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Hi there.

Being new to magic I am always on the look out for tricks and "tools" to help me look like a better "magician". I am currently learning my way around card tricks but would like to try some other tricks for close-up / table-hopping performances. I am a great fan of mentalism type of tricks.

So, what I wonder is if you would recommend some cool stunning close-ups? Let's say; what's your top 3 close-up tricks with easy resets?

I was thinking of buying The Third Degree Burn as a great final.

If we are talking non card related stuff for me it would be:

1) Rope magic - combination of Richard Sanders Fiber Optics and David Stone's Hallucination routines

2) Fork Bending - again a combo of Liquid metal and some of Psychokinetic silverware

3) Ninja Rings

Magic-Martin wrote:Hi there.

Being new to magic I am always on the look out for tricks and "tools" to help me look like a better "magician". I am currently learning my way around card tricks but would like to try some other tricks for close-up / table-hopping performances. I am a great fan of mentalism type of tricks.

So, what I wonder is if you would recommend some cool stunning close-ups? Let's say; what's your top 3 close-up tricks with easy resets?

I was thinking of buying The Third Degree Burn as a great final.

I wouldn't. If you're starting out, steer clear of gimmicks, unless they're utility devices that do far more than one thing, like the stripper deck or a TT. Learn to handle it and explore its possibilities. There aren't many gimmicks that flexible.

For mentalism, anything in Corinda's "13 Steps to mentalism", and anything in Annemann's "Practical Mental Magic". Get them in time for Xmas, read them thoroughly over that dull part of the holiday period, find effects you like the look of, practice like a demon, and try them out in the New Year.

Sorry for being such a loser but what's a TT ? hehe....

mmm for non card stuff I'll go for,

My own sponge ball routine,
Cups and balls
Tabary's Rope Routine

If you're just starting out you might be better off getting some good books

Lady of Mystery wrote:mmm for non card stuff I'll go for,

My own sponge ball routine,
Cups and balls
Tabary's Rope Routine

If you're just starting out you might be better off getting some good books

Hi Lady of Mystery... Thanks. I was thinking of the cups'n'balls as well, just didn't know if it was any good in a walk around setting. I'll get it anyways since it is a classic. I have a good book written by a famous norwegian magician and mentalist and I've learned several card tricks and sleights allready. Just thought, I'd add some "pocket tricks" or cool close-up tricks as well that could be performed (in front of family and friends) without needing any reset or set-up.

There are so many "things" to buy that I thought I'd rather check out what other people was recommending before I go ahead and buy stuff besides cards... My level is not that high on sleights but I know the elmsley count and stuff like that can be learned quite fast. I am mastering card tricks like "mental card transposition" rather ok, if you are familiar with that (don't know the author).

Buying expensive tricks or gimmicks won't make you a good magician - take your time and enjoy the experience of learning, practicing and mastering the tools of the trade (sleights and misdirection techniques) - then you will be able to improvise and start creating your own routines.

Totally Mental wrote:Buying expensive tricks or gimmicks won't make you a good magician - take your time and enjoy the experience of learning, practicing and mastering the tools of the trade (sleights and misdirection techniques) - then you will be able to improvise and start creating your own routines.

Yeah, I know, but I just though it'd be cool to have some "ready to go" tricks in my pocket that does not involve cards...

If you are going to get some ready to go material I would go with something like Diceman by Andy Nyman, leaving home by Jay Sankey (needs quite a bit of practice), a pen through note effect is always good for a beginner....well I still use one from time to time.

As said above though try not to get hooked on one hit one wonder effects although I know when you start out you want to perform several things straight away.
Buy a few good self workers but always work on the other stuff too.

Start with a mix of easy ready to go out of the package, (which you still have to practice) and also get yourself a good book and take some time to learn an effect from scratch from there.

I hear the reasons people saying not to go with gimmicky stuff but I don't agree. You need to get out and be performing. Buy yourself a svengali deck or dynamic coins, or a scotch and Soda trick. Get some instant gratification and see what its all about. Get the rush of performing and that will propel you into wanting to learn more. Too many times I've seen people breaking their necks trying to learn card palming, false shuffles, fancy transfers and never end up performing anything.

So to make a short tidbit long. by all means study those pesky sleights and moves and fancy hardcore effects. But take some time to smell the roses and pull out quick and reliable and have a great time.

Remember entertainment first!

Magic-Martin wrote:

Totally Mental wrote:Buying expensive tricks or gimmicks won't make you a good magician - take your time and enjoy the experience of learning, practicing and mastering the tools of the trade (sleights and misdirection techniques) - then you will be able to improvise and start creating your own routines.

Yeah, I know, but I just though it'd be cool to have some "ready to go" tricks in my pocket that does not involve cards...

In that case, you'd be hard pressed to get better than a Haunted Key. Stick it on your keyring and it's ready to go.

a pocket full of coins and bobos book.

spellbound change.
coins across.
insto change 'o' (bobo in specs hand, bobo in yours).
coin on shoulder.

add a okito box as the only gimick and your away, keep your coins in the box too.

This is what I'd go for:

1) rope routine - a combination of Tabary, Sanders and Joe Riding

2) Martin Sanderson's rapid fire chop cup routine

3) Liquid Metal / Refraction combo

Crazy Man's Handcuffs.

Lady of Mystery wrote:My own sponge ball routine,

Hello Lady of Mystery,

I so would love to see your sponge balls. You've intriqued me.

Love,

Amanda Angeli