marbles (see Foolers Doolers-- a really great effect)
Michael Close's version of the Stewart Judah's Shoelace/ Drinking Straw routine
Piano Trick (Can use matches or business cards, or anything)

I have had quiet a bit of success with Greg Wilson's Florida Keys over the past 3 years. More recently I have been using Ghost Bills by Andrew Mayne.
Then of course there is always a number of things to do with the change in my pockets

-Clay

Balducci, or double jumping rubber band.