Self-working tricks

MattusMaximus · 8th February 2006, 10:33 PM

Howdy all,

I was looking to trade some card tricks. I'm not so hot at the sleight-of-hand stuff, but I do have a couple of really good self-working tricks that usually blow the audience away.

Unfortunately, they're about the only tricks I can do well, and I am looking to expand my repetoire...

Anyone interested?

Cheers - Mattus

Garrette · 9th February 2006, 04:23 AM

Sure.

T'ai Chi · 9th February 2006, 04:57 PM

Originally Posted by MattusMaximus

I was looking to trade some card tricks. I'm not so hot at the sleight-of-hand stuff, but I do have a couple of really good self-working tricks that usually blow the audience away.

Who is it, Fulve?, that has a lot of self-working coin, card, hand, money, etc., tricks?

I found the vast majority of them good, and some of them very, very poor, and not even tricks.

Reno · 9th February 2006, 05:52 PM

I do 2 self-working card tricks that blow everyone away, even though they are old and simple. I'd love a few more

Cain · 9th February 2006, 07:12 PM

There are quite a few self-working tricks in John Bannon's latest book, _Dear Mr. Fantasy_ (many contend just one of the self-working effects -- "Dead Reckoning" is worth the price of the book alone). Lennart Green's "Green Lite" DVD contains all self-working effects.

One of the best self-working tricks, in my opinion, utilitzes Simon Aronson's Shuffle-Bored. A very popular handling appears here: http://www.penguinmagic.com/product.php?ID=725 (It's called "Jeopardy" -- click to view the demo) (The aforementioned DMF has Bannon's handling).

Another Bannon trick, from _Impossibila_ is called "Play it Straight (Triumph)". It's an incredibly strong effect that also uses Shufflebored. You can get this on one of the Ammar videos. It's worth the price of the entire DVD. It's so unbelievably freaking good.

Still another self-working trick, out of Bannon's _Smoke and Mirrors_ is called "Timely Departure". I don't like it too much, but others swear by it.

Other classics: "Emotional Reaction" by Dai Vernon
"Gemini Twins" (Fulves?)
Lazy Man's Card Trick (Al Koran, appears in the Harry Lorayne book)
Untouched by Daryl Martinez (I understand it can be found in _Magic For Dummies_)

MattusMaximus · 12th February 2006, 08:13 PM

Originally Posted by T'ai Chi

Who is it, Fulve?, that has a lot of self-working coin, card, hand, money, etc., tricks?

I found the vast majority of them good, and some of them very, very poor, and not even tricks.

I've never heard of Fulve before - have they written a good book on the topic?

My self-working tricks are with cards. One is a variation of what I think is called the Sy Stebbins (???) method - this one's a real whopper

The other is less impressive unless you're very good a distraction.

Cheers - Mattus

NeilC · 13th February 2006, 01:31 AM

One of the best selfworking card tricks I've seen is Overkill which is in one of Paul Harris' Art of Astonishment books.

Garrette · 13th February 2006, 03:45 AM

Originally Posted by MattusMaximus

I've never heard of Fulve before - have they written a good book on the topic?

My self-working tricks are with cards. One is a variation of what I think is called the Sy Stebbins (???) method - this one's a real whopper

The other is less impressive unless you're very good a distraction.

Cheers - Mattus

Karl Fulve has written numerous books on tricks for beginners including two or three on self-working card tricks. They're small and inexpensive and worth the money, though if you want to progress beyond beginner stage you'll need more than his stuff.

The Si Stebbins method (it's an "I" not a "Y") is not usually referred to as self-working. Are you sure you're thinking of the right thing?

Garrette · 13th February 2006, 03:47 AM

Originally Posted by Splossy

One of the best selfworking card tricks I've seen is Overkill which is in one of Paul Harris' Art of Astonishment books.

That is a wonderful set of books (three volumes) which I highly recommend. But they ain't cheap.

Cain · 13th February 2006, 11:54 AM

I recently saw a video of young magician using Si Stebbins.

http://www.DefyTheMind.com Click on videos->multiple mind readings. What's astonishing is that his spectators didn't figure out the....

Also see the video for Jay Sankey's handling of the invisible deck("X really marks the spot"). I think it's quite good .

magicflute · 14th February 2006, 12:45 PM

Yup, those are pretty good self working tricks. I have several self-working card tricks that I use. I mix them in with regular slight of hand tricks. When presented well some can be stunners! They are also good to use when you think you might get burned by a sharp expectator. I also enjoy those self workers that the expectator does the card hadling, (or at least most of it) There is an aces trick that I do that I never seem to touch the cards, and the expectator does all the shuffling and cutting and at the end all the aces show up! It's simple, but a reputation builder, and the setup can be done right in front of the audience without giving it away. I hate tricks where you have to set up a pack ahead of time. It sucks when you are asked to perform it again later or another days when you don't have the set-up ready.
I have an old book by John Scarne of all self-working card trick that is very good. It a good one to have in your library.

MattusMaximus · 14th February 2006, 09:33 PM

Originally Posted by Garrette

The Si Stebbins method (it's an "I" not a "Y") is not usually referred to as self-working. Are you sure you're thinking of the right thing?

Oops, that's right - I always screw up the "Si" in Si Stebbins. I tend to think of it as a self-working thing - all I need to do is remember the mnemonic device and the rest is just patter and showmanship.

I've polished one particular trick using this method over the years - it is an absolute stunner, and works beautifully in a group of 25-30. That makes it a perfect card trick to use on the first day of my physics/astronomy classes when I discuss critical thinking & the scientific method. The kids love it!

Of course, I *always* do the trick at the last possible minute in class, so that no one has the opportunity to ask me to "do it again". They're too busy bugging their eyes out on their way to the next class... and the stories fly about that crazy physics teacher who does this amazing trick

I just wish I could get better at basic sleights. Any advice or references to help with this?

Cheers - Mattus

MattusMaximus · 14th February 2006, 09:34 PM

Originally Posted by magicflute

I have an old book by John Scarne of all self-working card trick that is very good. It a good one to have in your library.

What's the name of the book? Can I get it online anywhere?

Cheers - Mattus

NeilC · 15th February 2006, 01:32 AM

You can get some good self-working packet tricks with gaffed cards which are great to throw in if you give the impression you got the cards from the normal pack.

Twisted Sisters is a particularly good one.

Garrette · 15th February 2006, 03:50 AM

Scarne's book is probably:

Scarne on Card Tricks

Worth the price of admission, certainly, but not the only worthwhile one out there.

I also agree with Splossy that some packet tricks are worth the price, though the opportunity to use them is probably more limited.

magicflute · 22nd February 2006, 02:27 PM

Yes the book is "Scarne on Card Tricks." I originally bought the book not realizing they were self working tricks. I was more interested in his sleights of hand stuff, but nevertheless I found some good stuff in there anyway.
You really don't need lots of fancy sleights to do really good tricks. if I were to recommend which to practice a lot, they would be:
The Slip (easy)
The Double Lift (medium)
The Glide (easy)
A Pinky Break (easy)
A False Cut (easy)
A false shuffle such as the Hindu Shuffle with retention of top stock. (Hard but worth it)
You should be able to perform hundreds of card trick with just these sleights.
Good luck!!

Stir · 1st March 2006, 12:37 PM

Magicflute provides an excellent list ... but two more relatively easy sleights should be added: a force (try the 'riffle force' ... very easy and a real fooler) and an Elmsley count (one of the most deceptive moves around, very useful for 'packet' tricks). With this arsenal, there are more card tricks than you could ever possibly master! Two great (and cheap!!) books to learn the basics: 'Basic Skill With Cards" and "Counts, Cuts, Moves and Subtlety" both by Jerry Mentzer.

magicflute · 7th March 2006, 02:43 PM

I agree on the Elmsley count as you can perform some "miracles" with that. I did not suggest it because it takes LOTS of practice to do it well, but it is worth every minute. As far a an effective force, the suggested hindu shuffle with top stock retention can be used as a force also. Just start the shuffle, when "STOP" is called out, replace top stock and VOILA!!! Great force!
I think once you master the simple sleights you will be encouraged to tackle the more difficult ones.

Stir · 8th March 2006, 02:15 PM

Originally Posted by magicflute

I agree on the Elmsley count as you can perform some "miracles" with that. I did not suggest it because it takes LOTS of practice to do it well, but it is worth every minute.

Yeah, but after the first few thousand times it starts getting easy!

T'ai Chi · 11th March 2006, 12:11 PM

I like some basic card tricks that require minimal setup, like the one where you can have a person read the cards, and by knowing what to hear for when they are reading, you can tell which card is theirs, and give some lines about being able to hear the tone of their voice, mentally pick it up, and etc.

The basic card tricks I don't like, generally, are the ones that involve counting a card for each letter of some word.

marplots · 12th March 2006, 06:50 PM

Don't make the mistake of thinking 'self working' is anything special. You learn them all the same way- you practice until you don't have to think about the mechanics of it, whether the mechanics are the 'recipe' for a self working trick or a series of slights. Same thing. You gotta 'own it' to do it well either way.

MattusMaximus · 28th March 2006, 08:30 PM

Originally Posted by marplots

Don't make the mistake of thinking 'self working' is anything special. You learn them all the same way- you practice until you don't have to think about the mechanics of it, whether the mechanics are the 'recipe' for a self working trick or a series of slights. Same thing. You gotta 'own it' to do it well either way.

No kidding. I mentioned earlier my particular variation on the Si Stebbins method, which I refer to as a self-working trick, but I didn't mention how long it took me to get it down.

I've been doing that one trick consistently for about 4-5 years now, but it took me a *lot* of practice to get it right - I'd say about 5-6 hours before I tried it with some friends and 20 hours before I tried it "for real". And that was just practicing on my own in my living room with an imaginary audience. It took me blowing it a few times in front of my classes to *really* get it figured out. Of course, since they were my students and they depended upon me for their grades, I swore them to secrecy about my flubs

I have gradually gotten better at some basic sleights, such as the classic coin palming stuff, but again I've practiced for a long time (and I still screw up the sleights - not enough practice). Stuff like that makes for some pretty cool impromptu party magic - you know, things that are quick and impress good looking ladies who've had a few drinks

As for Randi's rule on not disclosing secrets in this forum, I can sort of understand it. For example, my refined version of the Si Stebbins trick is something I've put a lot of time and effort into - and it's *my* trick, nobody else knows how to work it (to my knowledge, though I am sure some of you could figure it if you saw it). I wouldn't want just anyone copying it and claiming it as their own...

Cheers - Mattus

8th February 2006, 10:33 PM	#1
MattusMaximus Intellectual Gladiator Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: In the midst of a vast, beautiful & uncaring universe Posts: 14,186	Self-working tricks Howdy all, I was looking to trade some card tricks. I'm not so hot at the sleight-of-hand stuff, but I do have a couple of really good self-working tricks that usually blow the audience away. Unfortunately, they're about the only tricks I can do well, and I am looking to expand my repetoire... Anyone interested? Cheers - Mattus

9th February 2006, 04:23 AM	#2
Garrette Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 10,557	Sure.
	__________________ My kids still love me.

9th February 2006, 04:57 PM	#3
T'ai Chi Penultimate Amazing Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 11,235	Originally Posted by MattusMaximus I was looking to trade some card tricks. I'm not so hot at the sleight-of-hand stuff, but I do have a couple of really good self-working tricks that usually blow the audience away. Who is it, Fulve?, that has a lot of self-working coin, card, hand, money, etc., tricks? I found the vast majority of them good, and some of them very, very poor, and not even tricks.
	__________________ http://www.statisticool.com

9th February 2006, 05:52 PM	#4
Reno Inquisitor Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Scotland, West Coast Posts: 1,234	I do 2 self-working card tricks that blow everyone away, even though they are old and simple. I'd love a few more
	__________________ "Well, if it matters not to you how things are phrased, nor whether they make any logical sense, then here is my answer to your question: Twenty-seven rumbly-tumblies in a tinhorn fandango." - Robert S Lancaster Stop Sylvia Browne

9th February 2006, 07:12 PM	#5
Cain Straussian Join Date: May 2002 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 6,940	There are quite a few self-working tricks in John Bannon's latest book, _Dear Mr. Fantasy_ (many contend just one of the self-working effects -- "Dead Reckoning" is worth the price of the book alone). Lennart Green's "Green Lite" DVD contains all self-working effects. One of the best self-working tricks, in my opinion, utilitzes Simon Aronson's Shuffle-Bored. A very popular handling appears here: http://www.penguinmagic.com/product.php?ID=725 (It's called "Jeopardy" -- click to view the demo) (The aforementioned DMF has Bannon's handling). Another Bannon trick, from _Impossibila_ is called "Play it Straight (Triumph)". It's an incredibly strong effect that also uses Shufflebored. You can get this on one of the Ammar videos. It's worth the price of the entire DVD. It's so unbelievably freaking good. Still another self-working trick, out of Bannon's _Smoke and Mirrors_ is called "Timely Departure". I don't like it too much, but others swear by it. Other classics: "Emotional Reaction" by Dai Vernon "Gemini Twins" (Fulves?) Lazy Man's Card Trick (Al Koran, appears in the Harry Lorayne book) Untouched by Daryl Martinez (I understand it can be found in _Magic For Dummies_)
	__________________ *Arrested Development* is coming back! Michael (to GOB): Get rid of the Seaward. Lucille: I’ll leave when I’m good and ready.

12th February 2006, 08:13 PM	#6
MattusMaximus Intellectual Gladiator Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: In the midst of a vast, beautiful & uncaring universe Posts: 14,186	Originally Posted by T'ai Chi Who is it, Fulve?, that has a lot of self-working coin, card, hand, money, etc., tricks? I found the vast majority of them good, and some of them very, very poor, and not even tricks. I've never heard of Fulve before - have they written a good book on the topic? My self-working tricks are with cards. One is a variation of what I think is called the Sy Stebbins (???) method - this one's a real whopper The other is less impressive unless you're very good a distraction. Cheers - Mattus

13th February 2006, 01:31 AM	#7
NeilC Graduate Poster Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: London, UK Posts: 1,331	One of the best selfworking card tricks I've seen is Overkill which is in one of Paul Harris' Art of Astonishment books.

13th February 2006, 03:45 AM	#8
Garrette Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 10,557	Originally Posted by MattusMaximus I've never heard of Fulve before - have they written a good book on the topic? My self-working tricks are with cards. One is a variation of what I think is called the Sy Stebbins (???) method - this one's a real whopper The other is less impressive unless you're very good a distraction. Cheers - Mattus Karl Fulve has written numerous books on tricks for beginners including two or three on self-working card tricks. They're small and inexpensive and worth the money, though if you want to progress beyond beginner stage you'll need more than his stuff. The Si Stebbins method (it's an "I" not a "Y") is not usually referred to as self-working. Are you sure you're thinking of the right thing?
	__________________ My kids still love me.

13th February 2006, 03:47 AM	#9
Garrette Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 10,557	Originally Posted by Splossy One of the best selfworking card tricks I've seen is Overkill which is in one of Paul Harris' Art of Astonishment books. That is a wonderful set of books (three volumes) which I highly recommend. But they ain't cheap.
	__________________ My kids still love me.

13th February 2006, 11:54 AM	#10
Cain Straussian Join Date: May 2002 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 6,940	I recently saw a video of young magician using Si Stebbins. http://www.DefyTheMind.com Click on videos->multiple mind readings. What's astonishing is that his spectators didn't figure out the.... Also see the video for Jay Sankey's handling of the invisible deck("X really marks the spot"). I think it's quite good .
	__________________ *Arrested Development* is coming back! Michael (to GOB): Get rid of the Seaward. Lucille: I’ll leave when I’m good and ready.

14th February 2006, 12:45 PM	#11
magicflute Thinker Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 220	Yup, those are pretty good self working tricks. I have several self-working card tricks that I use. I mix them in with regular slight of hand tricks. When presented well some can be stunners! They are also good to use when you think you might get burned by a sharp expectator. I also enjoy those self workers that the expectator does the card hadling, (or at least most of it) There is an aces trick that I do that I never seem to touch the cards, and the expectator does all the shuffling and cutting and at the end all the aces show up! It's simple, but a reputation builder, and the setup can be done right in front of the audience without giving it away. I hate tricks where you have to set up a pack ahead of time. It sucks when you are asked to perform it again later or another days when you don't have the set-up ready. I have an old book by John Scarne of all self-working card trick that is very good. It a good one to have in your library.
magicflute Thinker Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 220	__________________ Old Chinese Saying: Believe half of what you see, and none of what you hear.

14th February 2006, 09:33 PM	#12
MattusMaximus Intellectual Gladiator Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: In the midst of a vast, beautiful & uncaring universe Posts: 14,186	Originally Posted by Garrette The Si Stebbins method (it's an "I" not a "Y") is not usually referred to as self-working. Are you sure you're thinking of the right thing? Oops, that's right - I always screw up the "Si" in Si Stebbins. I tend to think of it as a self-working thing - all I need to do is remember the mnemonic device and the rest is just patter and showmanship. I've polished one particular trick using this method over the years - it is an absolute stunner, and works beautifully in a group of 25-30. That makes it a perfect card trick to use on the first day of my physics/astronomy classes when I discuss critical thinking & the scientific method. The kids love it! Of course, I always do the trick at the last possible minute in class, so that no one has the opportunity to ask me to "do it again". They're too busy bugging their eyes out on their way to the next class... and the stories fly about that crazy physics teacher who does this amazing trick I just wish I could get better at basic sleights. Any advice or references to help with this? Cheers - Mattus

14th February 2006, 09:34 PM	#13
MattusMaximus Intellectual Gladiator Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: In the midst of a vast, beautiful & uncaring universe Posts: 14,186	Originally Posted by magicflute I have an old book by John Scarne of all self-working card trick that is very good. It a good one to have in your library. What's the name of the book? Can I get it online anywhere? Cheers - Mattus

15th February 2006, 01:32 AM	#14
NeilC Graduate Poster Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: London, UK Posts: 1,331	You can get some good self-working packet tricks with gaffed cards which are great to throw in if you give the impression you got the cards from the normal pack. Twisted Sisters is a particularly good one.

15th February 2006, 03:50 AM	#15
Garrette Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 10,557	Scarne's book is probably: Scarne on Card Tricks Worth the price of admission, certainly, but not the only worthwhile one out there. I also agree with Splossy that some packet tricks are worth the price, though the opportunity to use them is probably more limited.
	__________________ My kids still love me.

22nd February 2006, 02:27 PM	#16
magicflute Thinker Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 220	Yes the book is "Scarne on Card Tricks." I originally bought the book not realizing they were self working tricks. I was more interested in his sleights of hand stuff, but nevertheless I found some good stuff in there anyway. You really don't need lots of fancy sleights to do really good tricks. if I were to recommend which to practice a lot, they would be: The Slip (easy) The Double Lift (medium) The Glide (easy) A Pinky Break (easy) A False Cut (easy) A false shuffle such as the Hindu Shuffle with retention of top stock. (Hard but worth it) You should be able to perform hundreds of card trick with just these sleights. Good luck!!
magicflute Thinker Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 220	__________________ Old Chinese Saying: Believe half of what you see, and none of what you hear.

1st March 2006, 12:37 PM	#17
Stir Anarchist In The System Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Plaza of Dark Delights, Lankhmar Posts: 171	Magicflute provides an excellent list ... but two more relatively easy sleights should be added: a force (try the 'riffle force' ... very easy and a real fooler) and an Elmsley count (one of the most deceptive moves around, very useful for 'packet' tricks). With this arsenal, there are more card tricks than you could ever possibly master! Two great (and cheap!!) books to learn the basics: 'Basic Skill With Cards" and "Counts, Cuts, Moves and Subtlety" both by Jerry Mentzer.
	__________________ For every complex problem, there is a solution that is simple, neat, and wrong. -H.L.Mencken ... if I have been wrong in my agnosticism, when I die I'll walk up to God in a manly way and say, Sir, I made an honest mistake -H.L.Mencken

7th March 2006, 02:43 PM	#18
magicflute Thinker Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 220	I agree on the Elmsley count as you can perform some "miracles" with that. I did not suggest it because it takes LOTS of practice to do it well, but it is worth every minute. As far a an effective force, the suggested hindu shuffle with top stock retention can be used as a force also. Just start the shuffle, when "STOP" is called out, replace top stock and VOILA!!! Great force! I think once you master the simple sleights you will be encouraged to tackle the more difficult ones.
magicflute Thinker Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 220	__________________ Old Chinese Saying: Believe half of what you see, and none of what you hear.

8th March 2006, 02:15 PM	#19
Stir Anarchist In The System Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Plaza of Dark Delights, Lankhmar Posts: 171	Originally Posted by magicflute I agree on the Elmsley count as you can perform some "miracles" with that. I did not suggest it because it takes LOTS of practice to do it well, but it is worth every minute. Yeah, but after the first few thousand times it starts getting easy!
	__________________ For every complex problem, there is a solution that is simple, neat, and wrong. -H.L.Mencken ... if I have been wrong in my agnosticism, when I die I'll walk up to God in a manly way and say, Sir, I made an honest mistake -H.L.Mencken

11th March 2006, 12:11 PM	#20
T'ai Chi Penultimate Amazing Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 11,235	I like some basic card tricks that require minimal setup, like the one where you can have a person read the cards, and by knowing what to hear for when they are reading, you can tell which card is theirs, and give some lines about being able to hear the tone of their voice, mentally pick it up, and etc. The basic card tricks I don't like, generally, are the ones that involve counting a card for each letter of some word.
	__________________ http://www.statisticool.com

12th March 2006, 06:50 PM	#21
marplots Philosopher Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 5,420	Don't make the mistake of thinking 'self working' is anything special. You learn them all the same way- you practice until you don't have to think about the mechanics of it, whether the mechanics are the 'recipe' for a self working trick or a series of slights. Same thing. You gotta 'own it' to do it well either way.
marplots Philosopher Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 5,420

28th March 2006, 08:30 PM	#22
MattusMaximus Intellectual Gladiator Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: In the midst of a vast, beautiful & uncaring universe Posts: 14,186	Originally Posted by marplots Don't make the mistake of thinking 'self working' is anything special. You learn them all the same way- you practice until you don't have to think about the mechanics of it, whether the mechanics are the 'recipe' for a self working trick or a series of slights. Same thing. You gotta 'own it' to do it well either way. No kidding. I mentioned earlier my particular variation on the Si Stebbins method, which I refer to as a self-working trick, but I didn't mention how long it took me to get it down. I've been doing that one trick consistently for about 4-5 years now, but it took me a lot of practice to get it right - I'd say about 5-6 hours before I tried it with some friends and 20 hours before I tried it "for real". And that was just practicing on my own in my living room with an imaginary audience. It took me blowing it a few times in front of my classes to really get it figured out. Of course, since they were my students and they depended upon me for their grades, I swore them to secrecy about my flubs I have gradually gotten better at some basic sleights, such as the classic coin palming stuff, but again I've practiced for a long time (and I still screw up the sleights - not enough practice). Stuff like that makes for some pretty cool impromptu party magic - you know, things that are quick and impress good looking ladies who've had a few drinks As for Randi's rule on not disclosing secrets in this forum, I can sort of understand it. For example, my refined version of the Si Stebbins trick is something I've put a lot of time and effort into - and it's my trick, nobody else knows how to work it (to my knowledge, though I am sure some of you could figure it if you saw it). I wouldn't want just anyone copying it and claiming it as their own... Cheers - Mattus