New to magic help please

[Andrewaoun2000]

Hi, I'm 15 and I'm new to card magic and cardistry I can do just few steps and shuffles like in the hands riffle...
First of all is it late to start at this age? And what do you advice me to start training for? And how much do you have to practice as a beginner till you can perform in front of people? Thanks

 

[mclintock]

First off, I don't think that 15 is too late I started at 14. Second off if you want to know what sources to learn from, here: https://store.theory11.com/products/what-to-read-jason-england

 

[Tower of Lunatic Meat]

I stated magic and cardistry when I was 30. You're going to be okay.

As far as when you can perform. It's all up to you and how much practice you put into what you're doing.

My recommendation is the same as Mclintock. Watch the video and get BOOKS. Not PDFs if you can help it because actual books don't crash--except by water or house fire (because actual books don't crash when you download Limewire). Actual books.

 

[Martin Eret]

I started just before I turned 16, and there are some very famous magicians out there who started around that age too, so don't worry. Besides, what ultimately determines your success is not when you started - it's how much work you put into it. Tortoise and the hare
I agree with everyone else, as you're just starting off, get books. When you visit magic stores, online or in your city, you'll be enticed by single tricks that are popular and well reviewed, but that money is much better spent getting a good foundation first. Every area of magic has a couple of "bibles", books that have been widely accepted as the best way to get start off in that type of magic - you can find those after only a bit of research, and they're definitely a good choice.

If your library doesn't have any magic books, I recommend searching online libraries. I discovered them recently and they've been my secret weapon.

As for how much practice you need before you can perform in front of people, that's completely up to you. Just make sure to only perform tricks you're comfortable with, and don't need to focus on remembering the procedure - that way you can put most of your attention on the presentation.

 

[Tower of Lunatic Meat]

If you're dead set on card magic, I'd start with Royal Road to Card Magic. The way the book is set up is that it acts as a 'mentor'. It's a bit of a dry read, but if you follow it to a 'T', it'll keep you occupied for a while.

If you're up for variety; Mark Wilsons: Complete Course in Magic.

I also have Scarne on Card Tricks. That's also another good one.

 

[Gabriel Z.]

I started my journey into card magic about three years ago when I joined Theory11.com. If I could go back in time I would have done things a little differently , I would not learn any unnecessary (at least for me) floursihses such as the Sybil Cut, and I would dive straight into The Royal Road. Since then I have made much progress, learning effect, playing around with the cards has been quite therapeutic for me. Like Brett said start with The Royal Road to Card Magic once you have mastered everything in that definitive work, then and only then should you go onto more advanced books like Expert Card Technique, or Expert at the Card Table . As mentioned in the Royal Road to Card Magic , it is ill advised to rush through the book, instead take your time and enjoy the lushly green path that has been paved out by Hugard and Braue. Ultimately the more time you invest in Card Magic the more you will be rewarded as with anything in life. Here is a picture of my current book shelf to date..............Probably not the biggest collection of books here but it will give you an idea of what a semi-serious student of the art should read and see(those are DVDs on the third left most shelf)

 

[RealityOne]

Probably not the biggest collection of books here but it will give you an idea of what a semi-serious student of the art should read and see(those are DVDs on the third left most shelf)View attachment 2836

Nice collection. I just picked up a copy of Greater Magic and have to spend some time with it. Jennings '67 is amazing -- I love the invisible palm routines. Stars of Magic is just beautiful -- it really feels like you are holding a piece of history and the routines are amazing. I can only imagine what it would have been like to get those in the mail one at a time.

 

[Timewise64]

I just started back into magic at 65 years old. I began when I was around 10 and stopped when I started high school. So you are never to young or to old! Based on recommendation by members on this forum I went onto Amazon.com and found a used copy of Mark Wilson's, Complete Course in Magic. I paid $7.95 plus some shipping.

This book is amazing as it covers the complete spectrum of magic and how to perform it. It shows how to make your own tricks and tips on performances. If you can afford it or talk Mom and Dad into giving it as a birthday gift....you will love it. As noted above, you may find it at the library...

Good Luck