Essay: Analyzing a Legend's Words: Jamy Ian Swiss

[essaywriter]

Hi everyone,

First, an introduction. I have been performing and studying magic for almost seven years. I write a lot of essays and articles on magic.

Jamy Ian Swiss, a HUGE influence on myself since I saw him perform in New York, wrote an article, "In Search of Street Magic," not too long ago. This has caused controversy, but I support it for two reasons. The first being many of his thoughts were simliar or nearly identical to my own that I had before reading it, and the second being he added many great points to my array of thoughts that I had never pondered before. Jamy, as many of you know, is very opinionated, much like myself.

I would like to analyze, though, one specific part of his article. Jamy points out that being able to perform magic can be defined by many sub-elements, one being the ability to use ordinary objects to create magic. This is, even if you don't realize this, the reason magic with playing cards is so strong; playing cards are basic, ordinary objects that can be used to create so many miralces.

I know that his article openly criticizes Ellusionist and many magicians associated with it, and I support a lot of it. However, I'd like to skip to his analysis of their custom playing cards.

"'A deck never seen before'...as if this was a good thing."

100% correct. If the deck is never seen before, isn't that taking away from the value of using playing cards to begin with?

Sure, feel is important. Is the feel of a regular deck of Bikes not good enough...not worth another $8 for the "Viper" deck? I wass curious and bought one of these...feels the same to me...

The truth is, custom cards are really not meant to be used in magic. They are a marketing scheme; more noticable is actually WORSE. I read a post on the ellusionist forums saying something like (in response to a thread criticizing the use of custom playing cards):

...The Ghost Deck is good for routines that call upon the dead or anything like that...

Actually, it doesn't add anything. Again, plain is better when it comes to magic; it's the reason why stage magicians use doves...because they are plain white birds being manipulated by someone in a black suit. That means a spectator can clearly see the doves, adding an element of impossibility to the performance. If the magician was using an African-bred genetically modified bird wearing a more classy, but green suit, the audience wouldn't be concentrating on the magic because of the violation of "less is more."

So all of you people who have been subjected to excellent marketing from sellers of custom decks of cards that run for higher prices and look anything but ordinary, I don't blame you. It seems like a great thing at first, but looking deeper into magic theory, you can see why these custom "cool" decks are not only a waste of money, but a prop that could take away from your next performance.

Essaywriter out.

 

[Deleted member 2755]

I agree with you 100%. I used to buy custom cards, however, I recently decided to stop. Flourishing with custom decks are great. That's what flourishing is about... looking awesome.... however for magic I have to agree with you. However, prepare to get flamed by every person on this forum because most people will disagree with your and my opinion.

-Doug

 

[TomIsaacson]

I respectfully disagree with this.....and for the longest time I would have agreed, because, it does make sense "in theory." However theories, and real life don't always match up. The last 2 months I started using Guardians for all of my performances, just to see how it would play with lay audiences, and if it would create suspicion with them. Because I was very curious myself...But an all honestly, if anything it has helped to enhance the performances, a great advantage to the Guardians (besides them lasting a LOT longer than a regular deck) is the fact that they do say BICYCLE on them, and that IS a name that people recognize. Most people are CURIOUS, about them, if anything, "oh those are cool looking cards."

There's more INTRIGUE than suspicion about them. I give them so they can look at them, because they are beautiful cards and they want to see them, not because they assume "oh those are trick cards." This stands at an advantage, because if someone is jaded to 'card tricks' and you pull out a plain red bicycle deck, they might just roll their eyes an think "oh great card tricks." But if you bring out a pretty sleek looking deck, that catches their eye, you show them something they haven't seen, for a brief instance you make them go "those are some cool looking cards.."

You can still create plenty of MAGIC with them, its all in WHAT YOU DO and how you present it....I've had times using a NORMAL Bicycle deck, that people jump to the "oh those are trick cards" excuse, mainly because its their only out to explain what something for which they have no answer. These are usually insecure people that will look to discredit you in anyway they can, even if they have no idea what they are talking about.

Occasionally, if I hear, or suspect them being "magic tricky cards..." I am very open and quick to hand them over to check them out, and it ALWAYS shuts them up, every time.

Bottom Line- As long as you are fair and open with the cards, there's no more or less magic with them. The performance is ABOUT what happens between you and the audience. The cards are the TOOLS of the performer.. and if the tools can help to enhance the image of the performer, then more power to them- And IMAGE, is one of the problems that MAGICIANS have been eternally plagued with. Guardians or NOT, lets try and change that.

-TI

 

[essaywriter]

It's not suspection that's the reason not to perform with them...it's the idea of them...

Think about it; do you need these cards for any reason? Do they add to the effect? A spooky effect performed with a regular deck of cards is the same as one performed with a $100 deck of those Jerry's Nuggets or the Guardian Cards that are produced here.

Again..."It's not the trick...it's the magician." (Houdini). People think that custom cards are a prop that just by using them will benefit their magic. The truth is that they won't, and going back to the "ordinary" theory (which I find is a correct one 99.9% of the time), these decks can actually take away not just because of suspicions, but because of standing out.

And, pulling out a deck of bikes and a spec thinking, "Oh great...tricks..." will NEVER happen if it is clear that you are the magician. If you are the magician, you can perform without using such custom cards. If it is CLEAR that you are the magician, using regular cards is to your advantage. Period.

And sinful, thank you for the kind feedback.

 

[Close-Up Expert]

Interesting argument there Tom....I'll be honest and say that I agree and disagree with what you're saying.

Yes, people recognize the Bicycle name. That is something I have not thought of before. But I would think (can't say yes or no from experience) that they'd in fact be looking at the design before the name.

I can also see your point about "oh great, more card tricks" and everything...that's why it's best not to open with cards. Many performers swear by this, and some don't. Me personally, I have 2 routines. One I open with my one-coin routine. Another I open with Weighted Aces by Greg Wilson. I can say that with both of them, by the time I'm 15 seconds into either, they're drawn to me and my words.

With the one coin routine, that's because A LOT of magic can happen in the 15 seconds. And of course, with Weighted Aces...the story that goes with it is just so dam entertaining, how can you not enoy it?!?

Best.
Steve

P.S. I just can't afford to use any custom deck all the time...when performing, I go through at least 2 decks a night. How can I justify spending $75 on 12 decks of Guardians instead of just $15 for 12 bikes?? I can't justify that expense...

 

[Sean_Raf]

Again..."It's not the trick...it's the magician." (Houdini). People think that custom cards are a prop that just by using them will benefit their magic. The truth is that they won't, and going back to the "ordinary" theory (which I find is a correct one 99.9% of the time), these decks can actually take away not just because of suspicions, but because of standing out.

I think that's one of the main problems with these cards that are being put out. Everything is:

- Stand out in the crowd
- Take your magic to the next level
- Makes magic more powerful
- Handle these cards and you'll look like a pro

Every single one of these implies that simply by holding one of these cards you'll be the next Chris, Mathieu, BJ, Tom, Wayne, Lee, Aaron, Danny, Daniel, D&D Buck - whoever. Yeah you have to market cards but don't take advantage of people.

- These cards look pretty cool
- If you like artwork then you'll appreciate these
- These cards will catch eyes

All of these could and in my opinion are true and they still get the point across, but they don't imply that you're suddenly going to become godlike when you start doing things.

Personally I think something should be said on the product pages. Something like:

"If you intend to perform card magic and flourishes you will need to put the time and effort in the practicing! These cards will not turn you into a pro overnight - nothing does!!

Trouble is, it's all about the moolah these days And advertising like I've just described is just bad business.

- Sean

 

[TomIsaacson]

It's not suspection that's the reason not to perform with them...it's the idea of them...

Think about it; do you need these cards for any reason? Do they add to the effect? A spooky effect performed with a regular deck of cards is the same as one performed with a $100 deck of those Jerry's Nuggets or the Guardian Cards that are produced here.

Again..."It's not the trick...it's the magician." (Houdini). People think that custom cards are a prop that just by using them will benefit their magic. The truth is that they won't, and going back to the "ordinary" theory (which I find is a correct one 99.9% of the time), these decks can actually take away not just because of suspicions, but because of standing out.

And, pulling out a deck of bikes and a spec thinking, "Oh great...tricks..." will NEVER happen if it is clear that you are the magician. If you are the magician, you can perform without using such custom cards. If it is CLEAR that you are the magician, using regular cards is to your advantage. Period.

And sinful, thank you for the kind feedback.

Unfortunately we live in a world where not everyone wants to see a Magician, mainly because our image has been tainted by hack performers.

Don't get me wrong, I still meet a LOT of people that WANT to see magic, but I live in LA and perform at a lot of higher-end venues where people typically roll their eyes when they hear "Magician"and have preconceptions of "magic" as being cheesy and lame, so as a versatile performer you have to be able to transcend these mindsets, and make them believers.

This is all being discussed under the idea that cards are ALL YOU DO, and nothing else.

And the issue of the cards being "Trick" is VERY VERY specific on the types of EFFECTS you do. If you can produce a signed card from a wallet, they aren't going to call those trick cards, if you use them to read their mind, they aren't going to think it had anything to do with the cards being gimmicked.

Its important for this Issue to be viewed in FULL context of a performance.

Things to keep in mind:
1. I don't ever open with cards..
2. A lot of my routines involve other "normal" objects: napkins, borrowed bills & coins, rubberbands, watches. A little mentalism as well.

Think about this: If you convince your audience of your skill with normal objects, borrowed, and can display amazing dexterity with a deck of cards, do you really think the audience is going to think 'wow it was all cool, until he pulled out those trick cards...'?

 

[harapanong]

My opinion is that custom cards are up to personal preference and not up to absolute "good or bad". There are people who have worked well with custom cards, while some who didn't do too well with them.

The comment about "trick cards" come whether or not you use standard cards or custom cards. Basically, if you can bring across the fact that the skill and "magic" is within you, does it matter what cards you use? I think it's an error on the part of the magician when the audience starts thinking you need those "special looking cards" in order to do magic.

Sean_Raf, in my opinion, has got it correct. It's often the marketting that puts me off too - their advertisements make it sound as if these cards are CRUCIAL to perform powerful magic, which is absolutely not true. If the magician himself believes these cards are what makes good magic, it's no wonder the audience will begin to think so too. I hope Theory11 would not succumb to over-hyping and advertising a deck of cards.

Personally, I just don't like using custom cards, the most important reason being it's too expensive for me to afford using them.

Mr Isaacson, maybe the reason why your audience doesn't suspect "trick cards" is because Guardians have a standard white face? Have you tried using Ellusionist's black cards? Just a thought, maybe you can try it out and tell us how it goes? Thanks!

On a side-note: I am quite disheartened by the fact that many people avoid opening with cards. Why not? Is there a way to make card magic possible for a routine opener?

- harapan. magic!

 

[greg]

Why are people so concern if somebody says that's a trick deck you know what you have to do in this type of situation you give the deck for examination......

second:I open my shows always with a card trick and always get great reactions so...

 

[Close-Up Expert]

Things to keep in mind:
1. I don't ever open with cards..
2. A lot of my routines involve other "normal" objects: napkins, borrowed bills & coins, rubberbands, watches. A little mentalism as well.

Think about this: If you convince your audience of your skill with normal objects, borrowed, and can display amazing dexterity with a deck of cards, do you really think the audience is going to think 'wow it was all cool, until he pulled out those trick cards...'?

Can't argue with you there. That is spot on advice....

-Steve

 

[Somnilocus]

Think about it; do you need these cards for any reason? Do they add to the effect? A spooky effect performed with a regular deck of cards is the same as one performed with a $100 deck of those Jerry's Nuggets or the Guardian Cards that are produced here.

I hope you live in a cardboard box and live off insects then. =P

The real problem is that people buy them thinking they're needed if they want to be "good magicians." I have a couple of most E decks, couple Guardians, Wynns, limited Bikes, and a few collectables - I never use them except on "special occassions." They're stupidly expensive and although they might last a little longer, big deal... if you're actually OUT performing for people, you want cards that you won't mind letting other hold, examine, sign, etc... cards that you don't care if they get dropped, get something spilled on them, blah blah blah.

I don't think they cause "more suspicion" though. Most people just think they look cool. =P But that goes back to wanting a deck you don't mind other's examining, which is why I don't generally use my "special" decks.. you want to touch my beautiful decks? Over my dead body. >:0

So, yeah, if you can afford it, then go for it, because it's nice having something different than most, something that reminds people of you, and, truth be told, most do last longer than a regular deck of Bikes. And they stand out. But for most people, they're not very practical...

 

[Steerpike]

Actually, it doesn't add anything. Again, plain is better when it comes to magic; it's the reason why stage magicians use doves...because they are plain white birds being manipulated by someone in a black suit. That means a spectator can clearly see the doves, adding an element of impossibility to the performance. If the magician was using an African-bred genetically modified bird wearing a more classy, but green suit, the audience wouldn't be concentrating on the magic because of the violation of "less is more."

I was under the impression that a large reason for using doves was because they didn't put up a fight like other species of birds would. As cool as producing a peregrine falcon would be, you'd end up in the emergency room just trying to get the bird into position for the production. And it ain't like a scarlet macaw is going to be much more enthusiastic.

Although, I must admit the visual image of a magician dressed as a pirate and producing a parrot does bring a grin to my face.

That said, custom cards don't have an inherent ability to change the tone of the performance. That relies entirely on the performer. I use Ghost decks with regularity. Would you like to hear the scripting I use to introduce them?

It seems like a great thing at first, but looking deeper into magic theory, you can see why these custom "cool" decks are not only a waste of money, but a prop that could take away from your next performance.

Since we're quoting big names, Kenton Knepper would disagree with this assertion.

If you are the magician, you can perform without using such custom cards. If it is CLEAR that you are the magician, using regular cards is to your advantage. Period.

You're looking at it too close to see.

Every single one of these implies that simply by holding one of these cards you'll be the next Chris, Mathieu, BJ, Tom, Wayne, Lee, Aaron, Danny, Daniel, D&D Buck - whoever. Yeah you have to market cards but don't take advantage of people.

It's ironic that in the age of mass marketing and communication, we're less media savvy than ever.

Trouble is, it's all about the moolah these days And advertising like I've just described is just bad business.

We don't need companies to deliver us from somebody else's temptation.

As I once said before, look at the Bowflex commercials. They imply you're going to end up looking like Beefcake McLargeHuge flexing all over the screen there. But I know that won't happen because I'm not genetically designed that way. And in this knowledge, I also realize that I don't need to start a protest against Bowflex for trying to trick me into thinking with their evil Hype-no Rays (TM) that I too can look like Conan the Personal Trainer.

 

[Brad Henderson]

Thinking it is sufficient to give someone the deck to examine after they have come to the belief that they are trick cards is flawed thinking. If they see what you do, and they are thinking "trick cards" while you are doing it, then that moment is ruined. Asking them to go back and re-evaluate what happened after the fact is a Pyrrhic victory at best. You only have once chance to make the moment. The moment is real and it happens "then." If you are doing/saying/using things that detract from that moment, you have made a poor choice. You can try to pick up the pieces after, but in my mind, it's too little too late.

Brad Henderson

 

[Brad Henderson]

Since we're quoting big names, Kenton Knepper would disagree with this assertion.

and a LOT of very smart people regularly disagree with Kenton Knepper.

 

[Steerpike]

and a LOT of very smart people regularly disagree with Kenton Knepper.

Merely pointing out that if you want to name drop as an argument, I can do the same thing. It's rather pointless.

 

[Brad Henderson]

Some names drop better than other

 

[Deleted member 2755]

Yay! I thought this was going to turn into a "Wow... your are stupid." argument. Well since it didn't I think I'll put in a bit more words.

An explanation to a spectator is an explanation. If they want to believe you have a fake deck of cards, then you have a fake deck of cards. It doesn't matter if they look at your deck, if they want to believe it, they will. Anything is an explanation. (For those of you that have seen Control.... Garcia does his levitation by stepping on rods that have been sprayed with Invisible Spray Paint!)

You may get these responses with both either a normal deck or a custom deck. Luckily.... I have rarely been called out on a custom deck, and have never been called out on a normal deck. However, it can happen. Custom cards are GREAT for flourishing.

Also, I will disagree with Essaywriter's opinion on the feel. These cards feel completely different. However, for those few people who want to expand their magic outside of just buying every DVD that comes out, I feel it is important to be best with Bikes that you can get a bit over a dollar rather than an 8 dollar deck. (Yes... I know if you buy in bulk you get discounts, but not that much) Also, between 12 and 15 bucks for a 12 bikes and 3 guardians for 15 bucks... well the time which guardians last does not match the price you'll pay on bikes. Anyone who ever hopes to be doing magic in 3 years.... well after that kind of experience I feel people should be best at what is most available to them.

Chances are Tom probably gets huge discounts on Guardians. (If you don't, then sorry. This was just an assumption from me.) For someone like us though... you can't justify spending 5 or 8 bucks for a deck when you can simply get 12 between 12 and 15 bucks. Think about it... For one Guardian deck you can get 4 or 5 Bikes. Does that make sense to you? I doubt one Guardian deck will last as long as 4 or 5 Bikes will.

Also, for those of you who are curious and would like to read Ian Swiss's essay, you can do so here. He brings up many good points.

-Doug

 

[Steerpike]

Also, for those of you who are curious and would like to read Ian Swiss's essay, you can do so here. He brings up many good points.

If you can dig those points out of all the bogus strawman arguments, gross misrepresentations of facts, and thinly veiled attacks.

Back on the topic, I once again extend my offer. I have a scripting for my Ghost deck that has neutralized all suspicion so far. If you would like to hear it, I'll present it here and my reasoning behind it.

 

[RichmanMatthew]

I just use normal Bikes and Tally's. Once I borrowed my friends Black Tiger Deck and it immediately aroused suspicion. However, I just pointed out that they were manufactured by the U.S. Playing Card Company and it was completely fine. I do not think that custom decks are worth it. The only reason I would buy any decks other than the standard ones (Bikes Bee's Tally's) would be to save and collect. A final thought is that I think it isn't worth it financially to buy custom decks. However, Tally's are worth it even if it is a dollar more. They last a lot longer than Bikes.

 

[Sean_Raf]

Also, for those of you who are curious and would like to read Ian Swiss's essay, you can do so here. He brings up many good points.

-Doug

Man, I remember reading that article about a year ago. It annoyed me then, came across as something rather arrogant and obnoxious; as Steerpike lightly put it "bogus strawman arguments, gross misrepresentations of facts, and thinly veiled attacks.".

If there's one thing I don't like, it's when people seem to put on the MAM (Magic Authority Mask) - You should do this, This is wrong, That's stupid, That's impractical, That method sucks, This method is better, Magic is this, Magic is that.

All of this aside from the fact that he encourages you to go look at Youtube so you can see the exposure. Following this expidenture you'll probably end up agreeing with him taking the examples he gives as the law.

When will people learn to make up their own minds

- Sean