talkmagic.co.uk

I have noticed that there is a lack of book and DVD reviews recently. I have noticed (not just on here) that many new magicians and some experienced ones seem to purchasing more and more gimmicks.

Don't you miss the fun and challenge of working slowly through a good magic book? struggling with a new sleight and experiencing the joy when you finally master it. There is a whole world of wonderful and original magic to be found in books and DVDs. Imagine how much better it is to be able to perform in a restaurant with just one regular deck of cards, to be able to instantly add more effects to the act if needed. Someone says "let me see the dodgy cards" and you just place the deck down on the table for the World to see.



I await the threats and angry comments

I would buy more gimmicks but I can't afford it - my thinking £10 get's Bobo and RRTCM or 1 effect which isn't examinable - I know which I'd spend my money (just examples BTW all )

i really dont like gimmicks.
i only perform about 3 card tricks that use them. when i come across an effect that i love, but find out that is gaffed or gimmicked, i work my butt off trying to find a way to make it as clean as possible.

then other gimmicked items i use are of course many of the classis: the pen through dollar, raven, 5 to 1 transpo, and thats about it. enless IT counts.

but i believe in slieght of hand and learning to distract (couldnt think of a better word right off). the same goes with my escapes, 90% of all my escapes are 100% ligit non gimmicked.

gimmicks usually take away the skill of the performer i think. it allows for just any body to perform a trick half _ _ _.

I agree, maybe I'm old school, maybe it's just that I like to be totally impromtu. Wherever I am, everybody knows what I do, and I always get "you're a magician? show us a trick!" Chances are I might have nothing on my person, but always thinking about a trick and what I can use for a trick, keeps me on my toes. I hate using gaffed decks, for one reason; silencer. "ok, use these cards then.." and I do

The need to fill your sleeves/pockets with gimmicks can be very easy, but where is the talent in that? I'm not saying "gimmicks are for amateurs" they arent, I use them, you can perform some amazing effects with the right ones, all I'm saying is limit them.

Anyone can buy a load of tenner tricks and perform them and be called a magician..Is this where its going!?

kalyalien wrote:Anyone can buy a load of tenner tricks and perform them and be called a magician..Is this where its going!?

Thank you so much for that I hope newbies listen

Don't you miss the fun and challenge of working slowly through a good magic book? struggling with a new sleight and experiencing the joy when you finally master it.

oh my brother testifie

quote team 3d.

yes mate i miss this every day but in my condition i have to increasingly rely on gimmicks.
most people thease days don't have the stamina to practise slieghts or the mental toghness to read and digest the imfomation to practise the slieghts.
it comes of being spoonfed imfomation from tv and computer games they don't know any diferent and its not there fault there greativity is being bred out of them.

gimicks are readily avalable and give them the neer instant gratification scociety has taught them to expect... read a book nah takes to long, produced in txt speak would help but not much.

its not there fault there born / brought up that way.

Can i point out i am not having a go at people who want or have to use gimmicks

I await the threats and angry comments

i don't think anyone thinks you were but if they did then there way wrong.

I do really like gimmicks, although I rarely use them. They are just sort of little play things for me. I said in another topic that using gimmicks does require some guts. You see I would hate to be in that "use my deck" situation - I don't have the guts for gimmicks.

What I like about gimmicks are the interesting ways that are used to create effects. I think I have learnt alot from gimmicks about magic. They teach you different way of thinking, and lateral thinking is vital to creating magic. I enjoy taking apart the gimmicks (not literaly, but sometimes this is the case), and trying to improve on them or use the idea in another way. Gimmicks really do get me thinking...

I see where you are coming form though. You get more magic from books and more stuff you will actually use.

Hmmm nice topic

No angry comments, Stephen. I don't begrudge people for buying up tons of effects and gimmicks - and I still purchase a few from time to time. I agree we shouldn't rely on them as a crutch (unless special circumstances require it), but there's still that feeling of "magic" I get when I pick up a new gimmick that I come across.

I don't mean magic as in it's better than sleight of hand or any other gimmick - I mean the feeling of magic when you get that glimpse into the theory, ideas and genius that goes into some of these products. If nothing else, gimmicks continue to push me to come up with new ideas and concepts.

I don't particularly use them on a regular basis, but I enjoy collecting effects/gimmicks/packet tricks, etc. So I continue to make these purchases. However, like you - I love just picking up a book and studying it cover to cover. I love knowing that I can just toss a pack of cards (and now even a few coins) into my pocket and be ready to entertain. There is an extra special feeling when you can floor someone and then just give it all away and let them keep wondering just how you did it.

Well said Demitri I completely agree with you...

I had some thoughts on the ID but I might put that in a 'new topic'...

ID is really the exception. That is one gimmick i do use on a regular basis.

Ok, my view on this would be I like both gimmick and non gimmick tricks. I have a few gimmicks but more non gimmicks.

I would not swap something like Royal Road for any gimmick trick how ever good it is.

I like the challenge of the slights and fancy moves.

I use gimmick tricks as a bit of fun, something to fill a gap not part of my main routine.

Out of interest, are things such as a TT regarded as a gimmick, a prop, or an accessory?

Some gimmicks, such as the bitten coin, you can do without sleights, but you can't borrow a coin, or give it out for inspection.

If you can do sleights, you can use someone elses coin, which makes it more incredible for the audience.

I consider TT a prop. I meant all these card gimmicks really