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My hunger is kinda moaning at me again

I'm still working through RRTCM and Street Magic (PZ) but I'm looking to find something that teaches some more advanced effects and sleights. I'm probably trying to run before I can walk but....I just can't help it really

I've been on NUMS and looked at the Card College but firstly its a little pricey for me and the first 2 volumes seem to be repeating what's in royal road and street magic. What really interests me is what I've read that is in Volume 3 and Volume 4.

Does anyone know other books that provide information on what is in those volumes?

My spider sense is tingling, and telling me that you might get a load of replies telling you that with RRTCM alone you've got plenty of material to keep you going for a while. Don't be mistaken into thinking that because a trick is hard it's going to be more impressive to a spectator, the best tricks I know are generally also the easiest.

However, many of us like to perform difficult tricks because we get a sense of satisfaction from pulling them off. Try picking out the harder stuff from Royal Road that you haven't performed yet and have a go at that. Also perform the same trick to as many different people as possible to gauge the reactions you get, it will sometimes amaze you to see the difference between what you think should get a good reaction and what actually does, and vice versa.

You could always learn some xcm if you want to really challenge your digital abilities. I don't use it as part of tricks but it is fun to show off and believe me, it's not easy.

Once you've got the card basics down there are a LOT of different ways to go - this is when CUPS really starts to kick in!

If you're looking for some really great effects try Smoke and Mirrors by John Bannon - probably the best book in my magic library!

Kati

As bronz said, the simplest effects are the greatest. I did a signed card to wallet to my mum, and the only move I used was a DL. She was amazed!

Good point although you do need a basic variety of sleights if you're doing a card routine. I always cringe when I see an ambitious card routine full of D/L. Actually, that's how I first caught on the sleight. The guy was doing it over and over for every card trick very obviously. One the other hand, you can actually get away with it depending how you perform the tricks. It's all on the presentation...

Effects should be simple and easy to understand.

Methods should be indirect and devious

This can mean (thankfully not always!) that some simple effects are diabolicaly difficult!

John