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"Hey, look while you have a think about that one, let me show you another"

My general response is the very simple "Sorry, I can't but take a look at this" while I instantly segue into a new trick. The moment you're on something new, you can focus their attention there and they're compelled to abandon the bugging for the secret. Misdirection isn't just for performing tricks

It has crossed my mind that people who do genuinely pester you for the info, do so because they were impressed by what you do, and think that by letting them know how, they will be able to also impress people in the same way. To that end I have been known to say to persistent beggars. "Even if I did, you wouldn't be able to re-create it without a couple of years practice."

"I think we both know the kind of trouble we would be unleashing if I was to tell you how that was accomplished. We are being monitored, and I don't think you want the responsibility that comes with that."

When performing for kids -

"How did you do that?"

"Well, that's 18 years of my life right there, it's one of the hardest tricks I know. But I'll teach you one that you can show your friends!"

I then do the trick where you get the spectator to divide the pack into 4 piles, then, taking each pile in turn, they take 3 cards from the top and put them on the bottom, then put one card on each of the other piles. Then when they have done this for all 4 piles, they turn the top card of each pile over and they have the 4 aces.

If they seem really impressed by the trick THEY just performed, I tell them the secret, give them a pack of cards (3 for a quid at the pound shop) and tell them practise before they do the trick for their friends. I really love the sense of satisfaction you get from doing this - I've seen kids really excited, and I wonder if I've changed their life, like the magician that inspired me when I was a child did.

I usually say that it's hard to explain in a short space of time, so I recommend that they check out the book "Magick and Theory in Practice" by Aliester Crowley and tell them "It's all in there!".

Lord Freddie wrote:I usually say that it's hard to explain in a short space of time, so I recommend that they check out the book "Magick and Theory in Practice" by Aliester Crowley and tell them "It's all in there!".

Mate, that made laugh! or say you will tell them in another life!

Dumpster

Funny, that's the same trick I teach people if they really want to know something, it doesn't reveal any slights that I use and it's not something I would ever show in another circumstance.

Anyway as for what to say..... I think there is plenty of good advice already and I have nothing to add here

Dumpster wrote:I then do the trick where you get the spectator to divide the pack into 4 piles, then, taking each pile in turn, they take 3 cards from the top and put them on the bottom, then put one card on each of the other piles. Then when they have done this for all 4 piles, they turn the top card of each pile over and they have the 4 aces.

Poker Player's Picnic. Wonderful self worker that produces a greater reaction in specs than some tricks that involve significantly more skill.

Not sure I'd want to expose it though, the method is so simple I think it devalues any trick that follows it.....

I am horrified that Dumpster exposes "Poker Player's Picnic" It is one of the greatest card tricks of all time. I have been doing it for nigh on 50 years and the reaction has been fantastic. He should be ashamed of himself and put in a dumpster.

Find a simpler trick to expose if you have to. You are giving away MY trick. Leave it alone.

If anyone says "How do you do it" there are two smart alec answers that I cannot bear and I think they give magicians a bad name. One is "very well" and the other is "Can you keep a secret? Well so can I".

I use the Mulholland line already mentioned occasionally "I promised not to tell" Of course no mention who you made the promise to!

However normally I simply shrug my shoulders and say, "I'm not sure"
Sometimes I simply say "It's done by magic" and it gets a big laugh.

Agecroft should be ashamed of himself too. But then he comes from Manchester so allowances have to be made for him.

mark lewis wrote:I use the Mulholland line already mentioned occasionally "I promised not to tell" Of course no mention who you made the promise to!

"It's not mine to share," pushes similar buttons, and even works on some magicians! Reframing the question as a request to betray someone's trust is some powerfull joojoo.

I also use the Mulholland line but once when I was performing on the street for some young people around the age of 13 and when asked "how did you do that?" I replied, "Well look what you can do if you stay away from drugs" It got quite a good laugh from the rest of the audience that had gathered.

"If I told you, I would be out of a job"

Just punch them in the face.