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I enjoyed and got a lot of out of the O'Brien "How to Camouflage Your Sleights" video. Thanks for sharing...

I wholeheartedly agree. It is ironic, but saying things like, "We'll lose this card in the deck" or "We'll bury your card in the middle," can actually produce the opposite of the desired effect on the spectator. While those kinds of statements are intended to build conviction, instead, they...

@Lord Magic: No mistrust, no worries. It's all good. @Hgagnon: That was good of you to stand up for him.

@Lord Magic: "You have Dynamo's book?" I think the real question is why are you cross-examining me after I took the time to try and help you in response to your post, which explicitly asks for "help?" Is that your only response? No, I do not have Dynamo's book, as I am not a beginner. The...

In my opinion, this is a no-brainer, not even close: Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic - hands down! The Dynamo Book of Secrets, while very inexpensive (under $10) is a book containing 36 tricks and is for beginners (You, Lord Magic, are intermediate level). The Mark Wilson Complete...

Haves: Monarchs, Tycoons Ivory, Tycoons Black, Citizens, Medallions, Love Me, Artisans, White Artisans, Animal Kingdom, Aristocrats, Tally Ho Fan Backs, Bicycle Standard. (Most I purchased, some I received as generous gifts) Have Nots: All others listed on the site, the great majority of which...

PS I just wanted to add that being an effective communicator includes being a good listener so as to understand the needs of the client and in the performing situation, listening to the audience, interacting with them, involving them and making them feel special and like they really matter.

I think it can depend on how you define the term professional. To me, getting compensated for performing (or creating, writing about, lecturing or consulting on) magic is just the very starting point. There are other traits that people who hire you consider important and in which a professional...

I find that there is a common denominator between performing for magicians and for laymen. That is, clean, smooth handling and execution and an engaging script, whether it be humorous, inspiring or just a good story to go with the routine. Even if the trick/routine is one to which the magician...

(1) Matrix (with Matching Jumbo Coin Production kicker, followed by a one - coin routine with the jumbo coin, angles permitting) (2) Impromptu Coins Across, with borrowed quarters and a ring (Also a non-impromptu version where 4 coins magically travel from magician's hand to spectator's hand -...

@magicgeek: Your humility will serve you well and I have no doubt that you will do better and continue to grow as an artist and performer. I am happy you realize that the members here are sincere in wanting to help one another, and that is a blessing of this Forum and a very significant factor...

@themagicgeek: "The audience feels like all the top 3 cards are going into different positions of the deck." Perhaps so, but the more important issue is whether the audience feels like those top 3 cards are the aces. Why deal the 4 aces from the deck to the table, thus displaying them, only...

Agreed. Would respectfully suggest (1) not so much shuffling and cutting (far more than is necessary), as it unduly drags out the performance; (2) finding another way to lose cards other than the slip cuts, which are obvious and don't look natural (perhaps double undercuts instead); (3) create...

A fascinating study! I was not "surprised" to read that the thing spectators like most about magic is the element of surprise. This is something I have strived for in my own routines. Just when they think they may be catching on to what is happening with the little red ball and the cup, bam...

Sounds good. I highly recommend Bobo's Modern Coin Magic. It is available in paperback for under $10 and contains a wealth of material, including clever methods for switching coins and various copper/silver effects. Good luck!

With all the books/information available out there in the realm of cards, the temptation is to be like the proverbial kid in the candy store. More is not necessarily better, and oftentimes less is more. Many magicians I have known (and this includes myself) have focused on learning moves and...

If I understand your question (and I believe I do), the answer is yes. Two, and even more.

About 15 years ago, I purchased the "Silver Copper Brass Transposition" coin set from Johnson Products. It is very well made and durable, and has consistently been my favorite coin routine for strolling magic. Unlike Matrix, no table or close up pad is needed for the routine. It gets wonderful...

@Karlabos: You may have already seen this, but if not, it may be quite helpful for you in deciding, since it contains reviews of the Super Sharpie by 85 different people, with a 4 out of 5 star average. http://www.penguinmagic.com/p/853 I do not personally own this product, but I am...

Generally speaking, Maaz is correct. However, there are exceptions to the rule that only the design differs from one kind of bicycle deck to another. One such exception is the Richard Turner "Gold Standard" 808 Bicycle Rider Back decks. They are designed and manufactured to Richard's exacting...