Some question about performing card magic

Gan

Jul 10, 2010
3
0
Hi, I've just started card magic about 2 months ago. I've learned some basics from Brad Christian Crash Course and Ninja 1. Although I wouldn't say that I've learned all the technique perfectly but I think it is presentable. However, some of my friend always demand to check whether I make any mark or break at the deck. What should I do in these situation? When I ask them to put the chosen card in the middle they would say that they want to slip it into the deck themselves.
 
Jul 14, 2008
936
0
Hi, first of all, welcome to Theory11!

I can relate to your situation as well when I first started magic too. I think friends are not a great way to "test" on them on your materials, and therefore, it would not improve at all. Try practising on your family first and see if everything works out.

Second of all, as you grow up as a performer, there is one thing that you need to focus on: audience management. Your "friends" are not being a good audience and they all want to see you mess up.

Creating a character is a HUGE factor. Do you want your character to be funny? Serious? Easy-going guy? However, I suggest you to be yourself. The tone of voice is VERY IMPORTANT when it comes to performing.

For example, every time I perform for people at school, my tone of voice is serious and therefore, they take me seriously as well. Maybe that's why your friends don't take you seriously. David Blaine is a perfect example because he took control of the audience by his tone of voice and the spectators do not question him at all.

If you have any questions, feel free to send a private message to me and I am happy to help you out.
 

Gan

Jul 10, 2010
3
0
Hi SKSleighofHand. Thnx for the warm welcome and helpful reply. I guess I'm too easy-going and that's why they do not take me seriously. Besides that, I'm really nervous when performing. I can felt my hand shaking even when Im shuffling my deck LOL. Recently I've spent less time practicing. Ever since I started Trilogy about 2 weeks ago I've tried to learn the Tivo Transpo and put aside any previous technique that I've learned. However, I'm still stucked at the Superflip change. Guess I'm too ambitious. I should have mastered all the basic first. If you do not mind, can you tell me how much time should I spend practicing?
 
Jul 14, 2008
936
0
Hi SKSleighofHand. Thnx for the warm welcome and helpful reply. I guess I'm too easy-going and that's why they do not take me seriously. Besides that, I'm really nervous when performing. I can felt my hand shaking even when Im shuffling my deck LOL. Recently I've spent less time practicing. Ever since I started Trilogy about 2 weeks ago I've tried to learn the Tivo Transpo and put aside any previous technique that I've learned. However, I'm still stucked at the Superflip change. Guess I'm too ambitious. I should have mastered all the basic first. If you do not mind, can you tell me how much time should I spend practicing?

Hi Gan,

Since that you are new to card magic (I assume that this is the branch you are focusing on), theory11 members will agreed with me as well, and I think you should check out Royal Road to Card Magic. It covers all the basics. OR you could buy Card College Volume 1-5. I heard amazing reviews from that book and there is a lot easy information for a begineer and definitely easy to follow.

Practise

In terms of practising, I try to practise everyday and it is always in steps. The first step is to practise the sleights. If you can master the sleights, I guarantee you that you will master the trick or the card effect that you are trying to achieve. However, be aware that you may not get for the first time and that's what magicians go through this process. It takes time, but at the end, it will be extremely rewarding. If you have time, please check out these threads. You will find these tips extremely helpful to your magic journey.

MagicHat How to Practise

Theory11 May 2008: Practise

Both links will give you helpful tips. I hope this is helpful.
 
Feb 16, 2009
217
0
South Bend, IN
Hi, I've just started card magic about 2 months ago. I've learned some basics from Brad Christian Crash Course and Ninja 1. Although I wouldn't say that I've learned all the technique perfectly but I think it is presentable. However, some of my friend always demand to check whether I make any mark or break at the deck. What should I do in these situation? When I ask them to put the chosen card in the middle they would say that they want to slip it into the deck themselves.

Gan,

If you have been practicing card magic for only two months, you are still very inexperienced. Your technique is probably not good enough to get past a keen spectator. As SK said, practice a lot. You should practice both individual sleights and tricks thoroughly until your chances of messing up are very small.

I would also suggest buying Royal Road to card magic and doing some of the tricks within it. The book covers a lot of fundamental techniques that are essential to card magic.

Finally, avoid performing for friends unless you are really confident in your technique. If your friends are asking to see your cards/shuffle them/check if you are holding a break, it is obvious that they are very suspicious of what you are doing and they won't hesitate to bust you. Your only solution might be to use tricks that don't involve a selection by the spectator and where the deck is examinable before and after.
 

Gan

Jul 10, 2010
3
0
Hi Gan,

Since that you are new to card magic (I assume that this is the branch you are focusing on), theory11 members will agreed with me as well, and I think you should check out Royal Road to Card Magic. It covers all the basics. OR you could buy Card College Volume 1-5. I heard amazing reviews from that book and there is a lot easy information for a begineer and definitely easy to follow.

Practise

In terms of practising, I try to practise everyday and it is always in steps. The first step is to practise the sleights. If you can master the sleights, I guarantee you that you will master the trick or the card effect that you are trying to achieve. However, be aware that you may not get for the first time and that's what magicians go through this process. It takes time, but at the end, it will be extremely rewarding. If you have time, please check out these threads. You will find these tips extremely helpful to your magic journey.

MagicHat How to Practise

Theory11 May 2008: Practise

Both links will give you helpful tips. I hope this is helpful.

Thnx. The link definitely helps a lot. Maybe I will get the Royal Road To Card Magic online.

Gan,

If you have been practicing card magic for only two months, you are still very inexperienced. Your technique is probably not good enough to get past a keen spectator. As SK said, practice a lot. You should practice both individual sleights and tricks thoroughly until your chances of messing up are very small.

I would also suggest buying Royal Road to card magic and doing some of the tricks within it. The book covers a lot of fundamental techniques that are essential to card magic.

Finally, avoid performing for friends unless you are really confident in your technique. If your friends are asking to see your cards/shuffle them/check if you are holding a break, it is obvious that they are very suspicious of what you are doing and they won't hesitate to bust you. Your only solution might be to use tricks that don't involve a selection by the spectator and where the deck is examinable before and after.

Thnx for replying. I will practise and strengthen my basic sleight of hand.
 
Sep 1, 2007
340
1
Ontario, Canada
Welcome to Theory 11!

Yeah if your only 2 months in The Trilogy is probably not the best way to go. Start with the basics. Easy, hard hitting magic. And work on the slight of hand until your at the level to do the advanced slights in the Trilogy. A good resource for learning some moves are the 1 on 1s here at Theory 11. Not trying to plug the company but they are very informative and will help you learn the right way by professionals.
 
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