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Can anyone recommend a good book for card tricks that rely solely on cunningly hidden mathematical principles, rather than sleight-of-hand or other such shenanigans? (I purchased Tomo's Poker Faced recently and now have the bug).

Treated myself to Jim Steinmeyer's books 'Impuzzibilities' and 'Further Impuzzibilities' just before xmas.

All the card tricks contained (as well as coin and cutlery effects) rely on self working mathematical whotsnots.

Very entertaining reading (and the Bermuda Triangle Mystery for me was worth the price alone..... but what do I know?!)

Card Concepts: An Anthology of Numerical and Sequential Principles within Card Magic by Arthur F. MacTier

I've seen a book on mathematical magic somwhere but I can't remember the name of it (I know that's not much use is it), I think it's on thelearnedpig somewhere.

A lot of Simon Aronson's work involves mathematics. The "undo influence" principle is simply gorgeous. I believe it is taught in "try the Impossible" - a great book.

fulves self working books contain loads of effects that rely on mathmatical principles.
Though the Mactier book as recomended by Todd, is well worth getting.
I have a copy, and find it utterly confusing

I wrote a rather gushing review of Card Concepts a couple of years back: http://www.talkmagic.co.uk/sutra58807.php#58807

There's a chapter in Encyclopaedia of Card Tricks by Jean Hugard.

Barry

Many thanks, gentlemen. The MacTier book in particular sounds like it may be right up my street (nice review, Jon); I think it will have to go on my wish list (which only has one other item on it - I'm winning the battle with CUPS!)

Dale, assuming your comment about MacTier's book was not in jest, what did you find confusing about it? I read somewhere that you don't have to be a mathmetician in order to appreciate it, but if you think otherwise I would be interested in your opinion.

Dear Mr Fantasy by John Bannon also has two wonderful effects: 'Dead Reckoning' and 'Degrees of Freedom'.

Replicant wrote:I think it will have to go on my wish list (which only has one other item on it - I'm winning the battle with CUPS!)

The very existence of a wish list indicates that you are winning, I rather think .

Replicant wrote:Many thanks, gentlemen. The MacTier book in particular sounds like it may be right up my street (nice review, Jon); I think it will have to go on my wish list (which only has one other item on it - I'm winning the battle with CUPS!)

Dale, assuming your comment about MacTier's book was not in jest, what did you find confusing about it? I read somewhere that you don't have to be a mathmetician in order to appreciate it, but if you think otherwise I would be interested in your opinion.

I read somewhere that you don't have to be a mathmetician in order to appreciate it....BUT IT HELPS


No, i find the book a little dry to be honest, rather than confusing.But thats down to the writers style, not the content.

And i originaly bought it, because i wanted something to read on the train home from London. Its not a train read.

Thanks for clearing that up, Dale. I'm still getting it.