As a self stated beginner with an intertest in cards, you could go for a Karl Fulves book - self working card miracles (I think that's the title but I'm sure that someone will correct me

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Cheap, practical and a nice companion to Royal Road without over complicating matters. In fact, there are a whole series of Karl Fulves books on a variety of different magical topics, all aimed at beginners.
Secondly, if you haven't already done so, read the stickies at the top of the home page as one of our members wrote a good piece that made various recommendations for beginners.
Happy hunting and I hope that this helps, without you having to sepnd too much money just yet. However, sooner or later CUPS will get you - as it gets us all

Member of the Magic Circle & The 2009 British Isles Close-Up Magician of the Year
It's not really an optical illusion - it just looks like one!