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ok...here's where I want some advice.

If you could only take 3 effects to a function where you had to perform close up magic at dining tables, what (in order of preference) would be on your list of must do effects ?

coins across.
ambitious card.
ring to marvelous brass box

by three effects I assume that you'e not looking for a normal deck of cards as there's so much that you could do with these. Therefore, the three things that I would take are:

Chop cup
TT
Coin unique

Each can provide you a numer of different routines

I had similar questions like these when I joined the forum!!

There's so much you could take but for me (at the mo anyway) I'd stick with 3 that I know always go down well.

Hopping halves expanded

In a flash

Heirloom

the first 2 are visual and the third is a killer impact closer which can enable you to explain why you are into magic.

But then, if you are at a function perhaps you need 3 groups of 3 effects so that the same tricks are not performed at every table.

And of course, my mind changes regularly on choice of effect

Sorry, i don't know 3 tricks (hehe) but I really think that Silver Dream is a great coin trick that would be awsome to perform at a dinner table... that would be on my top 3 for sure.

--AcrylicAce

ACR
coins accross
the blackpool effect

You specifically state that this is a function, therefore I am at liberty to fully routine my three of choice (at a restaurant, the food can come at any time, so the term "function" does affect my choice).

1a) Borrowed quarter for a quick, one coin routine. The quarter is initialed and, in the end, fully vanished

2) Cigarette paper tear

3) Pack of cards - Jazz until finished

1b) Signed, borrowed coin from packet of sugar on the table (assuming, of course, that the venue has packet sugar - but even high class venues include Sweet and Low, which comes in packets)

Mike.

Interesting answers as always . . . . The following three effects I have done for years – and still do - in table-hopping for restaurants or anywhere else for that matter etc.
[1] What I call ‘The Midas Touch’ which is my own version of what is now a standard of turning a Lottery ticket into a £50.00
[2] Blank Notes to Bank notes (or other names for the same effect). The part that the spectators see at the beginning is visually linked to the Lottery. But again the effect is MAKING MONEY.
[3] The standard card effect universally known as Fred. Presented correctly this is an absolute stunner for lay folk.

My reasoning is very important. [A] All are visible even if, because of ambient noise, they can’t hear a thing you say. [B] The first two involve MONEY which – apart from sex - is the most important thing in most peoples lives. A chappie who twice instantly ‘wins’ the Lottery in front of their noses gets attention right away. [C] All are instantly repeatable no resetting etc. [D] They require no borrowing of anything, no placing things on the table, nothing for spectators to do really whilst they are eating. [E] They are quick and above all entertaining. [F] Psssssst. They are easy and just about self working.

At many big functions where time is limited for each group I may only use those three effects all evening. If there is time to visit a table or group again then I go into other material; It’s worth noting that having impressed them with the money first time around, they will be glad to see you again.

It’s worth a mention that I have used these three standard effects for over 20 years and the presentation and ‘bits of business’ have been honed to perfection with thousands of showings. (Well for me it has).

To our good friend who says that he would open with Chop Cup . . . . . . At a table full of diners and all the rest of the stuff on a dining table?????? You are joking of course!?

Those of you older folk - come in again Alan! Will remember Harold Taylor. Universally known as ‘Three Tricks Taylor’. Well I frequently think of myself that way. Mark

3 effects! that is a hard one but i'd say;

triumph
coins across
bill in lemon

andy

HMM well i think i would have to say:

1. The first would be my 4 of a kind routine
2.triology
3.in a flash

if i was just doing cards i would do the following

design for laughter

ACR

torn

if i was using other props i might do

spongeball routine - into

hankey vanish - into

greed

I am wondering if, when members do postings about certain named effects, they might consider that many of us - both young and old - might not have the slightest clue what the item is or its actual effect. New effects are invented all the time remember. They are given swish names that don't give a clue to the actual effect.

Well known standards are fine for most of us, but looking through some of the effects named in this thread I just don't know at all. Haven't a clue what it's all about. Perhaps a little more info would help most of us please.
Mark (The Victor Meldrew of Magic!)

3 favourit things to take with me?

1, Loops ( so many effects!)

2, Cards (see description of 1)

3, TT.

And in my own opinion if you do not understand any of the above names or descriptions then don't worry, you just need to keep going a bit longer and you'll find them. If I explain any more than I already have I would be worried about "giving away" too much info for people who are not yet at a stage of understanding.

Hope you understand that coz I've just re-read it and it looks like rubbish!

Well Magicpaul I agree with all you say especially the last bit. To be serious . . What are 'Greed' 'Triology' 'Triumph' 'The Blackpool Effect' 'Heirloom' all mentioned above? I haven't a clue.
But if it was written as - for instance - GREED (an easy effect using a bootlace, a ring and some soap) it might raise some interest and indeed follow it up to find out more. Silly I know but do you see what I'm getting at? Mark

Triumph is a classic of card magic so if you dont know what that is then as magicpaul said your not ready to know yet, some of these effects are difficult to explain as well without giving something away. The effect i mentioned earlier triology is a triple prdiction with cards. Here is a review of it and if your interested in the others just use the search function to find a review on them http://www.talkmagic.co.uk/ftopic13398.php&highlight=triology

Hope this helps.