What do you prefer to use? Do you prefer using gimmicks or pure sleight of hand? Or a combination of both? And why do you prefer one over the other if you do?
It's not an either-or situation.
It's like asking "what's better - a hammer or a wrench?" It depends if you're dealing with a nail or a bolt.
Use the best tool for the job. I know about a dozen coins across routines, but the best one uses a shell. Why wouldn't I perform the best trick I can? A combination of the two is the best.
As for being "put on the spot", I'm not a trained monkey. I decide when, where and what I perform.
It's like asking "what's better - a hammer or a wrench?"
I have only one input in this thread. Ask yourself this, "Why would I want to limit myself?"
In what sense? Do you feel using gimmicks limits yourself or just using sleights limits yourself? For me personally, gimmicks in my card magic limit myself, but I imagine it differs for everyone.
In what sense? Do you feel using gimmicks limits yourself or just using sleights limits yourself? For me personally, gimmicks in my card magic limit myself, but I imagine it differs for everyone.
Gimmicks are good for those strong "that's impossible" type tricks
I could be wrong, but I believe that this is what Zach is talking about. By assigning a different status to all tricks with gimmicks, you are not allowing yourself room to fully explore the possibilities of sleight of hand, and instead using gimmicks as a crutch. (Though there ARE, admittedly, some tricks that are literally impossible without a gimmick, as pointed out above)