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Are there any good websites (complete with pictures, videos, or diagrams) in which i can learn the fundamentals of card tricks. Or a really good book or video. I can already perform some of the tougher tricks but i want to go back from square 1. Help a nebie out.

I am from the states so please go easy and take it slow.

Hello and Welcome to Talk magic. Standard books are 'Royal Road to Card magic', 'Mark Wilson's complete course in magic'. Best DVD would probably be 'Born to perform'

http://www.talkmagic.co.uk/ftopic6555.php

Just a few threads down...

SPend about 30 minutes reading the forums and you'll learn plenty of where to start

Thanks

I got the card trick encyclopedia... is that bad

sorry for bringing this up in a somewhat random case but I had a choice between card trick encyclopedia and royal road to card magic

Not sure which Encyc you are talking about

The Encyclopedia of Card Sleights by Daryl is 8 volumes, so if thats what you are talking about, which volume

Royal Road though would have been a better choice, although somewhat dated, its still considered by some to be THE book to start

On the other hand, "Encyclopedia of Card Magic" which is an old book is packed with ideas, though some of the presentations are a little old, for use with standard decks, stripper, svengali, stacks gaffed cards, you name it it's in there (within reason).

Possibly not the very best for learning useful techniques, but it is crammed with tricks. (it is also available for free from the learned pig project.)

I agree with the book recommendations ...

I have the Royal Road, and whilst not a snappy read, you can trawl through, take what you like, and ... use it as a reference.

I found a very nice false shuffle for example. And you can take a book anywhere - well almost !

Piers.

I agree with Piers. Get the Royal Road if you can.

It is an old fashioned book but very very thorough. I am learning from it and am pleased with what I am learnoing. I have just taken delivery of Born Too Perform but have not had a chance to look at it yet. It comes very highly rated on this site and I have found that to be an excellent recomendation

IMHO, the best book to start off with is Magic For Dummies. It's jammed with practical advice, magic tricks usingevery day items plus some clever and easy-to-perfom card effects. Royal Road is great as well, although the writing style and suggestions for patter are a bit dated. I still perform tricks from that book that wow people.

If you can find a copy, Harry Lorayne's The Magic Book" is really great as well. Lorayne is a teacher's teacher -- so clear and thorough. He really nails the very difficulties inherent in some tricks, and gives practical advise on how to "show" a trick as opposed to just following the directions.