talkmagic.co.uk

In your opinions what do you think are the best/most complete books detailing forces, counts, passes, etc. Thanks very much!!

Royal Road To Card Magic is a very common recommendation!

But for forces, 202 methods of forcing (or something to that effect) is pretty hard to beat, and is available fro free on the learned pig project.

Yes 202 Methods of Forcing by Annemann is still a good basic book BUT you need to refer to Lewis Jones's Encyclopedia Of Impromptu Card Forces for the real gen. The first edition of 176 pages is availale from Magic Books By Post at £33 BUT you really need the 2nd edition which has something like 294 pages and over 500, yes five hundred forces in it. Several life times supply!
Check out Lewis Jones magic books on Google and look for Quality Magic Books for details. I don't know whether Magic Books B P has the 2nd edition. For passes, counts etc. , although I don't personally care for DVDs, there are several available. In this instance DVDs would better books as you need to SEE how it's done. Check Jeff McBride's stuff.
Allen Tipton

Although Ive not read it, a book called COUNTS, CUTS, MOVES & SUBTLETY seems to be getting some good reviews. Apparently its clear, well written, assumes you are a complete beginner. A good buy for a tenner.

PS - If you have this book please could you write a more in depth review.

Other than that I can recommend RRCM and Expert Card Technique by Jean Hugard and Frederick Braue. The latter is slightly out dated but does contain some amazing card magic and slights.


Gaz

Royal Road to Card Magic is good and i would get it if you don't already own it. However, (IMHO) it is not that great on the pass and you would be better off getting a DVD that focuses only on the pass in its various forms. I have The Pass Dvd with Randy Wakeman its good (if you don't mind boring teaching) and you'll find a pass that you like. (or counts for that matter)

Pitto

Card College by Roberti Giobbi is also good for the aforementioned purpose. Thsi book has five volumes and I personally feel Volume 3 is the most useful(opinions may differ, please don't start a debate)