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I have used search and found many posting on peoples facorite packet tricks but I would like to know what packet tricks are good for a beginner. I know you guys told me to buy something else...and I already have a shopping list of Born to Perform, Mark WIlsons COmplete COurse in Magic, Royal ROad to Card Magic, Modern COin Magic, Invsible deck, Stripper deck, svengali deck, 101 tricks w? svengali, 101 tricks w/ stripper, but I would also like to purchase a packet trick or 2. DOes anyone have suggestions?

Just cause I am buying so many things does notmean i will not try to perfect each trick, I am planning to buy this and spen at least 4 to 5 months before going on to a ne wpurchase, or at least until Christmas?

Any comments will be appreciated, thanks guys.

I'm sure that there will be many replies and your questions may be answered through other threads that exist about packet tricks.

One of my favorites is Twisted Sisters - a killer packet trick with two handlings. A great trick to practice and perfect your Elmsley Count too!

Also, I love Queens Out Of Control which you need to have the Elmsley Count off to a tee as it's repeated a number of times during the trick (about 8 or 9 times). A nice one for parlour but not for table hopping in my experience.

I also LOVE Presto Printo and this goes down extremely well with EVERYONE. Requires a deck as well. Great teaching on a DVD and looks MUCH harder than it is.

Dat's 3 choices are all wonderful packet effects.

Here's a few others that I enjoy:

Color Monte
NFW
Printing on Demand
Jay Sankey's Compact Compass
Jim Steinmeyer's 1 Card Monte

If you can find it - Mondo Monte is my current favorite

Bicycle Built for Five (I don't own it, but I've heard good things)

There's a few more.

I ahve been thinking of getting NFW, Colour Monte, or Twisted Sisters. Do you need any accessories to use them, but are they hard to pull of. Are they ezaminable? I looked at the index review and for NFW, you need--from an old posting---- "Just put on a new piece of d****e s***d t***. You can buy it from most stationery shops." --which i have no idea what it is maybe i am just dumb. But if you neeed any accessoires can anyone tell me which ones, if you cant on account of not being able to reveal secrets, I understand. Thanks for the replies guys.

You will get everything that you need with Twisted Sisters but not everything is examinable but I can't recall anyone ever asking me to have a closer look at the Queens (watch an online video of the performance if you don;t know what I mean).

I have never bought NFW as I don't like using s****y cards. You will only need DST to refresh the cards as far as I am aware.

I've also never bothered with Double Monte so can't comment on this one either but again, you should get everything that you need to perform it straight out of the packet without the need for additional accessories.

Wingman,

I can back up what the guys have already said here. It's all good advice, so heed it well. Nearly all packet tricks involve some sort of sleight or special count, so before jumping in, which I know you are eager to do, make sure you know the basics of the following:

Elmsley Count (the most used count in packet tricks I think)
Buckle Count
Biddle Count
Flustration Count
Hamman Count

I am advising this as, when I started learning packet tricks, I came across a problem. I bought an 8-card packet trick on the basis that it was easy to do. I rushed home, got the instructions out, and one of the first things it said was 'Perform an Elmsley Count with the red cards' Yet it never came with the instructions for an Elmsley, just the handling of the trick.

I'm sure we can all help you with these. Packet tricks are a particular favourite of mine (and I know Demitri's too), so if you want any advice, feel free to PM.

It's always good to have someone eager to learn and contribute, as I too have noticed in the forums. Just don't be too eager... before you can run with packet tricks, you have to learn to walk with the Elmsley Count.

Hope this helps,

There's a good point raised by Mark which is that whilst packet tricks usually require a count of some sort, it's not always taught or included within the instructions.

Example, the Elmsley count is required for Twisted Sisters (and is fortunately included) but never take it for granted that it will be the same for all tricks, even those using a full deck rather than a few cards.

This is why it is ALWAYS advisable to buy a good book to use as a reference source.

From time to time, instructions may refer to different handlings and it is common for reference to be made to various sleights, forces, controls etc. which will usually NOT be included.

Just making this point for any newbies that are reading but PLEASE DO NOT start anouther thread asking for advice on which books, DVD's etc. to buy as there are PLENTY of threads on this already

Yes, it does help a lot Mark, thanks. I was thinking of getting Colour Monte but it has been out of stock for about 3 weeks now, so I will get something else, thanks again.

OK, if you're getting something else other than Colour Monte, then I think Twisted Sisters would be pretty good for you as a starter. It'll give you chance to get that Elmsley Count down.

I would say you have to have a pretty decent EC to move onto tricks like 'Queens Out Of Control' and 'Printing On Demand'

I like 'Presto Printo' too. It's really fun to do, everything is included, and you can even put your own twist on it as Daryl includes some 'blanks' for you too.

Another useful sleight worth looking into is the Ascanio Spread. Very useful little move for packet tricks. I'll send you a link to a trick involving it to see what you think.

Cheers,

Thanks a bunch mark for all your suggestions and the link.

Do any books have the elmsley count, and other counts?

The most asked for repeat 'packet trick' I do is Cardwarp. Not only is it a strong effect but leaving the two torn cards in the ashtray always gets other people asking to see a trick.

wingman04 wrote:Do any books have the elmsley count, and other counts?

counts, moves and subtlties by Mentzer has all the counts moves and subtlties that you'll need

I've always meant to get myself a copy of that book.

Where did you get yours from just out of interest?

cant remember actually where i got it from..sorry... think magicbox do it for about £8