talkmagic.co.uk

I would like to extend my greetings to everyone in the forum.

My name is Ray, and I consider myself a relatively experienced amateur hobbyist. I've been dabbling on and off for around 30 years now (I started in second grade, I think).

I normally perform for friends, and recently, for my college students (I teach theology at the University of Notre Dame here in the US).

I've always loved cards, so much of my magic revolves around them, though I also dabble in the occasional mentalism routine.

I joined a Magic Society once, when I was in my home country of the Philippines, and I have taken a vow of secrecy (and I take this vow very seriously).

I rarely (if ever) do routines that require significant or difficult sleights, primarily because I haven't practiced sleights much -- and I would never risk performing a routine where I might give the secret away. I always err on the side of caution in other words (meaning if I'm doing a routine, I'm pretty much 100% sure I can do it effectively -- otherwise, I simply won't do it).

However, I think I'm ready (time, effort and commitment wise) to expand my repertoire, and I think the logical progression is towards sleight of hand. I'd still want to focus on cards though, not coins and other such stuff.

In this vein, I'd like to ask the more experienced members here a few questions:

1) What source(s) do you recommend for learning sleights (especially for cards)? I'm not sure how effectively I can learn from books -- would there be good videos available?

2) To achieve the required level of proficiency and confidence (to the point that I am reasonably certain I won't flub the trick and give the secret away), how much practice is needed? I understand that there are differing degrees of difficulty, and that obviously the more difficult ones would take longer to master -- but would half an hour a day be sufficient? Two hours? (And I am certainly not expecting to be a master within a week -- I know it requires time and effort, and I am willing to give a certain amount of time each day). I guess my question is, assuming I'm willing to practice daily for however long it ultimately takes, how much time a day is effective?

3) Is there any particular "recommended" order, in terms of learning the sleights? By this I mean I would rather learn first relatively simple ones that have multiple applications (e.g DL? certain cuts? certain shuffles?) rather than learning some really complicated one that can only be used for a single effect. Is my thinking right here, based on your experience? If so, what would you recommend? (just the names would be fine...I am not expecting to learn any actual technique in a public forum -- I am willing to invest in the appropriate literature or training video).

Thank you to all who have read this far, and I apologize if I have taken too much of your time.

Greetings, and welcome to TM.

A quick browse through the forums and some searches will undoubtedly point you in the right direction. However, just a few things to help get you started.

I'm assuming you know the basics, but if not - here are a few of the more popular DVD's on card magic:

Basics:

Born to Perform Card Magic - Oz Pearlman - Great introductory dvd. Teaches some killer sleights, as well as some powerful routines.

Crash Course in Card Magic - Ellusionist.com - This is another introductory dvd, much like Born to Perform. I don't have this one, but I've heard good things about it.

Revolutionary Card Magic - Jay Sankey - 2 dvd set with 28 routines and 17 sleights. Another great dvd. Not really a beginner's set, as some of the routines are a bit more advanced, but still a very strong set that should be in your library.

Basic Card Technique - Richard Kauffman - While it doesn't teach any effects or tricks, this DVD is a must-have (in my opinion) for the beginning card worker. Many of the foundations of card magic are taught on this disc. If there's one disc, this is the one I'd recommend the most.

Daryl's Encyclopedia of Card Sleights - Daryl - This is an 8-volume dvd set that is just a monster. This is what you'd get if money wasn't a factor. The entire set will run you about $225. Pricey, but if you're looking for a comprehensive set of practically every card sleight you can think of - this is what you need.

Ninja 1 & 2 - Ellusionist.com - A 2 volume set of more advanced card magic. Again, I don't have these, but have heard they are good.

You mentioned a problem with learning from books, and I sometimes share your opinion here, but there are quite a few books which are essential to a card workers library.

Royal Road to Card Magic - This is the foundation of card magic.

Card College - Roberto Giobbi - 5 volume set on all things card magic. In my opinion, one of the best resources for card magic you will ever find. Beyond sleights and tricks - you learn the essential wisdom for creation, routining, performance and presentation. Again - the entire set is expensive, but it's completely worth the cost.

Counts, Cuts, Moves and Subtlety - Jerry Mentzer - A smaller book, but packed to the brim with some really cool sleights that aren't found in most places. The price is perfect for what you get here.

Those should keep you busy for a while. Many other names/books/dvd's will be added to this list as you hang out here. My advice is to go through the reviews and support forums and take a look around. Also, check out some magic shops or websites and get some names and titles. Run a search here and you'll almost always find information on it.

So, have some fun, look around, buy some stuff and enjoy your time here. Nice to have you!

Hello,
welcome,
Piers.

Demitri wrote:Born to Perform Card Magic - Oz Pearlman - Great introductory dvd. Teaches some killer sleights, as well as some powerful routines.

That's some very good advice from Demitri - what you really should learn first are: DL, a good false cut, a good top control, and a force. After that, it's your choice.

My personal recommendation is Born to Perform if you're just starting out with learning the sleights - it teaches them clearly and teaches a LOT of them, as well as four routines to use them in.

Hi and welcome!

The advice givin above is good advice. It really depends on the amount of money yo can spend. I've heard that if you new everything in card college 1-5 you'd be one of the best card workers around. I you just want a solid foundation for much cheaper get Born to Perform Card Magic and Royal Road as they compliment each other excellently. You'll also get an idea of whether you prefer to learn from DVDs or books.

Pitto

Hi and welcome to TM

Thank you for the warm greetings, and special thanks for the advice.

I'll do some more browsing, and I'll order this weekend.

Hi, and welcome to TM

Welcome!

Welcome raguas. If you do a search, you'll find that your questions have been covered on a number of occasions. The advice already given is great, but it usually comes down to an individuals learning style. So heres my take on it.

raguas wrote:1) What source(s) do you recommend for learning sleights (especially for cards)? I'm not sure how effectively I can learn from books -- would there be good videos available?

There are some great DVDs out there (mentioned previously), but I prefer books. The bible on card work IMHO has to be Card College. It is expensive, but you don't need to buy all five volumes at once.

raguas wrote:2) To achieve the required level of proficiency and confidence (to the point that I am reasonably certain I won't flub the trick and give the secret away), how much practice is needed?

As long as it takes. The important thing isn't the ability to pull off some super fast sleight, but to entertain an audience. Start with the simple stuff (self workers) and get confident with performing. But just because their self workers doesn't mean their easy, you need to focus on the presentation. That buzz you get when you receive the applause will push you on to even greater heights.

raguas wrote:3) Is there any particular "recommended" order, in terms of learning the sleights? By this I mean I would rather learn first relatively simple ones that have multiple applications (e.g DL? certain cuts? certain shuffles?) rather than learning some really complicated one that can only be used for a single effect. Is my thinking right here, based on your experience? If so, what would you recommend? (just the names would be fine.

Again I would go for something like Card College, which can be read as a progressive training course. Each chapter will uncover a principle or sleight and presents a number of effects for you to do. A chapter a week/fortnight should have you well on the way. I think its best to learn the sleights in context like this, as its more satisfying and will provide a better level of understanding.

Hope that helps. I'm sure other opinions will follow shortly.

pdjamez wrote:As long as it takes. The important thing isn't the ability to pull off some super fast sleight, but to entertain an audience. Start with the simple stuff (self workers) and get confident with performing. But just because their self workers doesn't mean their easy, you need to focus on the presentation. That buzz you get when you receive the applause will push you on to even greater heights.

Thanks again (to everyone) for all the advice. As far as confidence on the effects I currently can do, I think I'm very confident already. I was in a party last night, and ended up doing maybe a 1 to 1 1/2 hour set of close-up stuff and it went really well. In fact, I have a date tomorrow (she was impressed)

The DVDs I ordered per some of the advice above (Born to Perform, etc.) should be arriving soon. Needless to say, I'm quite excited. I've even scheduled practice time with another aspiring magician -- we'll work on our sleights together.

ciao,

ray

Welcome to TM.

yo man welcome to TM