talkmagic.co.uk

Without a shadow of a doubt - yes; RRTCM is an *essential* purchase, whatever your skill level.

I've had my old hardback copy since I was 12, and STILL learn from it

DarkBlaine wrote:Would you recommend for me to buy that book to increase my knowledge?

If you have absorbed the techniques and routines in TRRTCM then my advice would be to apply yourself to presentation, rather than more techniques. Furthermore, I'd advise that you gain knowledge of presentation not by reading any more books but by watching performances (I am sure you do already!) and actually performing. Even if you do this for friends and family you'll benefit, but show some effects to complete strangers and you'll realise how well you are really progressing!

(Quoted texts deleted by request)

I was suggesting you focus on presentation, which is quite different from techniques. It sounds like you might benefit from dedicating some time to misdirection, also, if you think that the way to mask a technique is speed. Just my opinion. Best of luck.
T.

But how many card tricks and techniques do you really need to know? There are all manner of card tricks in Mark Wilson's Complete Course In Magic, about half the book is devoted to card tricks. Like what is said above by Ted, surely it is better to learn a few tricks amazingly well rather than learning a million different card techniques from the Royal Yawn Of Card Magic just in case you might one day use them?

(Quoted texts deleted by request)


No you don't need to buy the book.
Hope that is now clear.

If you have a good background in sleight of hand then you do not need a load of gimmicks.

(Quoted texts deleted by request)

Save up for Card College...

Card college is a lovely series of books containing just about all the sleights and card magic you will need. I agree with Stoner, this is an essential collection.

RRTCM, Card College and Erdinase are all books that are mentioned when people talk about learning card magic. There are a stack of effects that can be performed with a few well practiced sleights and a lot of practice. The books will be useful when you come across an effect you like and want to learn and need to learn a new sleight. Where did you learn what you have learned you now that may be a force of knowledge for the future.

The most impact point is what has been said before about presentation. It reminds me of a phrase used to advertise a game "It takes a minute to learn and a lifetime to master." Speed is a mistake many fall into if magic is performed well speed is not important performance and misdirection is more important. Todd said earlier watching others is a great way to learn and that is an excellent piece of advice. The other price of advice I would give is use this forum. Search for answers and ask questions.

If you don't have any of the books like RRTCM, Mark Wilson's Complete Course, etc., where did you learn the sleights from? If someone has shown you first hand or you've learnt from a DVD then that's good. But if you've learnt from youtube videos and things (I'm not suggesting you have, merely that you could possibly have done) then that's not great really. The technique on quite a lot of the videos isn't the best, so you'd just end up having to learn it over again properly. By then it would be harder to learn because you're already accustomed to the movement you originally started with.

I started learning from youtube videos, but when you get a bit more into magic you realise that what you thought was the proper way to do something isn't quite right. Hope this helps.

(Quoted Text deleted by request)


Okay so they don't see your method, but are they entertained, or are they looking for the method? Here is a great little bit of advice. You mention they are not seeing your method because of your speed. My advice? Slow down. Aim for smooth not fast. Usually a rushed performance is boring and becomes a puzzle. Strive to entertain, not fool. Eventually you will be able to entertain by fooling but not because of fooling. Hard to explain but there is a difference.

Books are never a waste of money. But you should be concentrating on performing. You obviously already know enough method, and enough effects. Now choose just a small handful and learn to turn those few into miracles.

Have fun.

Just adding my two cents

From other people's recommendations the Card College Series (just bought it) is quality, definitely worth the investment as they're always available to refer to when needed and a valuable resource for most of the sleights you will need. Many skilled hobbyists or even working pro's will still refer to there Card College books.

Up until quite recently I was taught first hand and had only ever read Erdnase and Royal Road.

Without sounding cocky I am not a beginner but will still refer to Royal Road from time to time and because it can be picked up for very little nowadays it's definitely another worthwhile investment for any cardie.

From what I have read in Card College so far I can highly recommend it and I'm sure others that have read and learnt from the series can back me up.

I certainly wouldn't advise against buying Royal Road - you can pick it up for less than £10 and it is always there if you fancy learning something new (which you will find in here).

If I'm completely honest I didn't enjoy reading Mark Wilson's complete course (yup I said it) I found it didn't go into enough detail also I am only really interested in card magic (for now).

If money wasn't an option and card magic is your thing then you can't really go wrong with Card College, mainly because you will find it useful for the rest of your card manipulating life (even if you think you know enough).

It is important that you do what is right for you, I only say this because although I would recommend Card College, the entire series is quite expensive (worth every penny, but not cheap). Equally important is to practice what you have learnt (a lot) until it becomes second nature, it sounds as if you are already performing for people which is great, keep it up and when you fancy it, add something else to your repertoire.

Yeah I think that's a good idea DarkBlaine, either that or some instructional DVD if you learn better by watching. It also gives you a structured approach to learning, so that you don't end up knowing a lot of random sleights and flourishes and very little in the way of tricks/effects.

Good luck. cc100