talkmagic.co.uk

Hello everyone i am looking for some sound advice from a professional or an experienced card magician.

Ive only been playing about with cards for around 3 months now, Practically all i do in my spare time is play about with my cards.

My main question is, Am i too late to really get really fluent and good at this? I'm almost 22, and most the of the top magicians biographys i read are "I started when i was 5". Etc.

I would also like to know how i would start getting involved in this properly, what things should i get down first. It seems like im eager to learn all these sleights but the only one ive really got down to a t so far is a DL.

Overall just some starting advice!

Thanks allot

Derren Brown started Magic in his late teens and look where he now. It's never too late, you've got years ahead of you.

What are you learning you card magic from?

Well i have a few dvds,

Dan and dave - trilogy. Love this kind of stuff,

Mostly interested in street magic card tricks. David blaine, daniel garcia.

But i also really like "poker cheating type stuff" like Paul wilson does. I have Ninja 1 - 2. Also.

Im not really much of a fan of books, I think i learn much quicker visually. Ideally i'd love a mentor but i dont know anyone in the magic scene.

Thanks

Trilogy is pretty hardcore if you're just starting out.

If you like DVDs then get the 5 disc set of "Royal Road" - it's the best collection of moves, sleights, tricks that anyone could need before moving on to the more advanced knuckle-busting stuff.

Yes, Triology is not the place to start.
You have to master basic sleights and moves before you start the fancy stuff.
RRTCM by R.Paul Wilson is very good.

But 6 posts already in Support & Tips forum... why don't you introduce yourself coolguydudeman?

Haha, Well my names anthony, almost 22. live in the north of the UK. pleased to meet you all, been very friendly and helpful

Yeah the trilogy stuff is pretty difficult, I think having small hands makes it even more difficult lol.

Thanks for the tips, i guess im inclined to go for the snazzy stuff. I have a tendancy for jumping in at the deep end!

Certainly not too late....a rough time line for me (emaphasis on the word rough - my memory is weak) as a kid had an interest but didn't do any tricks...12-20 a small hobbyist, self workers, uncles and dad's teachings...20 and up a little more serious, with late 20's taking it serious and as a part of my profession.

I started out as a card guy and wouldn't say that I was well into my 20's before I began to actually study and work at it.

Hello coolguydudeman type bloke. I watched and was fascinated by Paul Daniels as a kid, but thought magic was something only very special people with a hot line to Satan could acheive. Then i saw David Blaine's specials and thought he too had Beelzebub's mobile number. Then i saw Derren Brown and thought this guy had sold his soul to Lucifer.

THEN i thought, im looking into this. So i did. At the age of 30. So to me your starting age is pretty damn young and you have plenty of time and opportunity to learn and put into practice some great stuff. I've learned a lot in the last 3 years, and substantially more after i joined this forum, so respect and interact with the people here, they know their onions.

The Trilogy huh? I'd say that's like learning to dance like Michael Jackson on amphetamines before you can walk. Not only are a lot of the moves and techniques on there advanced, Dan and Dave pull them off in the most sickeningly perfect fashion. The Everything Else disc is okay, with some nice flourishes on there that aren't too involved. I've heard The System is the best place to start with all that but i dont have it so couldnt possibly comment. If you like the poker stuff you could look at the tricks on the Trilogy that involve Ace production, and the trick whereby you pull out four Blackjack hands of matching suits after mixing the deck, they're a bit card sharky and dont require too much in the way of super slick hands. Heap Snatch is a great false table shuffle too if you're after poker type effects.

I understand how it's easier to see what people mean on a dvd but please don't write books off ( HA! See what i did there? ). Pretty much all of what you see your favourite magicians do would have come from the printed page, and there'll be more than enough people on here that could recommend some good books to get you going. Welcome to TM and enjoy!

Oh you've got plenty of time, you're making me feel old saying that 22 is too old to learn.

If you really want to learn then Royal Road is a great place to start, the book is brilliant or as others have said, if you'd rather to learn from DVDs, then there is a DVD set out there.

It does take time to get the really flashy stuff but if you start out with the basics and work your way up then I'm sure that you'll get there.

Paul Daniels didnt turn pro until he was in his 30s. ( He had an interest from a young age )

Its never to late to start.

and plenty of people take a break for a few years, for family stuff, and proper jobs... before picking up the cards again.
and theyl be way older than 22.

Speaking of Paul Daniels, i've recently discovered he's playing a theatre in my home town soon. Has anyone seen him live recently? Know what i'd be in for?

the show he's going to be touring, isnt one that ive seen. you will see the classic routines, and i believe he has introduced a couple of Ilusions.

Bottom line is, go see him. it will be a great show.

Grimshaw wrote: Know what i'd be in for?

Yes, a superb evening of magic and entertainment, don't hesitate to go and see it. You'll pick up a lot of tips about handling spectators and volunteers and it'll all be over far too quickly.

Has he got a list of dates anywhere, I've had a quick google but can't find anything. I'd love to go and see Paul.

yes. there is a full list on the what's on section in magicweek.