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Agree with RealityOne. IMO, the first step to mastery of sleight of hand (of any art form, really) is mastery of the basics, the fundamentals. So, there is the technical skill, which is absolutely essential, but LM's post mentioned either the word, "beautiful" or "beauty" four times. In other...

Yeah, have a MAGICAL New Year everyone!

Maybe a necktie, especially a thin one. I have a couple with playing cards on them, or a plain white one with a black shirt could be v stylish.

This was a fascinating article/study and videotaped interview. I believe it will be useful for any magician to check it out. As with Tyler, the study confirmed several theories and suspicions I have had for quite some time. Mentalism, and particularly mind reading effects, where the spectator...

I learned a lot from Michael Ammar's "Easy to Master Card Miracles" DVDs. Michael is very clear, detailed, well-spoken, engaging, classy and comes across as a very likable guy. He has a way of infusing excitement and enthusiasm into the material he teaches. And yes, definitely honorable...

"Throw Change" (also known as "Toss Change"), which i recently discussed on another thread started by sendmindsacrosseons, entitled, "Can I flip the card over?" They see the face of a card right up to the moment of what should be the undetectable switch...

I think practice can be both fun and disciplined! Dai Vernon, the Professor, said, "If you don't like to practice, you should get another hobby." Personally, I believe what I practice and how I practice are both more important than how much or how long I practice. Now if someone wants to devote...

I believe the best way to achieve mastery in any branch of magic is one trick or routine at a time. It is is often so tempting to skip around and get attracted to something new without having mastered the effect(s) we were working on. The result: A repertoire of mediocre tricks. Better to do...

The stuffed animal idea just tickled my funny bone! Somehow I'm not surprised it was something suggested by Williamson. BTW, I think it's an indication that you're doing something wrong if the stuffed animals heckle you. Happy New Years everyone!

Nice research, Maaz. I first became aware of Dr. Daly and Dr. Daly's Last Trick when I bought Stars of Magic, years ago. Of course, it would be difficult to have any involvement with magic, especially card magic, and be unaware of "Dr. Daly's Last Trick." It is in the repertoire of countless...

When we do a D. turnover to show the so-called top card (really the second card) face-up (e.g Queen of Hearts) then flip it back onto the deck face down, then thumb off the supposed Queen of Hearts, and for example place the card in their hands, it is an inherently suspicious procedure. This is...

Well yes, of course it is always different strokes for different blokes. But for what it's worth, in doing the Equivoque procedure I described, I have neither been "caught" nor "questioned" about it in about 40 years of professional performing.

You are welcome, Robert. Much success and enjoyment with it.

Article 52 sounds like a very good book. I'll have to add it to my wish list. From what I know and have seen of Paul Gordon, he is a very clever magician and creative magical thinker. This may not be for everyone, but the following is my own handling and script for how to do an Equivoque...

I want to be careful here, and not break any of the Forum Rules regarding exposure. I have a method and an accompanying script, with my own wording, which I would be happy to share on how to successfully accomplish an Equivoque where there are 5 piles of cards (or any 5 objects for that...

I have at least 60 custom decks, including a bunch of wonderful decks I acquired from Theory 11. I went through a period of "obsession," unable to stop myself from buying custom decks. There is no "Decks Anonymous." Finally, I was able to bring my habit somewhat under control. Well...

Yes, in my opinion it is a good idea. I never give out my business card without doing something magical with it first: Examples could be: (1) Do a nice clean Tenkai vanish with it and then magically produce it seemingly from thin air, or from behind your knee, or from behind spectator's elbow...

Izaak, You are not alone. A good presentation for a routine can often be as difficult to come up with as mastering the moves and sleights. It looks like you are aware of how important it is. Start by trying to come up with a story to go with the trick you are presenting. It is a very simple...

Very good idea. I'll add my five cents of agreement. That's now a total of 10 cents. Very good idea. In my view, it's ALL about the audience.

The weak angle for the Tenkai palm (assuming you are doing the palm in your right hand) is to your left. It is (or at least should be) shielded from spectators on your right by back of the hand palming the card. Also, it will flash to people standing behind you unless your hand is in such a...