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So the reviews (and there are many) on Penguin Magic for Thinking Paradoxes Clear Choice are almost universally 5 Stars. But Reality One makes a convincing case for Amaze Box, which does sound amazing (or perhaps it just makes it's own case). I am not familiar with either item, so I would be...

As far as anything being too strong as an opener, my mentor in magic told me a long time ago, strive to make every trick or routine a closer. That way, you never have to worry about the next trick/routine being a let down, or the next one... IMO, Better to do fewer tricks/routines than have a...

@ChristopherT: "All I personally care about is making sure the audience leaves the performance feeling like they had a magical experience." I couldn't possibly agree more.

@anikrahman wrote: "Thanks for the advice. Ill try to find my own story to use during these effects. Ill be sure to practice like this too. Do you think I should include some comedy into my act as well?" You are most welcome. I am glad you are open-minded enough to take this advice. I promise...

If you are going to use those particular effects (and actually, I guess this goes for anything you present at the Magic Castle, or anywhere else) I would recommend trying to come up with something very entertaining, some creative story that you make up that is fun or fascinating and intriguing...

Yeah, it's an odd thing that most magicians I've met, or encountered online, do not play card games. Christopher, you and myself being 3 immediate examples. But many do perform gambling routines and demonstrations. When well-performed, these are generally quite well received because most...

Well, times DO change, and I can see it where it might be more prevalent in big cities, and especially since the exposure to, and popularity of, magic and cardistry has skyrocketed in recent times, due in large measure to P& T Fool Us, America's Got Talent etc., and yes, for better or worse...

It's been a hella long time since I was in high school. Gotta say, though, I really enjoyed it - in fact, the 15 happiest years of my life! As far as anyone having any cards in their possession, it was mainly just twice a year when people had their Report Cards (and a bottle of Whiteout).

Yeah if I could do a one-handed top change even Marlo would be envious. Sounds like that RCT has some great stuff in it. I have been coasting on just 2 palms for a very long time: the one-handed top palm and the other (I have no idea where I got it) just thumb the top card upward about 1/4 to...

This is a bit off topic, but IMO the top change is one of the most ingenious and useful moves in card magic. i think one reason this is so is that both hands are not on the deck when the move is made. In fact the other hand is not even really close to the deck. There is something about both...

IMO, if it entertains the audience, then it is its own justification, and I don't feel it matters that it doesn't relate hugely to the performance/effect - as long as there is an overall cohesiveness to the routine.

@Deadlyapples:"Do you guys recommend any video tutorials as I find I learn best visually and then just major practise." Yes, Michael Ammar, "Easy to Master Card Miracles," especially any or all of the first 3 volumes. It's wonderful. But you'll have to purchase the DVDs. One recommendation...

Justiquill, that must be quite gratifying to see that improvement, and to get that positive feedback from friends who have watched your progress. Yes, there really is no substitute for hard work, devotion, consistency, and perseverance. Sounds like a bunch of cliches, but I have found it to be...

So, to springboard off Maaz's suggestion that we get back on the magic track as it relates to this thread. I am going to offer two suggestions for avoiding, or at least minimizing negative feedback from spectators: (1) Practice any trick you are going to perform for people until you can...

Great responses. Personally, I record myself doing my routines with my iPhone. That serves as a record and reminder, and has the added benefit of helping me improve because I can watch and analyze the strong and weak points.

It could be a symptom of Magicianitis - the tendency many of us have to learn soooooo many tricks - especially card tricks. Then the brain sometimes get jumbled because of all those tricks and methods crammed in there. The cure? Spending a few weeks doing nothing but just a few of our...

@Maaz "...but then made it our goal to make sure he doesn't feel excluded out of anything, and inclusion is something I actually see happening a lot in the modern School system." That's good. It's called caring and compassion, and we need more of it in the Human Race. Isn't it odd that so...

No worries, LOL! I know you don't make many typos in your sleight of hand, and that's what counts!

Maaz, thanks for your supportive commentary, and I too was guilty of what you mentioned early on in my career. In fact, it took me a long time to catch on to how crucial the aspects of presentation and being entertaining were, and to start tailoring my magic accordingly. (BTW, you have also...

The ambitious card was on your list. That is, or can be, a routine in itself. There is no limit to the number of things you can do with that one card; It can, of course jump to the top several times, it can be changed into another card, or another card can be changed into it (by means of top...