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I just wondered how many of you use Card/Coin Flourishes when performing in the real world and do you find it necessary?

Absolutly not necessary. But I do use them but in moderation. So many magicians shy away from them and for good reason. But I have found when used in moderation and the correct attitude then there is not a problem. It really comes down to performing style.

If you are a card juggler they look great. But if you are doing magic, leave them at home I would say.

I have pontificated on this matter in great and wondrous detail here:
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Precisely so. Do you want to give the impression that you're making the impossible happen, or that you're skilful with your hands?

Barry

To Barry's comment above, Both.
As a professional magician, I know how to handle cards skillful.
As a professional magician, I know how to make the impossible happen.

They are not exclusive.

I think it's absolutely ridiculous that a you can only make the impossible happen by handling the cards like a klutz.

I'd expect a magician to handle cards competently, like, say, a bridge player, without looking like a klutz.

I have to say, though, that my opinions don't count for much, as I'm not a professional and I don't often do card tricks - mainly because many of the card performances I've seen look like card handling demonstrations and are not in the least bit magical. If you can make your performances magical, Jing, unlike many others I've seen, then that's great!

Barry

As I pontificated on the thread I linked to there are advantages and disadvantages in using flourishes. The answer to the question is to use them sparingly and intelligently and don't overdo them because you can have too much of a good thing. It is not so much a matter of do them or don't do them. I go for a balance between the two positions. You PLAN the use of them in the right place and at the right time. And be careful with the minor flourishes like twirling cards and Sybil cuts. Too much of what you see nowadays is merely chewing gum for the eyes and this is something to be avoided.

Jing wrote:To Barry's comment above, Both.
As a professional magician, I know how to handle cards skillful.
As a professional magician, I know how to make the impossible happen.

They are not exclusive.

I think it's absolutely ridiculous that a you can only make the impossible happen by handling the cards like a klutz.

QFT.

Also - Mr Lewis: absolutely spot-on.