I'm a magic beginner.. Where should I start?

m_huber · 12th May 2008, 05:31 AM

I have been playing around with magic for the last year or so, but I would like to actually learn something useful. The majority of the tricks I have learned thus far have been from online videos and publicly available sources, so at this point I have neither a deep nor impressive repertoire. I am a college student, so I don't have much of a budget to spend on high-priced books, DVD's, or gimmicks. Also, I don't expect (at this point) to ever be more than an amateur.

With that in mind, what books should I try to find to get me going along the path of magic? I am most interested in tricks that would be easy to perform impromptu with common objects, such as coin and card magic. Mentalism (along the lines of spoon bending and drawing duplication) is another category that I am trying to learn, and for that I already purchased Annemann's "Complete One Man Mental and Psychic Routine." I appreciate any suggestions.

Garrette · 12th May 2008, 06:57 AM

Harry Lorayne's The Magic Book

Magic for Dummies

Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic

Most magicians will recommend the above in the reverse order; I am steadfast that my order is better, especially in your case in which you already have an exposure to some effects and need some philosophy/artistry behind it.

For mentalism: Corrinda's 13 Steps to Mentalism
If you're serious about mentalism, this is the one absolute must book.

For more mentalism, as you can afford them, Richard Osterlind's Easy to Master Mental Miracles series of 4 DVDs. About $30 each and worth twice the money.

My belated thanks to Brown who recommended Osterlind to me repeatedly. I finally relented and have been kicking myself for not doing it sooner.

DrugFreeAlcoholic · 12th May 2008, 11:25 AM

Sometimes you just need innovative ways to present old tricks. I always tie mine to skepticism.

Me: "If there's 51 cards in the deck, what's the probablity I can find your card?"
Him: "1 in 51."
Me: "No, 100%, because this is a trick [then go into how psychics seem to have odds stacked against them but their chances are actually much higher if they use cold reading].

I also dowse for their card. I've only tried that once though, but the girl I did it for was entertained.

There's another trick where someone cuts the cards as many times as they want, but when they deal out the deck there's a nice orderly pattern. Making fun of Willam Dembski's arguement against intelligent design, I let them represent the tornado, the cards represent a junkyard, and the nice orderly pattern at the end is a Boeing 747, and I explain how creationists fail to take natural selection algorithms into account when refuting evolutionary arguments.

Senex · 12th May 2008, 01:32 PM

Originally Posted by m_huber

With that in mind, what books should I try to find to get me going along the path of magic? I am most interested in tricks that would be easy to perform impromptu with common objects, such as coin and card magic. Mentalism (along the lines of spoon bending and drawing duplication) is another category that I am trying to learn, and for that I already purchased Annemann's "Complete One Man Mental and Psychic Routine." I appreciate any suggestions.

If you want to be a miracle worker go to ellusionist.com and buy coin through water battle. If you want to bend silverware buy Banachek's 4th video. He will teach you how to twist silverware in a method that no one will figure out. If you want ho hum tricks go to your library and they will have at least one fine book on magic.

You have to experiment on what type of trick fits your personality. Menatalism and magic could be disagreeable to each other. Some gimmicks you could purchase might fool sharp people you know.

Garrette · 12th May 2008, 02:08 PM

Originally Posted by Senex

If you want to be a miracle worker go to ellusionist.com and buy coin through water battle. If you want to bend silverware buy Banachek's 4th video. He will teach you how to twist silverware in a method that no one will figure out. If you want ho hum tricks go to your library and they will have at least one fine book on magic.

You have to experiment on what type of trick fits your personality. Menatalism and magic could be disagreeable to each other. Some gimmicks you could purchase might fool sharp people you know.

So what book teaches you Naturist Magic?

(I just hope no one ever adapts the thumb tip to that venue...)

Senex · 14th May 2008, 10:01 AM

Originally Posted by Garrette

So what book teaches you Naturist Magic?

(I just hope no one ever adapts the thumb tip to that venue...)

Now that self-publishing is inexpensive maybe I can write that book. Don't think I don't keep up with the current literature and recognize what works and what won't. If you are working close-up "Card Warp" can be a minor miracle for instance.

On the other hand I can offer experience such as that trying to casually bury palmed material in the sand won't fool even the most inebriated audience.

m_huber · 14th May 2008, 11:01 AM

Thanks for the help with this. I have gone and gotten what my university library has (slim selection, but some fascinatingly useful material in the children's section) and ordered Cordina's 13 steps to mentalism. Now I just have to find somewhere to practice...

Actually, this is a real concern. After learning a routine and practicing in the mirror, is it best to find a trusted friend and try it, or to walk up to a random stranger, or to enter a talent show, or go to a bar and try to impress girls, or what? I don't think I'm to the point where I will be performing any time in the near future, but I do want to use what I learn. Where should I start with that?

Garrette · 14th May 2008, 11:37 AM

Originally Posted by m_huber

After learning a routine and practicing in the mirror, is it best to find a trusted friend and try it, or to walk up to a random stranger, or to enter a talent show, or go to a bar and try to impress girls, or what? I don't think I'm to the point where I will be performing any time in the near future, but I do want to use what I learn. Where should I start with that?

Family to catch technical weakness in your presentation (bad sightlines, sleights not as good as you think, etc.) but not for reaction. For that, you have to go with whatever your environs and your gumption will allow.

Senex · 14th May 2008, 12:13 PM

double post --

Senex · 14th May 2008, 12:17 PM

Originally Posted by m_huber

Thanks for the help with this. I have gone and gotten what my university library has (slim selection, but some fascinatingly useful material in the children's section) and ordered Cordina's 13 steps to mentalism. Now I just have to find somewhere to practice...

Actually, this is a real concern. After learning a routine and practicing in the mirror, is it best to find a trusted friend and try it,

This is a good idea for close up magic. Some tricks require hours of practice to work. Personally, I avoid the ones I didn't master when I was young and energetic if they require hours of practice. i've spent money on books and material I never showed anyone because it was too difficult. You have to be a prodigy to do anything from "The Stars of Magic." Forget about it. Some other tricks are an act of faith you could do right after reading the book. I did one children's show in the last ten years and did a couple of affects I never even practiced in a mirror. I tossed a paper airplane into the crowd and the child who grabbed it stood up and choose a flower, animal, color and number that were all predicted when you opened the paper up. You limit their options as the instructions require but you can't practice. You can tape some predictions under chairs to bail you out of disaster, but you rely on the material. I picked a child with a watch on to seal it into one of four envelopes -- You ask them to choose one evelope at a time and place three on the ground and one to the side. You get two other children on stage and have them jump on the envelopes as hard as they can. A crunching noise pervades the air, you pick up an envelope off the ground that makes a sad noise. The entire entertainment involves how you look fairly callous at the child's lack of ability to pick the right envelope to protect and thank them for playing sending them back to their seat before restoring the watch. It's dummy proof handling that requires no practice -- it's just comedy.

Quote:

or to walk up to a random stranger,

don't start with this idea

Quote:

or to enter a talent show,

Since you are out of middle school this option passed you by.

Quote:

or go to a bar and try to impress girls,

D'uh. That's why all male magicians were attracted to magic. That's the grail. Girls like sponge balls and having keys (as long as you choose some guys house key to bend, not the girls. Wondering how they can enter their abode that night distracts women from other things -- unless you are really fearless and offer them an alternative.

Good luck -- I hope you have more than I did

m_huber · 17th May 2008, 12:46 AM

Ok, sounds good.

So, where do you recommend I get a Swami Gimmick? I don't have a nearby magic store (that i can find), and I'm not certain about getting one online. Questions such as "can I replace the lead" come to mind, and "how does it fit." Do I need to just get one online, or should I really look for a magic store?

Senex · 17th May 2008, 09:41 AM

Originally Posted by m_huber

Ok, sounds good.

So, where do you recommend I get a Swami Gimmick? I don't have a nearby magic store (that i can find), and I'm not certain about getting one online. Questions such as "can I replace the lead" come to mind, and "how does it fit." Do I need to just get one online, or should I really look for a magic store?

I'm a huge supporter of giving the local guy your business even if it costs you a couple of extra bucks -- but buying on-line is fine if you have no local guy. I recommend Lou Tannens. I wouldn't make a swami gimmick my first purchase since there are cost free alternatives.

I wish to share this thumb-tip with an alternate purpose story. I believe it doesn't break the rules.

I'm travelling with friends and I'm waiting at the front of a convenience store for them to make their purchases. There is a spinning rack of crappy magic tricks and joke gifts. One bag contained an oversized thumb tip with a suction cup at the end for $6.00. I thought $6.00 for an extra thumb tip was a good deal and I would cut the suction cup off. The bag had no instructions. Before I cut the suction cup off I thought I would try and perform the trick. It turns out the suction cup could hold the weight of a 3/4 full wine bottle. You could cover your angles while performing this to 180 degrees. Performing this trick turns out to be as close to a miracle as any $300 trick

The problem was getting rid of the gimmick at the end. I never found a good way of disposing of it. you had to stick a fingernail under the cup to break the suction and despite the fact that it's been years since the last time I performed this affect, I still keep the nail on my right index finger long out of habit.

Do you have this type of determination? This is what it takes.

m_huber · 18th May 2008, 01:07 AM

Originally Posted by Senex

I'm a huge supporter of giving the local guy your business even if it costs you a couple of extra bucks -- but buying on-line is fine if you have no local guy. I recommend Lou Tannens. I wouldn't make a swami gimmick my first purchase since there are cost free alternatives.

Are you suggesting that I construct my own device? I'm not entirely certain how to go about that.

Incidentally, I live in Baton Rouge, LA, if you know of any magic shops in this area.

Quote:

I wish to share this thumb-tip with an alternate purpose story. I believe it doesn't break the rules.

I'm travelling with friends and I'm waiting at the front of a convenience store for them to make their purchases. There is a spinning rack of crappy magic tricks and joke gifts. One bag contained an oversized thumb tip with a suction cup at the end for $6.00. I thought $6.00 for an extra thumb tip was a good deal and I would cut the suction cup off. The bag had no instructions. Before I cut the suction cup off I thought I would try and perform the trick. It turns out the suction cup could hold the weight of a 3/4 full wine bottle. You could cover your angles while performing this to 180 degrees. Performing this trick turns out to be as close to a miracle as any $300 trick

The problem was getting rid of the gimmick at the end. I never found a good way of disposing of it. you had to stick a fingernail under the cup to break the suction and despite the fact that it's been years since the last time I performed this affect, I still keep the nail on my right index finger long out of habit.

Do you have this type of determination? This is what it takes.

That's a really great story. Probably with a lot of applications, too.

At this stage, I honestly don't know how committed I am. I think I am fully committed; I'll know in a year or so.

ScanningFool · 29th May 2008, 01:18 PM

If you want to learn card magic I would highly recommend The Royal Road to Card Magic. It is a classic for a reason. Just ask any card magician about it and they will tell you the same. If you follow it through the book taking one slight/trick at a time you will become a very good card magician by it's end. It mixes tricks throughout both that require slight-of-hand and those that do not. It is available at a reasonable rate and I believe that you can even buy it through amazon or barnes and noble but I would recommend your local magic shop. For coin magic there is the classic Modern Coin Magic by J.B. Bobo. Both these books have DVD's that you can buy that will go along with it. Be careful when you buy the DVD's that accompany these as there are different ones of different quality...do your research.

TexasJack · 30th May 2008, 06:40 PM

Is there a website on magic that anyone can recommend?

Bob Klase · 30th May 2008, 09:46 PM

Originally Posted by TexasJack

Is there a website on magic that anyone can recommend?

Exactly what type of website? There are hundreds (or thousands) of sites for dealers that sell magic. There are websites that attempt to explain tricks- some are good and you can actually learn from them, others are kids trying to explain things they don't understand themselves. There are forums like this one.

Depends on what you're looking for exactly.

12th May 2008, 05:31 AM	#1
m_huber Muse Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 780	I'm a magic beginner.. Where should I start? I have been playing around with magic for the last year or so, but I would like to actually learn something useful. The majority of the tricks I have learned thus far have been from online videos and publicly available sources, so at this point I have neither a deep nor impressive repertoire. I am a college student, so I don't have much of a budget to spend on high-priced books, DVD's, or gimmicks. Also, I don't expect (at this point) to ever be more than an amateur. With that in mind, what books should I try to find to get me going along the path of magic? I am most interested in tricks that would be easy to perform impromptu with common objects, such as coin and card magic. Mentalism (along the lines of spoon bending and drawing duplication) is another category that I am trying to learn, and for that I already purchased Annemann's "Complete One Man Mental and Psychic Routine." I appreciate any suggestions.
m_huber Muse Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 780	__________________ "A certain percentage of children have the habit of thinking; one of the aims of education is to cure them of this habit." -- Bertrand Russell on problems with traditional educational methods.

12th May 2008, 06:57 AM	#2
Garrette Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 7,964	Harry Lorayne's The Magic Book Magic for Dummies Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic Most magicians will recommend the above in the reverse order; I am steadfast that my order is better, especially in your case in which you already have an exposure to some effects and need some philosophy/artistry behind it. For mentalism: Corrinda's 13 Steps to Mentalism If you're serious about mentalism, this is the one absolute must book. For more mentalism, as you can afford them, Richard Osterlind's Easy to Master Mental Miracles series of 4 DVDs. About $30 each and worth twice the money. My belated thanks to Brown who recommended Osterlind to me repeatedly. I finally relented and have been kicking myself for not doing it sooner.
Garrette Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 7,964	__________________ My kids still love me.

12th May 2008, 11:25 AM	#3
DrugFreeAlcoholic Student Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: $1 reject store Posts: 48	Sometimes you just need innovative ways to present old tricks. I always tie mine to skepticism. Me: "If there's 51 cards in the deck, what's the probablity I can find your card?" Him: "1 in 51." Me: "No, 100%, because this is a trick [then go into how psychics seem to have odds stacked against them but their chances are actually much higher if they use cold reading]. I also dowse for their card. I've only tried that once though, but the girl I did it for was entertained. There's another trick where someone cuts the cards as many times as they want, but when they deal out the deck there's a nice orderly pattern. Making fun of Willam Dembski's arguement against intelligent design, I let them represent the tornado, the cards represent a junkyard, and the nice orderly pattern at the end is a Boeing 747, and I explain how creationists fail to take natural selection algorithms into account when refuting evolutionary arguments.
	Last edited by DrugFreeAlcoholic; 12th May 2008 at 11:26 AM.

12th May 2008, 01:32 PM	#4
Senex Graduate Poster Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: An autobody repair shop in Connecticut Posts: 1,835	Originally Posted by m_huber With that in mind, what books should I try to find to get me going along the path of magic? I am most interested in tricks that would be easy to perform impromptu with common objects, such as coin and card magic. Mentalism (along the lines of spoon bending and drawing duplication) is another category that I am trying to learn, and for that I already purchased Annemann's "Complete One Man Mental and Psychic Routine." I appreciate any suggestions. If you want to be a miracle worker go to ellusionist.com and buy coin through water battle. If you want to bend silverware buy Banachek's 4th video. He will teach you how to twist silverware in a method that no one will figure out. If you want ho hum tricks go to your library and they will have at least one fine book on magic. You have to experiment on what type of trick fits your personality. Menatalism and magic could be disagreeable to each other. Some gimmicks you could purchase might fool sharp people you know.
	__________________ I cannot call to mind a single instance where I have ever been irreverent, except toward the things which were sacred to other people. Mark Twain

12th May 2008, 02:08 PM	#5
Garrette Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 7,964	Originally Posted by Senex If you want to be a miracle worker go to ellusionist.com and buy coin through water battle. If you want to bend silverware buy Banachek's 4th video. He will teach you how to twist silverware in a method that no one will figure out. If you want ho hum tricks go to your library and they will have at least one fine book on magic. You have to experiment on what type of trick fits your personality. Menatalism and magic could be disagreeable to each other. Some gimmicks you could purchase might fool sharp people you know. So what book teaches you Naturist Magic? (I just hope no one ever adapts the thumb tip to that venue...)
Garrette Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 7,964	__________________ My kids still love me.

14th May 2008, 10:01 AM	#6
Senex Graduate Poster Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: An autobody repair shop in Connecticut Posts: 1,835	Originally Posted by Garrette So what book teaches you Naturist Magic? (I just hope no one ever adapts the thumb tip to that venue...) Now that self-publishing is inexpensive maybe I can write that book. Don't think I don't keep up with the current literature and recognize what works and what won't. If you are working close-up "Card Warp" can be a minor miracle for instance. On the other hand I can offer experience such as that trying to casually bury palmed material in the sand won't fool even the most inebriated audience.
	__________________ I cannot call to mind a single instance where I have ever been irreverent, except toward the things which were sacred to other people. Mark Twain

14th May 2008, 11:01 AM	#7
m_huber Muse Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 780	Thanks for the help with this. I have gone and gotten what my university library has (slim selection, but some fascinatingly useful material in the children's section) and ordered Cordina's 13 steps to mentalism. Now I just have to find somewhere to practice... Actually, this is a real concern. After learning a routine and practicing in the mirror, is it best to find a trusted friend and try it, or to walk up to a random stranger, or to enter a talent show, or go to a bar and try to impress girls, or what? I don't think I'm to the point where I will be performing any time in the near future, but I do want to use what I learn. Where should I start with that?
m_huber Muse Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 780	__________________ "A certain percentage of children have the habit of thinking; one of the aims of education is to cure them of this habit." -- Bertrand Russell on problems with traditional educational methods.

14th May 2008, 11:37 AM	#8
Garrette Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 7,964	Originally Posted by m_huber After learning a routine and practicing in the mirror, is it best to find a trusted friend and try it, or to walk up to a random stranger, or to enter a talent show, or go to a bar and try to impress girls, or what? I don't think I'm to the point where I will be performing any time in the near future, but I do want to use what I learn. Where should I start with that? Family to catch technical weakness in your presentation (bad sightlines, sleights not as good as you think, etc.) but not for reaction. For that, you have to go with whatever your environs and your gumption will allow.
Garrette Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 7,964	__________________ My kids still love me.

14th May 2008, 12:13 PM	#9
Senex Graduate Poster Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: An autobody repair shop in Connecticut Posts: 1,835	double post --
	__________________ I cannot call to mind a single instance where I have ever been irreverent, except toward the things which were sacred to other people. Mark Twain Last edited by Senex; 14th May 2008 at 12:29 PM.

14th May 2008, 12:17 PM	#10
Senex Graduate Poster Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: An autobody repair shop in Connecticut Posts: 1,835	Originally Posted by m_huber Thanks for the help with this. I have gone and gotten what my university library has (slim selection, but some fascinatingly useful material in the children's section) and ordered Cordina's 13 steps to mentalism. Now I just have to find somewhere to practice... Actually, this is a real concern. After learning a routine and practicing in the mirror, is it best to find a trusted friend and try it, This is a good idea for close up magic. Some tricks require hours of practice to work. Personally, I avoid the ones I didn't master when I was young and energetic if they require hours of practice. i've spent money on books and material I never showed anyone because it was too difficult. You have to be a prodigy to do anything from "The Stars of Magic." Forget about it. Some other tricks are an act of faith you could do right after reading the book. I did one children's show in the last ten years and did a couple of affects I never even practiced in a mirror. I tossed a paper airplane into the crowd and the child who grabbed it stood up and choose a flower, animal, color and number that were all predicted when you opened the paper up. You limit their options as the instructions require but you can't practice. You can tape some predictions under chairs to bail you out of disaster, but you rely on the material. I picked a child with a watch on to seal it into one of four envelopes -- You ask them to choose one evelope at a time and place three on the ground and one to the side. You get two other children on stage and have them jump on the envelopes as hard as they can. A crunching noise pervades the air, you pick up an envelope off the ground that makes a sad noise. The entire entertainment involves how you look fairly callous at the child's lack of ability to pick the right envelope to protect and thank them for playing sending them back to their seat before restoring the watch. It's dummy proof handling that requires no practice -- it's just comedy. Quote: or to walk up to a random stranger, don't start with this idea Quote: or to enter a talent show, Since you are out of middle school this option passed you by. Quote: or go to a bar and try to impress girls, D'uh. That's why all male magicians were attracted to magic. That's the grail. Girls like sponge balls and having keys (as long as you choose some guys house key to bend, not the girls. Wondering how they can enter their abode that night distracts women from other things -- unless you are really fearless and offer them an alternative. Good luck -- I hope you have more than I did
	__________________ I cannot call to mind a single instance where I have ever been irreverent, except toward the things which were sacred to other people. Mark Twain

17th May 2008, 12:46 AM	#11
m_huber Muse Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 780	Ok, sounds good. So, where do you recommend I get a Swami Gimmick? I don't have a nearby magic store (that i can find), and I'm not certain about getting one online. Questions such as "can I replace the lead" come to mind, and "how does it fit." Do I need to just get one online, or should I really look for a magic store?
m_huber Muse Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 780	__________________ "A certain percentage of children have the habit of thinking; one of the aims of education is to cure them of this habit." -- Bertrand Russell on problems with traditional educational methods.

17th May 2008, 09:41 AM	#12
Senex Graduate Poster Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: An autobody repair shop in Connecticut Posts: 1,835	Originally Posted by m_huber Ok, sounds good. So, where do you recommend I get a Swami Gimmick? I don't have a nearby magic store (that i can find), and I'm not certain about getting one online. Questions such as "can I replace the lead" come to mind, and "how does it fit." Do I need to just get one online, or should I really look for a magic store? I'm a huge supporter of giving the local guy your business even if it costs you a couple of extra bucks -- but buying on-line is fine if you have no local guy. I recommend Lou Tannens. I wouldn't make a swami gimmick my first purchase since there are cost free alternatives. I wish to share this thumb-tip with an alternate purpose story. I believe it doesn't break the rules. I'm travelling with friends and I'm waiting at the front of a convenience store for them to make their purchases. There is a spinning rack of crappy magic tricks and joke gifts. One bag contained an oversized thumb tip with a suction cup at the end for $6.00. I thought $6.00 for an extra thumb tip was a good deal and I would cut the suction cup off. The bag had no instructions. Before I cut the suction cup off I thought I would try and perform the trick. It turns out the suction cup could hold the weight of a 3/4 full wine bottle. You could cover your angles while performing this to 180 degrees. Performing this trick turns out to be as close to a miracle as any $300 trick The problem was getting rid of the gimmick at the end. I never found a good way of disposing of it. you had to stick a fingernail under the cup to break the suction and despite the fact that it's been years since the last time I performed this affect, I still keep the nail on my right index finger long out of habit. Do you have this type of determination? This is what it takes.
	__________________ I cannot call to mind a single instance where I have ever been irreverent, except toward the things which were sacred to other people. Mark Twain

18th May 2008, 01:07 AM	#13
m_huber Muse Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 780	Originally Posted by Senex I'm a huge supporter of giving the local guy your business even if it costs you a couple of extra bucks -- but buying on-line is fine if you have no local guy. I recommend Lou Tannens. I wouldn't make a swami gimmick my first purchase since there are cost free alternatives. Are you suggesting that I construct my own device? I'm not entirely certain how to go about that. Incidentally, I live in Baton Rouge, LA, if you know of any magic shops in this area. Quote: I wish to share this thumb-tip with an alternate purpose story. I believe it doesn't break the rules. I'm travelling with friends and I'm waiting at the front of a convenience store for them to make their purchases. There is a spinning rack of crappy magic tricks and joke gifts. One bag contained an oversized thumb tip with a suction cup at the end for $6.00. I thought $6.00 for an extra thumb tip was a good deal and I would cut the suction cup off. The bag had no instructions. Before I cut the suction cup off I thought I would try and perform the trick. It turns out the suction cup could hold the weight of a 3/4 full wine bottle. You could cover your angles while performing this to 180 degrees. Performing this trick turns out to be as close to a miracle as any $300 trick The problem was getting rid of the gimmick at the end. I never found a good way of disposing of it. you had to stick a fingernail under the cup to break the suction and despite the fact that it's been years since the last time I performed this affect, I still keep the nail on my right index finger long out of habit. Do you have this type of determination? This is what it takes. That's a really great story. Probably with a lot of applications, too. At this stage, I honestly don't know how committed I am. I think I am fully committed; I'll know in a year or so.
m_huber Muse Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 780	__________________ "A certain percentage of children have the habit of thinking; one of the aims of education is to cure them of this habit." -- Bertrand Russell on problems with traditional educational methods.

29th May 2008, 01:18 PM	#14
ScanningFool New Blood Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 18	No better starting card magic book If you want to learn card magic I would highly recommend The Royal Road to Card Magic. It is a classic for a reason. Just ask any card magician about it and they will tell you the same. If you follow it through the book taking one slight/trick at a time you will become a very good card magician by it's end. It mixes tricks throughout both that require slight-of-hand and those that do not. It is available at a reasonable rate and I believe that you can even buy it through amazon or barnes and noble but I would recommend your local magic shop. For coin magic there is the classic Modern Coin Magic by J.B. Bobo. Both these books have DVD's that you can buy that will go along with it. Be careful when you buy the DVD's that accompany these as there are different ones of different quality...do your research.
ScanningFool New Blood Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 18

30th May 2008, 06:40 PM	#15
TexasJack Philosopher Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 5,045	Is there a website on magic that anyone can recommend?
TexasJack Philosopher Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 5,045

30th May 2008, 09:46 PM	#16
Bob Klase Master Poster Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Largo, FL Posts: 2,445	Originally Posted by TexasJack Is there a website on magic that anyone can recommend? Exactly what type of website? There are hundreds (or thousands) of sites for dealers that sell magic. There are websites that attempt to explain tricks- some are good and you can actually learn from them, others are kids trying to explain things they don't understand themselves. There are forums like this one. Depends on what you're looking for exactly.