"I would love to, but my bag is stuck in the door"

Of all the "not so smart things" to do on the NYC subway, getting part of my backpack stuck in the doors is definitely one of the most embarrassing. After hearing the classic message "stand clear of the closing doors", I decided to find a better spot to stand. Unfortunately, I felt my backpack tug and I quickly realized. "I'm stuck."

What made the situation extremely embarrassing was my obvious intrusion on another gentleman's personal space. The man had several large bags at his feet and was about 30-40 years old. He looked at me, and looked at the rest of the space to stand, and looked back at me with a face like this.

Before he could totally call me out, I quickly said "would you like to see a card trick?"

Taken aback by the completely random question, he said yes and I proceeded to start my ambitious card routine. For the layman, this routine revolves around card manipulation techniques that consistently controls the spectators card to the top. 

I had the man sign the card and he introduced himself as "Brian" (pseudonym to protect the man's identity incase he ever reads this.) After finishing the routine he courteously said. "Could you ... Back up a bit please?" 

"I would love to, but my bag is stuck in the door."

Being a true New Yorker, he did his best to hide his laugher before quickly saying "know any other card tricks?"

The subway doors finally opened 3 stops later and I said goodbye to Brian. 

The lesson learned. "Stand clear of the closing doors... And if you don't, card tricks are a great contingency plan."