Pain Game 2.0 by Jon Allen

When John Allen released the original “Pain Game,” it became the gold standard of smash-and-stab routines for magicians and mentalists around the world. Major names in magic added it to their repertoires, people like Derren Brown, Colin McCloud, and many others used it on TV and in their theater shows.

Four paper bags are introduced along with a very sharp six-inch nail and a wooden block.

The nail is pushed through the block so that it stands upright, then hidden inside one of the bags. The bags are mixed by a participant while the performer looks away.

The participant freely chooses three bags, and the performer slams their hand down onto each one.

The final bag is opened to reveal the nail still standing upright inside the wooden block.

We’ve all heard the horror stories. Many Smash and Stab routines aren’t entirely safe. Often, they rely on electronics, magnets, or other variables outside your control. You need a method you can trust.

“The Pain Game” completely fixed those issues. Making it a 100% safe smash-and-stab routine. Once it has been set, there is no possibility of slamming your hand onto the nail. The worst you have to worry about is a paper cut from the lunch bags.

Now, John had made it even better with “Pain Game 2.0.” The gimmicks are sturdier and have an improved design. The blocks have a recessed area, allowing the head of the nail to sit flat against the base. It also now allows for new moments, like having the participant push the nail into the block themselves.

With all of these improvements, you still get the safety, reliability, and practicality that made the original “Pain Game” the go-to smash-and-stab routine.

If you’re looking for a powerful routine that creates genuine suspense and anticipation and gives your audiences a memory that will stay with them forever, “Pain Game 2.0” is it.