Hello everyone! I have a few questions.

[xPrestige]

Hey Everyone here at theory11.

I've recently discovered that my interest with magic has been growing and growing. Mainly because I've been watching a lot of performances by the Taiwanese magician Lu Chen.

Here is my questions to you guys, I want to to start learning magic. What is the best books/tricks I should begin with? Since I'm a beginner and all. I would also like to add that I purchased three trick to start with.
1) The Invisible Deck by Justin Kredilbe
2) The Hole Thing by Chris Mayhew
3) TWITCH by Eric Simmatis.

My question is, does anyone know the name of this trick performed by Lu Chen?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bv5VjbT9GdI

 

[RealityOne]

My question is, does anyone know the name of this trick performed by Lu Chen?

With a little research, I've come up with this: This dice effect was originated by Lubor Fiedler in the 1960s as the Lubor Wurful (translated as Lubor Die). That effect was sold by Tannens as Shock Die (apparently without proper crediting). Lubor's effect subsequently was marketed by Howard Schwartzman (versions of this go for around $200 at auction). The idea of using the mirror is credited to John Kennedy (who sold the effect under the name Mirror Dice) and Hugo Wei (who sold it under the name of Illusory Reflex). Bob Farmer has also claimed credit for originating the use of the mirror with Mel Stover. More recently (2009), what appears to be a knock off, was sold by H.T. Magic as Dice Illusion and Dice Illusion 2. The H.T Magic version does not appear to be in stock at any reputable magic sellers (although one website known for selling cheap, low quality knock-offs appears to be selling it).

My advice would be to skip this effect. First, because an authorized version isn't readily available. We need to respect and support those people like Lubor Fiedler who create magic. Second, although this effect requires minimal sleight of hand, it is angle sensitive and requires a good amount of audience management skills which will make it difficult for a beginner.

I've recently discovered that my interest with magic has been growing and growing. Mainly because I've been watching a lot of performances by the Taiwanese magician Lu Chen.

Here is my questions to you guys, I want to to start learning magic. What is the best books/tricks I should begin with? Since I'm a beginner and all.

Start slow. Get Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic. Work through that book before buying anything else.

Also, watch performances of a variety of magicians. David Copperfield, Penn and Teller, Luis de Matos, Lance Burton, Eugene Burger, Jeff McBride, etc. Also, do a google search for Magic Legends by Lee Asher... He has found some great videos of classic performers. This will help you find your own style rather than mimicking the stylemof a single magician.

 

[toolnard]

I'll also throw in The Royal Road to Card Magic by Hugard and Braue. That's a great first book with regards to card magic.

 

[William Draven]

While mark wilsons course is WONDERFUL for a beginner, I'll also add in that you couldn't go wrong with Tarbell's course in magic, or Card College if you're only focusing on card tricks.

As for beginning tricks, I highly recommend the Linking Rings, Cups and Balls, or Three Shell Game. All three of them teach fundamental elements of sleight of hand that have become the foundations for our work.

I'll second watching a lot of magicians perform, both good and bad. This is one thing youtube does well. It'll help you learn the movements, and patter.

 

[danielmontagne]

Hey Everyone here at theory11.

I've recently discovered that my interest with magic has been growing and growing. Mainly because I've been watching a lot of performances by the Taiwanese magician Lu Chen.

Here is my questions to you guys, I want to to start learning magic. What is the best books/tricks I should begin with? Since I'm a beginner and all. I would also like to add that I purchased three trick to start with.
1) The Invisible Deck by Justin Kredilbe
2) The Hole Thing by Chris Mayhew
3) TWITCH by Eric Simmatis.

My question is, does anyone know the name of this trick performed by Lu Chen?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bv5VjbT9GdI

books are good but for a beginner the dvds are better , i think

 

[onimushalord89]

books are good but for a beginner the dvds are better , i think

I disagree. Books are convenient, as it is easier to open a book than load a DVD, and books also have some of the best material in them. I urge you to find a DVD series that can compare to Card College.

That being said, I think Draven is right. If you want to stick to card magic, Card Collage is the best resource on card magic I have ever come across.